Designing with Purpose: An Internship That Strengthened Community

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we believe that real community impact in Boyle Heights happens when young professionals are given meaningful opportunities to grow while serving others. This article highlights the journey of Ingrid Rodriguez, whose internship brought creativity, discipline, and new energy to our communication work. I am grateful for her professionalism, dedication, and the positive mark she left on our team and community. I invite you to read her story and discover how opportunity, trust, and hard work come together to strengthen our mission.

— JC Montenegro, PhD

Ingrid Rodriguez: Creativity, Commitment, and the Power of Opportunity

Ingrid Rodriguez - SFYC Intern 25

At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we believe in more than programs. We believe in people, in potential, and in creating real opportunities for young professionals to grow through hands-on experience. One of the strongest examples of this commitment has been our intern, Ingrid Rodriguez.

Ingrid joined our team as a Graphic Artist and Communication Intern from September 9 to December 15, 2025. From the beginning, she approached her role with professionalism, curiosity, and a deep respect for our mission. Her work was not theoretical or symbolic. It was real, practical, and impactful.

During her internship, Ingrid was responsible for designing social media content, with Instagram as her main platform. She conducted content audits, studied our brand manuals, and carefully aligned her work with the values and voice of the Salesian Family Youth Center. Beyond design, she analyzed communication strategies and helped us improve how we connect with families, volunteers, donors, and the wider community.

The results spoke for themselves. Our visual identity became stronger and more consistent, and our social media presence increased. At the start of her internship, our Instagram community stood at 2,296 followers. By December, it had grown to 2,313 followers. More important than numbers was the improved quality, clarity, and purpose behind our communication.

What makes Ingrid’s story special is not only what she contributed, but what this experience represents. At our center, we intentionally open doors for new professionals to develop their skills in real-life settings. We trust them with meaningful work, involve them in decision-making, and allow them to learn through responsibility. We do this because strong communities are built when young leaders are given space to practice, create, and serve with purpose.

Working alongside Ingrid in scheduled meetings was a privilege. She welcomed feedback, asked the right questions, and continuously pushed herself to grow. Her reflection on the Salesian principle that “education is a matter of the heart” captures exactly what she brought into this space: sincerity, commitment, and care for the people we serve.

Ingrid’s time with us strengthened our team, improved our communications, and reminded us why investing in young professionals matters. She leaves behind a clearer visual identity, stronger engagement, and an example of what happens when talent is met with trust and opportunity.

We are grateful for her dedication and proud to have been part of her professional journey.