Meet the Interns (Part 1)
Every year, RAPS is fortunate to receive funding from the Government of Canada for internships to help us deliver projects and services.
This year, we have a crop of the most awesome young folks who are doing amazing things to help us help animals!
This week, meet the interns who are working with our administrative team. (Next newsletter, we’ll intro you to the team over at the Cat Sanctuary!)
HANNAH
(Featured above.)
What and where are you studying?
I am entering my third year at McGill University, pursuing a double concentration in Strategic Management and Marketing.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in North Vancouver. West Coast born and raised!
Why did you choose to work at RAPS?
I was inspired by RAPS’ mission and the wonderful team behind it. Growing up, I watched my Grandma rehabilitate animals of all kinds, eventually caring for a herd of deer – even protecting them from cougars with her own hands! I have since had a passion for helping animals and exploring the non-profit sector. RAPS provided the perfect environment to pursue these aspirations. I am thrilled to work for an important cause, helping animals (and their people) in the process!
What are you doing at RAPS this summer?
My main focuses so far have been in communications and marketing efforts, under the lovely Pat Johnson and Alison Brady. I have been working to build a white paper sharing the global expansion of the RAPS model, beginning to construct the 2024 annual report, and working to improve and organize volunteer databases. There is always something new to learn at RAPS and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this summer!
Do you have a pet?
I unfortunately don’t at the time, I used to have a huge golden retriever (and hopefully will have another one in the future).
Future plans?
My goal is to finish my degree, then travel and experience the world through volunteer efforts before settling into a role in marketing, ideally someplace where it rains a little less.
Any weird hobbies or secret powers?
I am currently learning how to code in my free time (challenging, but rewarding)! I also love thrifting, dancing and reading outside of spending time with family and friends.
HAREL
What and where are you studying?
I am a fourth-year International Relations at the University of British Columbia.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Richmond.
Why did you choose to work at RAPS?
I am excited about working for a non-profit with such a clear mission to help the community around them. As a long-time Richmond resident, I was excited to see firsthand how we could help the local community. In addition, I was also excited to learn more about the not-for-profit sector and expanding my knowledge of business development and fundraising.
What are you doing at RAPS this summer?
This summer got off to a busy start! I started off by working with our business development team to create new methods of fundraising through official partnerships. I will also be working on data collection and analysis throughout my time at RAPS, where I will be working with management to improve our client relations.
Do you have a pet?
Not at the moment just because school is so busy. However, I used to have a hedgehog named Hernando.
Future plans?
Hoping to finish my degree as soon as possible and hopefully get into not-for-profit work abroad, or work for the Canadian government in some sort of trade relations or commerce development.
Any weird hobbies or secret powers?
I am all over the place with my hobbies. For the last few months, it’s been a lot of martial arts training in the form of Ju jitsu and Mauy Thai. I am also an ex-professional for a Japanese skill toy called a kendama.
JEMMA
What and where are you studying?
I study at UBC Vancouver’s Sauder School of Business. My specialization is in marketing!
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Kelowna, spent my whole life there and then moved to Vancouver for university. My family immigrated to Canada from England before I was born, so I have had a large British influence throughout my whole life.
Why did you choose to work at RAPS?
From the moment I applied to RAPS, I felt connected to their mission and values. More importantly, I am a HUGE cat lover and wanted to go behind the scenes to see how everything worked. Plus, marketing for non-profits always interested me, and what better place to put my efforts than a registered charity to help my favourite furry friends?!
What are you doing at RAPS this summer?
So far, I’ve had the opportunity to help out with email marketing campaigns to help spread the word about emergency cases, miraculous recoveries, and all the exciting things happening around here. I’ve also started working on achieving a Google AdWords certification with lots more to come.
Do you have a pet?
At this moment, student housing is not a big fan of animals in residence. However, I loved growing up with hamsters, Tilly & Cheddar. As soon as I can, I’ll head to the RAPS Adoption Center to find a cat companion.
Future plans?
My working background is in the cosmetics industry, and I’d love to build my experiences there. To be honest, I’m open to all kinds of opportunities, including in the non-profit sector.
Any weird hobbies or secret powers?
Recently, I’ve been learning Turkish on Duolingo. Currently achieving a 160-day streak! I’ve also been loving the gym recently. My project this summer is trying to do a pull-up, which has been unsuccessful thus far.
