Nelly Birmingham and Marta Velez are graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with their Bachelors of Social Work. They assisted both with backend and frontend operations of our 266 State Street Drop-in and Resource Center and Olive Street Pantry, engaging with our guests and collecting data to help us better serve our community. Marta helped us create a first draft of our Drop-in and Resource Center’s Community Guidelines. Nelly developed written volunteer training elements and client documentation for pantry procedures. She will be continuing her education at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work to receive her Master of Social Work.

Pravalika Kaminenei will be graduating from the University of New Haven with a Master in Data Analytics. She assisted with the creation of data collection tools, performance analysis, and quality automation.

Kamal Mohamed will complete the requirements for an Associate of Computer Engineering in Applied Science from Gateway Community College. His work building and coding a small computer is the foundation for automating an emergency and service monitor for the Drop- In Resource Center. He said “When I first started, I thought I was going to work on a project that was already going on. But when I talked with Wendy [DESK’s Data Administrator] I realized I had the chance to design the project, which gave me the motivation to be more creative and flexible. And while we were working I realized how big the project is and how important the service that DESK provides for their clients is.”

Janet Fan served as an intern in Summer 2025 but has continued to regularly volunteer with DESK’s data team and with cooking and serving food. She is graduating from Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, CT, and will be continuing her education pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Policy Analysis and Public Health at Rice University. Janet says that “My favorite part of working at DESK is definitely meeting all the wonderful people who have inspired me with their heart and their stories. Working at DESK has inspired me to study public policy and solidified my desire to pursue a career dedicated to public service and public interest work.”

Dozens of interns have learned the tools of making the world a better place right here at DESK over the last decade and have shared their talents with colleges and employers around New Haven and around the country. We’re excited to keep in touch with Nelly, Marta, Pravalika, Kamal, and Janet going forward!