Community & Business Engagement Stories

Tiffany Brown, a junior sports management major put her learning in action as a Hospitality Intern at the Kenosha Kingfish as part of her program’s field experience. In this role, Tiffany applied theory into practice, such as aspects of the Sports Sales and Customer Service course she took at Parkside. She said “I had the opportunity to use what I have been learning in my classes at my internship over the summer. I used a lot of the marketing skills that I learned about in sports marketing to help create and promote deals for the food and beverage department, as well as to help with the groups and sponsors that came to games during the season.” As she put her learning in action her favorite part of the internship was seeing the satisfaction of the customers that used the historic Simmons Field! 

Fall 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Alleigha Williams’ internship shaped her both as a person and a professional. Through her Community Engagement Internship position at the City of Racine, she was at the forefront of teaching digital literacy skills to breakdown the digital divide. In her internship, Alleigha created lessons she taught to people who live in the community. Alleigha said “The most rewarding part of the internship was being able to see how effective the lessons are. One person that I taught a lesson to lit up in excitement!” Additionally Alleigha shared that this internship allowed her to see the day-to-day aspects of a working professional. Alleigha, a marketing, and accounting major put her Learning in Action! 

Fall 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Sheridan Ewald, a sophomore nursing major, put her Learning in Action by studying abroad in Paris. This past spring break she joined a group of students who traveled to Paris. During the week Sheridan experienced life outside of the U.S. She said, “It was so rewarding being able to travel to another country, and to be exposed to another culture.” Looking ahead to a future career in nursing, Sheridan will be able to better connect with people of other cultures.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Jason Zabel works as a Nursing Intern at Ascension All Saints Hospital in the City of Racine. Through his internship, Jason can see what a day in the life of a full-time nursing professional looks like. He works in various rotations in the hospital including orthopedics, emergency medicine, and wound care. When asked of what he recommends to other students who are interested in pursuing an internship he said, “There is a lot to learn when you are working on a shift with another nurse.” Jason put his learning into action as a nursing intern at Ascension All Saints Hospital.

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Alfredo Sandoval-Luis works as a Software Engineering Intern at AbbVie. Alfredo met the AbbVie recruiters at the Internship and Career Fair at Parkside. The computer science skills he learned at Parkside helped him build a strong foundation for the future. Alfredo said, “I love software engineering. The most rewarding part of this internship is knowing that the things I'm working on are going to help deliver treatments to people.” Alfredo put his learning into action as an intern at AbbVie.

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Dr. Aubri McDonald, Assistant Professor in the Criminal Justice Department, teaches CRMJ/SOCA 365: Race, Crime, Law every semester at UW-Parkside. The course is community-based learning designated and partners with the Racine County Youth Development and Care Center (YDCC). In the course, students visit the facility and analyze the results of an employee experience survey to support the staff and youth in their care as they prepare to transition to a new facility in 2025. Students integrate course concepts, research, and trauma-informed principles into their analysis. The CBL projects are guided by YDCC’s mission and vision for the new facility – To transform youth justice, strengthen support (i.e., staff, family, community) for the youth, and keep youth out of adult corrections. Dr. McDonald said, “The most rewarding part of teaching this course is learning that students are very motivated and interested in working and changing their community for the better.” While teaching this course, Dr. McDonald puts her students' learning into action in a professional setting by working with community partners.

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Jessica Cheng works as a Social Media and Marketing Intern at Habitat for Humanity of Kenosha. Jessica got involved with Habitat for Humanity of Kenosha through the campus chapter at Parkside. Through her internship Jessica applies graphic design principles she learned at Parkside to her internship. Jessica said, “My most rewarding part of my internship is being able see my graphics and designs being used for an actual (non-profit) company and being able to communicate Habitat Kenosha’s messages in creative ways.” Jessica put her learning into action as an intern at Habitat for Humanity of Kenosha.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Boluwatife Hamzat, a Senior Biological Sciences Major works as the Always Reaching Upwards Mentoring Program Student Coordinator in the office of multicultural student affairs. In her role, Boluwatife is the liaison between the office's professional staff and student employees. She said “In this role, I learned how to be a good role model and a better leader. I have been able to hear the voices of others, work as a team, and be a good team leader.” Working on campus is an additional way to gain leadership and communication skills. Boluwatife put her Learning in Action as the ARU Student Coordinator.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Snigdha Reddy is currently conducting research with Dr. Robert Barber and fellow students in the UW-Parkside Biochemistry Lab. They recently presented their research at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, in San Diego, California. She said, “My favorite part of the experience was getting to know more about the biology department, and understanding how doors are opened when students connect with professors.” Snigdha encourages any student interested in conducting research with a professor to put themselves out there. Snigdha put her Learning into Action while conducting undergraduate research.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Frida Lazcano put her learning into action as an Office Assistant in the Registrar's Office. At UW-Parkside, many students can work on campus, which is a convenient way to gain leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. In her role Frida helps with day-to-day clerical duties in the office and is on hand to answer students’ questions. Frida said “The most rewarding part is helping students. Even if I am a student myself, I am able to relate to them.”  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

As a graduate assistant in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program Khari Davis advocates for mental health at UW-Parkside. In this program, Khari works side by side with Dr. Ann Friesema to encourage students to attend free wellness sessions the team offers. For example, Khari recently provided a mental health advocacy workshop for student employees on campus. He said, “My favorite part of the experience is assessing the needs of the student and finding ways to support them.” Khari put his Learning into Action as a graduate assistant in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Logan Sivak put her Learning into Action when she took CBL101: Intro to Community Engagement by volunteering in various projects in the City of Racine and Kenosha. Logan volunteered at the Racine Salvation Army, City of Racine Police COP houses, and for KAFASI. She prepared meals for the people of the community and made holiday cards for senior citizens. She said “I learned a lot about how I am going to apply empathy to people who are going through issues in the community. I want to become an occupational therapist; I want to make sure I am treating everyone fairly and giving them the accommodations that they need.” Logan encourages students to also pursue a certificate in community engagement so everyone can learn about the community and how learning in action will help them in their future careers.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Carlos Dorantes, a Senior Computer Science major at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, has been hired full time at Snap-On. Carlos started his journey at Snap-On as an intern in the IT department after he met them at the Internship and Career Fair. Throughout his internship, he applied practices he learned at Parkside. Carlos said “My favorite aspect of the internship has been developing various programs. I aspire to continue learning both within and beyond the confines of the company. I believe that one can never cease learning, especially in an industry as dynamic as technology.” After a successful internship Carlos will put his learning into action as a full-time employee at Snap-On. Congratulations Carlos! 

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Vanessa Reynoso works as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador at UW-Parkside. In her role, Vanessa connects with students to inform them on voter registration. One unique way Vanessa achieves this is by engaging the students through fun activities during the holidays. For example, she gave away carnations and voting information on Valentine’s Day. Vanessa said “As a first-generation college student, and a Latina, not many of us are knowledgeable about politics. I have learned so much about the field. I am passionate about getting students registered to vote!" Vanessa puts her Learning into Action working as an Andrew Goodman Ambassador.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern 

Thomas Beaupre currently works as a Data Integration and Administration intern at AbbVie. By attending the Internship and Career Fair, Thomas connected with an AbbVie recruiter who encouraged him to apply. Thomas now works on data validation at AbbVie using the skills he learned in the Computer Science Department. Thomas said "The most rewarding part of the internship is being able to work for a company that helps people. One way in which AbbVie helps is by finding new treatments for individuals who are suffering from previously untreatable illnesses." Thomas put his Learning into Action as an intern at AbbVie.  

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Tim McClure works as a Community Engagement Intern at the City of Racine while earning credit in COMM 494: Communications Internship. In this role Tim works with the Smart Cities initiative team to promote digital equity and digital literacy within the City of Racine. In his role, Tim uses communication skills he learned in his major to connect the citizens of Racine to services that the city provides. Tim said, “My favorite part of the job is being able to see the smiles on people's faces when they get connected to resources that can greatly benefit their lives.” In his internship, Tim fosters a sense of community within the city by helping people get access to affordable internet and other digital equity-based services. Tim put his Learning into Action as a Community Engagement Intern at the City of Racine. 

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Hasaan Khan is currently gaining hands-on accounting experience as an Intern in the Internal Audit department at Johnson Controls. In addition to his internship, Hasaan is taking Accounting 494, gaining credit for his internship helping him move closer to graduation. He works as a day-to-day accounting professional implementing controls within the company to rule out vulnerabilities. Hasaan said, “This internship is an amazing way to implement classroom theory into real world practical experience.” He thanks the UW-Parkside staff, and career advising team on helping him excel into a young professional. Hasaan put his Learning into Action as an Intern at Johnson Controls.

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern 

Emily Meyer put her Learning in Action when she took CBL101: Intro to Community Engagement, by creating a donation drive for Women and Children’s Horizons. Emily said, “My successful collection of donations was able to add necessities to WCH’s shelter in order to help individuals/families that have suffered from domestic or sexual abuse.” Through her project she collected over 50 bags of supplies to help people in her community. Looking forward to a career in health care, she now knows she can also care for the community through philanthropic efforts. 

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern 

The Jockey Career Closet, a collaboration between Jockey and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is an amazing asset for students to access free clothing for internships and interviews. Camryn, the intern for the Jockey Career Closet, facilitated this valuable resource for students. She brought the Jockey Career Closet to the Internship and Career Fair for all students to find an outfit that was comfortable for them and fit who they wanted to be. Camryn said “My goal is to create a diverse environment for students and staff. As the coordinator of clothing for students, I ensure that all clothing is gender-empowering, high-quality, and available in a wide size range.  To maintain gender neutrality, I labeled the clothes as ‘masculine and feminine fit.”  A pivotal element within her communication major revolved around clothing serving as a powerful means for individuals to express their desired identity. Camryn enjoyed helping people express their true selves through their wardrobe choices while Learning in Action at the Jockey Career Closet. 

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Justyna Slon gained important professional development skills when she enrolled in UWP 294: Work-Based Learning as a senior. UWP294 is an amazing way for students to gain general education credits for working. Any job, whether it is on campus or not, qualifies for this course. When she was enrolled in the course, Justyna was working as a Career Ambassador at the Advising and Career Center on campus. Justyna said “I really liked the course; it was hands on work. It prepared me for the tasks that I have to complete to get a job in the business world...I grew as a professional.” Justyna was able to put her learning into action as she took UWP294: Work-Based Learning.   

Spring 2024 - Written by Alejandro Solis, CBE Ambassador Intern

Amplifying Stories of Kenosha & Racine's Latinx Communities

Over the last few years community-based learning students at UW-Parkside have captured the oral history of local Latinx community members. Students learn the components of podcast production, including interviewing, story development, script writing, and sound editing. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Latinx History Collective, the podcasts are shared with the Wisconsin Historical Society as part of their effort to document the Latinx history of Wisconsin. 

Listen to "Amplifying Stories of Kenosha & Racine's Latinx Communities"