During my summer internship at Prodis, I worked on defining the new professional development and strategic plan for Prodis’s Special Employment Center (SEC). The aim of this project was to ensure the SEC fulfills its main objective in the most impactful and sustainable way. As such, I worked closely with the SEC’s managing director, Luis Miguel Fernández, as well as other employees and mediators to assess the unresolved concerns of specific lines of work. I conducted interviews with managers and carried out a competitive analysis of organizations with similar missions to devise a new implementation plan.

I also aided in formulating an estimated investment requirement for the development of a new SEC building. In the search for a new space, Prodis wanted to prioritize a location better suited for employment growth. To assess the feasibility of the project, it was necessary to determine the investment needed in CapEx and OpEx. This was created through discussions with architects, experts, and potential funders to ensure sustainable success.

These projects contributed to the center’s mission of generating fair employment for people with disabilities and creating more productive lines of action. Paired with the successful development of a new building, the entire foundation was positively impacted, allowing it to continue on with its ultimate objective.

During my internship, I utilized my problem solving, analytic, and strategic thinking skills to accomplish my projects. I began to develop these skills prior to my time at CBS as a management consultant, and have been able to remarkably enrich them throughout my MBA program. Through the instruction of Professors Greenberg and Guzman, teaching Strategy Formulation and Entrepreneurial Strategy respectively, I acquired knowledge that boosted my ability to critically assess the strategies of the SEC and collaboratively redefine a new one that better responds to the market demands. In turn, this has allowed for the efficient generation of employment for people with intellectual disabilities.

To run a successful valuation model for the development of the center’s new building, I relied heavily on my studies from classes such as Foundation of Valuation and Professor Rizzo’s Advanced Corporate Finance. This model included projecting cash flow generation and costs incurred over a five year period. Fortunately, I had already gained experience in running this kind of exercise through my MBA program. Due to this, I smoothly and confidently performed the analysis and presented findings to Prodis's board of directors. Professor Usher’s course on social ventures and impact investing allowed me to put myself in the shoes of potential investors and create winning pitch decks that gained fundraising.

Finally, I cannot neglect the importance of the lessons I obtained from Professor Purdie-Greenaway in the Making of a DEI Leader. Working closely with people with intellectual disabilities has enabled me to start becoming the inclusive leader I aim to be.

Having come from a background in advising and external social consulting, I was accustomed to a very specific work environment. While interning with Prodis, I had to learn to adapt my work style to fit the needs of the organization. As I familiarized myself with the working dynamics of a foundation, I was able to navigate this new environment, and left feeling more equipped to work in a foundation setting.

Being a part of Prodis has been an incredibly enriching experience from both a professional and personal perspective. This experience helped me to sharpen my managerial skills, different to the analyst qualities I had acquired through my previous work, and learn the ins and outs of working at a nonprofit.

My greatest take away from this entire experience was learning what diversity actually means outside of a classroom setting. Working with diverse populations through Prodis has allowed me the opportunity to meet incredible people and learn deeply from them. Through this process I discovered new personal strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of inclusion.

All in all, I am beyond grateful to the Tamer Institute for having supported me in my dream to become more professionally involved in the world of social change. Having reflected on my time working at a nonprofit, I am determined to continue my involvement, potentially through the future development of a new organization. I have always felt called to be a leader, but now I can say I feel called to be a socially-involved and responsible leader for the bettering of the future world.