IYF Intern Alumni Spotlight Series: Megan Castro, Summer 2023 Intern

At IYF, we are dedicated to empowering young people worldwide, standing with them as they navigate towards a brighter future. Rooted in our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we strive to dismantle systemic barriers and foster an environment where every voice is heard and valued. As part of our dedication to DEI, we are proud members of the Coalition for Racial & Ethnic Diversity in Development (CREED), working alongside like-minded organizations to drive meaningful change. 

Recognizing the pervasive impact of systemic racism, IYF established a DEI Council to enact change. Our #4toSoar initiative targets key areas for improvement, striving for equitable access and representation at every level of our organization. Central to our DEI efforts is our internship program, designed to cultivate talent from underrepresented communities and promote diversity within the international development sector. 

Our intern program actively recruits students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who identify as BIPOC or historically marginalized groups. By providing hands-on experience in programmatic, financial, and administrative functions, we empower emerging leaders to thrive in the nonprofit landscape. 

We wanted to catch up with our intern alumni and see how they're doing. Today, we're excited to feature Megan Castro, currently in her final semester of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Tampa, with graduation scheduled for May 2024. Megan is currently interning as an Analyst at Tyson Management Group in Tampa. Here's what she had to say:

What motivated you to apply for the internship program at IYF? 
I was motivated to apply at IYF because the organization works to achieve a mission that benefits hundreds of people, and contributing to that would be very meaningful to me. 

How did your experience as an IYF intern influence your career trajectory? 
My experience as an IYF intern fortified the idea that I had of navigating my career into the non-profit world. IYF showed me that there are like-minded individuals who want to fulfill greater purposes. 

What are some key learnings or skills you gained during your internship? 
During my internship, I learned the process of developing a new online tool at IYF. They’re surely interested in learning what all team members think and how to best suit everyone’s needs. 

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your time in the program? 
During my time in the program, I was able to lead focus groups with the LAC and Africa-Middle East Development teams; it was a huge milestone for me because it greatly helped me develop my leadership skills. 

Where are you now in your career journey? 
I am currently about to finish my Master’s of Business Administration program at the University of Tampa, and how to work full time in non-profit post-graduation.

Are there any words of advice or encouragement you would like to share with current/future IYF interns? 
I would tell future IYF interns that they made the right choice! And to take every learning opportunity available to them, because you never know what may come of it. You’ll be sharing your success story next! 

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our IYF Intern Alumni Spotlight Series!