The Impact of IRC in Denver's Interns

At the IRC in Denver, interns engage in a variety of roles, from community engagement and communications to legal services and health programs. They gain hands-on experience, develop critical skills, and contribute to the organization's mission of helping displaced individuals rebuild their lives. The IRC in Denver's interns work closely with clients from diverse ethnic backgrounds, learning about their unique stories and challenges. This cultural exchange fosters empathy, understanding, and a commitment to humanitarian work. It’s a chance to bridge gaps and build connections that transcend borders. Interns at the IRC in Denver don’t just fetch coffee; they actively participate in meaningful projects. Whether it’s managing volunteers, assisting with legal cases, or supporting health programs, they gain practical skills that prepare them for future careers. Plus, proficiency in languages like Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Farsi, Dari, Nepali, or Swahili is highly desirable—a valuable asset in our globalized world.

With summer swiftly approaching, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Denver bids farewell to their outstanding and dedicated cohort of winter/srping interns, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the organization, programs, and the clients served. The IRC in Denver's employees extend the most heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of them. Let's introduce two of these amazing individuals more personally and give them room to reminisce about their time at the IRC in Denver. 

Amena Rezai - Volunteer Program Intern 

Amena is a Volunteer Program intern. She came to the US in 2022 from Afghanistan where she studied Business Administration.  

"I really enjoy the working environment at the IRC in Denver. It is similar to the office culture where I worked in Kabul with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office. The aim of both offices is to help and empower people.  The staff here is very diverse and comes from many different places - Afghanistan, Syria, the Congo, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and all over the United States,"

says Amena about her current internship position where she assists the IRC's volunteer and intern coordinator Jennifer Perry with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and management. She explains:

"I am learning about the refugee resettlement process, how to navigate databases, how to acclimate to US culture and customs in professional and personal situations, including professional communications. I am also learning about the importance of volunteering in the US.  People of all ages and skills are willing to give their time and energy to help people. The interns who come to us are engaged in a variety of both direct service and administrative tasks."  

Amena has bonded with other interns over their many experiences supporting clients and program staff.

"While some interns are developing client job search strategies, others are teaching clients how to present themselves in interviews, and yet again others are working with caseworkers assisting newcomers prior to their arrival, coordinating airport pick-ups, familiarizing them with their new neighborhoods, and getting them settled in their new homes. My supervisor Jennifer Perry, who is my mentor, invites and encourages me to attend networking and recruitment events, expanding my own professional network besides learning important administrative skills."

Amena concludes:

"I am so glad and thankful that I work as an intern with the IRC in Denver, and I have a wonderful and supportive supervisor who guides me, a new refugee, in everything I do."

Victoria Torres - Development & Communications Intern

Victoria Torres joined the IRC in Denver's Development Department as the Communications and Development Intern this spring. She will be continuing her internship through part of the summer to help onboard and manage the team of summer development interns. Through her role she has focused on digital communications and growing the IRC in Denver's social media accounts. She also contributed to the planning and development efforts of the recent Welcome Home 2024 fundraiser, leading the silent auction committee and supporting various aspects of the event planning. 

"The highlight of my time with the IRC in Denver has definitely been contributing to our Welcome Home Fundraiser. Getting to engage with so many clients and volunteers, and seeing how quickly our volunteer community came forward to help with fundraising efforts was truly incredible and speaks to the community we are building in Denver,"

says Victoria.

Welcoming the Summer Cohort

As the IRC in Denver bids farewell to their winter/spring interns, anticipation for the arrival of the summer cohort is mounting.

"I am overseeing four interns this summer and frankly would be lost without the support of these ambitious and bright individuals. The new intern cohort starts in the first week of June, and I am excited to witness them continue a legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication,"

says Hanna Simmons, Development Manager at the IRC in Denver. She concludes:

"Interning at the IRC in Denver benefits everyone, as our interns contribute directly to our programs, making a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable populations. From project management to client interaction, interns acquire valuable skills that enhance their professional growth. Further, working with diverse communities broadens horizons and fosters cross-cultural understanding. And our interns often connect with professionals in the field, building relationships that can shape their future careers."

Interning at the IRC in Denver is more than just a resume booster—it’s an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of refugees, asylees, and survivors of torture. The IRC in Denver thanks all fall/winter interns for their remarkable contributions, and to all incoming summer interns: Get ready for an inspiring journey! 

If you are interested in interning with the IRC in Denver, please contact Volunteer & Intern Coordinator Jennifer at [email protected].

Written by: Hanna Simmons