PATH Foundation

These last two summers, I had the wonderful opportunity of interning with the PATH Foundation in Warrenton, VA! This experience has been insightful and edifying as it has provided me with abounding knowledge of the non-profit sector! First, being an Intern in 2023, the foundation assigned me to Friends Of The Rappahannock. There, I was provided the opportunity to efficiently and effectively utilize Excel to update 15 staff profiles and gather 23 sponsors for their annual event, Riverfest. Specifically, I've utilized foundational skills such as Lookup Functions in Excel to sort out each staff member, as well as Canva software to research, design, and upload graphics on the organization's official website. During my time at the PATH office, I've worked alongside 18 other interns by participating in weekly group initiatives and leadership development activities to learn more about the advocacy that the foundation provides in their three-county footprint of Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper. We've completed a project where we collectively conducted comprehensive research and data analysis of our recent health equity reports, such as the 2023 ALICE, 2020 and 2023 CHNA. Through this, we delved into the provided data, examining various aspects of the community's demographics, social indicators, and economic factors. We've presented this data and provided the appropriate recommendations to the PATH team and their Board of Directors. Secondly, the foundation has provided me the opportunity of being an Intern Coordinator and assisting the Program Officers in hosting this summer's Internship program. Together, we organized the Intern Program and supervised 21 new interns, educating them on the foundation's mission and objective of providing grants, funding programs, and developing partnerships with other non-profits and government agencies whose objectives align with the values of the foundation. Sitting in on weekly staff meetings, program meetings, and luncheons with PATH Staff and grant recipients was one of the key takeaways from this internship. It was insightful to observe how the foundation's Program and Finance Officers, Accountants, and Executives navigate complex non-profit discussions and develop solutions. These meetings have opened my understanding to the fundamentals of Program Management and the concept of grant-funding. Networking with the PATH staff team was another key takeaway from this internship. I had the chance to speak with the Financial and Communications teams to learn more about how their departments function within a non-profit sector. These interactions have provided insight as to how I could potentially utilize these areas of business in the future. Overall, my time at The PATH Foundation has been an advantageous experience. I'm grateful for the knowledge I've gained, skills I've developed, and the relationships I've built. Giving Glory to God as always, and thanking The PATH Foundation for this last year!

Summer Internship Spotlight: Nia Rogers Rising UVA Wise senior Nia Rogers from Warrenton, Va., is spending her summer as a Resource Management and Communications Intern with the PATH Foundation, a philanthropic organization that provides grants and programs that strengthen the health and vitality of Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper counties. Rogers, who is a Business Administration major and Communication Studies minor, spends her days creating infographics, responding to emails and scheduling and preparing other interns for social media appearances. “My time at UVA Wise has significantly contributed to my professional development. Because of the College, I have built a repertoire of networking, interviewing and communication skills,” said Rogers. “I have the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement as well as Residence Life to thank for their guidance!” Rogers would like to thank UVA Wise Director of Alumni Engagement Corey Sanchez, UVA Wise Associate Professor of Communication Studies Rachel Tighe and her Mom for helping her secure the internship opportunity as well as preparing her to be a young professional. Photo credit: The PATH Foundation