Ibukun Oluborode, COL ’26, New Britain, CT
This summer I had the incredible opportunity to work at a social impact opportunity in the Philadelphia community. Working at a social impact startup allowed me to directly engage with local communities, building strong relationships that were crucial to the success of our initiatives. I was deeply involved in the introductory stages of a startup, understanding the unique challenges faced with a more tight-knit group. Furthermore, I was able to continue to develop my understanding of different social issues and the steps that can be taken to progress. This hands-on experience gave me a profound appreciation for the resilience and resourcefulness of these communities.
In my role, I had the opportunity to lead several key initiatives, particularly in the areas of mental health and youth redevelopment. More specifically, I worked within the Tech and Financials teams of the company. Through them, I worked closely with local leaders and organizations to develop programs that addressed mental health stigma and provided much-needed support resources. Additionally I deepened another social issue that I find important, youth redevelopment. I focused on efforts aimed at youth empowerment, creating safe spaces for young people to grow, learn, and become active participants in their communities. These efforts were instrumental in fostering a sense of hope and opportunity among the youth.
Beyond these specific projects, my work at the startup also involved tackling a variety of other social issues, from education inequality to access to basic healthcare. I collaborated with diverse teams, both within the organization and in the wider community, to drive meaningful change. The experience honed my ability to adapt to different challenges, think creatively, and most importantly, make a tangible difference in the lives of those we aimed to serve.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
