During my internship with the Panambi Unity Fund I coordinated with the local nonprofit Vida Nueva in Asunción to host a celebration for Paraguay’s Children’s Day. This event was the first opportunity for the Panambi Unity Fund board and donors to meet the local community in person and begin building meaningful connections. Along with the celebration, we visited the Instituto de San Patricio, where we met with psychologists and students. These conversations fostered dialogue and professional learning and cemented opportunities for continued collaboration. I learned about the DSM‑5 and its relevance to understanding and addressing domestic violence in Paraguay. As a Paraguayan‑American, I was drawn to sharing resources and networks available in the United States with community members in Paraguay, and this internship allowed me to do that. I also connected with local psychologists and social workers who will be vital partners in upcoming projects. In addition, I helped plan Panambi’s upcoming resource drive and annual gathering, encouraging participation in both the United States and Paraguay and documenting our time with partners. These efforts were especially important for building the organization’s visibility during its early stages.

This internship allowed me to apply and expand the skills I have been developing in my MSW program at Columbia. I first became involved with Panambi during its inaugural resource drive, which delivered clothing, school supplies, and medical essentials to a low‑income community in Lambaré. This summer I strengthened my ability to coordinate across borders and communicate in multiple languages—English, Spanish, and Guaraní. These skills are essential for building lasting partnerships in Paraguay. With guidance from Dr. Edith Chaparro, Panambi’s executive director and my fellowship mentor, I gained insight into nonprofit administration and developed competencies that complement my social work background and broaden my understanding of how to build and sustain long‑term partnerships both locally and abroad.

One challenge was managing the logistical complexities of cross‑border coordination. Organizing the Children’s Day event required clear communication and quick problem solving within a short timeframe. This experience taught me that challenges are inevitable but also present opportunities for growth. Navigating these obstacles helped me develop patience and adaptability—skills that will be essential in any community‑based or nonprofit role. Looking forward, I hope to open a nonprofit in Paraguay; the lessons from this experience will guide me in building an organization centered on the voices of the community I care about.

This internship was valuable professionally and personally. I gained hands‑on experience in nonprofit administration by supporting community outreach, organizing clothing and resource drives, assisting with social media and fundraising, and coordinating with Paraguayan partners. These experiences taught me how to balance logistics and communication. More importantly, I came to appreciate the deeper impact of building authentic relationships. Working closely with the executive director and local social workers gave me a unique perspective on how cultural identity and lived experience can strengthen community work. My biggest takeaway is that effective nonprofit work depends on the trust and collaboration cultivated with the community served. This experience gave me confidence in my ability to coordinate projects across borders and support communities I care about.