Former intern, Kyle Brun, is our guest contributor this month. Joseph Maley Foundation was fortunate to have Kyle as an intern for two summers. In this blog, he shares how those experiences set him on a path toward service, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership.
What was your first introduction to Joseph Maley Foundation?
It feels like Joseph Maley Foundation has been a part of my life forever. I attended St. Monica Catholic School, where the Disability Awareness program began, so I was exposed from kindergarten onward. Many of my older friends also participated in the puppet troupe, so getting more involved was a natural progression for me.
What motivated you to become an intern with the Foundation?
I wanted to gain early exposure to the world of nonprofit and community leadership. My involvement with the Junior Board introduced me to my friend, Carson Cox, who was already interning with the Foundation. I was inspired to follow in her footsteps. I still laugh when I remember how boldly I approached Executive Director, Vivian Maley and Junior Board Director, Courtney Basso after a Junior Board meeting, insisting that I would be a great fit for an internship. That moment taught me an invaluable lesson: if you never ask, you’ll never know!
What were some of your favorite memories as an intern?
Several moments stand out:
- The cool, crisp air and the stillness before the Run, Walk, Roll event each year. I helped organize this event during my summer internships and each time, the initial silence gave way to high energy, service, and a strong sense of community. From start to finish (pun intended), the event was always rejuvenating for the soul.
- Assisting with puppet camp each summer. The puppet troupe is such a unique concept, and helping the puppeteers find their voices to teach younger kids about inclusion was incredibly rewarding.
- The water balloon toss at Sibs Camp—somehow, I always ended up on the receiving end of most of those balloons!
What roles or responsibilities did you encounter as an intern?
Like many nonprofit roles, you have to wear many different hats. In a typical month as an intern, I could be a camp counselor, sit in on meetings with corporate partners, help film a promotional video for the Run, Walk, Roll, work with event vendors, travel to schools to facilitate programming, and more. I was never bored. Even on exhausting days, I knew I was making an impact I could be proud of.
Did any particular lesson or experience stand out to you during your internship?
I witnessed the power of youth teaching youth. When one of their peers stands up, passionately conveys a message, and teaches their friends something, you can see the lesson “click.” Joseph Maley Foundation does an outstanding job of integrating this concept into every program.
Tell us about your path following your internship.
After my second internship at the Foundation, I interned with the City of Indianapolis in their Mayor’s Action Center & Neighborhood Advocacy teams. The following summer, I interned with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association on their legislative team.
After graduating from the University of Dayton, I returned to Indianapolis for a year to work at Firefly Children & Family Alliance as their Volunteer & Events Coordinator.
Later, I took a leap of faith and moved to Charlotte, NC, to pursue a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at UNC Charlotte. Now, as I approach the completion of my MPA, I’m working full-time with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. This role combines elements from all my previous internships: non-profit development, community relations, and advocacy work.
Ultimately, my experience with Joseph Maley Foundation sparked a chain reaction of opportunities and growth that has led me to exciting new places.
What words of advice would you have for future interns, at the Foundation or elsewhere?
When starting an internship (or any role), set clear goals or a vision for what you want to accomplish. This ensures that your time is beneficial both for the organization and for your own development. Seek out opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone. And remember: if you don’t ask, you’ll never know!