This spring, five of our interns graduated from their bachelors and graduate programs!

Roman DaRosa and Antonio Diaz joined DESK this year as Quality Assurance and Analyst Interns, assisting with the backend administrative operations of our weekly Olive Street Pantry program, Evening Meals program, and the Drop-in & Resource Center.  Both graduated from the University of Bridgeport’s Data Analytics program.  As part of their work, QA interns play a critical role in data collection and analysis of DESK’s program metrics. They are also responsible for reviewing and compiling program measurement tools, impact assessments, and visualizations of analytic projects.

Roman describes his experiences: “If I were to sum up my experience in two words, it would be eye-opening. Just having the opportunity to witness firsthand the services that DESK provides and how passionate and diligent staff and volunteers work was fulfilling to me.”  Antonio agrees: “As an intern, I got to work with data sets both in the sense of data visualization and understanding, but with quality assurance as well. This hands-on experience gave me a broad sense of the practicality of the data field and empowered me with valuable skills.”

Meanwhile, Victoria “Tori” Wallace and Mellody Massaquoi, both of whom graduated with BSW’s from Southern Connecticut State University’s Social Work program this spring, got a chance to work directly with our clients in the Drop-in & Resource Center. And we’re also excited to announce that one of our past interns, Shannon Ryan, who graduated with their BSW in 2023, completed the work for their MSW this spring!  At DESK, we see this program as a critical training ground for future social work professionals, applying hands-on skills that will serve them in any social or human services field.  We can’t wait to see where these burgeoning professionals go from here!

Finally, three special shout-outs:

• Josh Torres, who completed his internship with DESK this past year, received a Certificate of Achievement marking exceptional social work performance, en route to completing his BSW.
• One of our Board members, the Rev. Dr. Kelcy G.L. Steele of Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church received his PhD in Strategic Leadership from Regent University this spring.
• DESK’s (recently promoted) Associate Director of Client Engagement & Quality Assurance, Evan Serio, received their MSW at Southern Connecticut State University’s Social Work program.

Congratulations to all of this year’s incredible graduates and awardees! We’re so proud of all you’ve each accomplished!

Interested in interning at DESK? Please have your student advisor contact us at (203) 624-6426 or email info@deskct.org, for more information.