Intern Liliana Calderon Makes an Impact on the Santa Rosa Community
By Mariana Bohling
Sonoma State Junior Liliana Calderon is making an impact as an Communications intern for Latino Service Providers. With a passion for community engagement and advocacy, her role extends far beyond handling social media. The Communication major serves as a vital connection between the Santa Rosa-based organization, its board members, and the people they serve.
A Day in the Life
Calderon’s days are anything but predictable. Her mornings start early at 8 a.m., and from there, she navigates a busy schedule that keeps her on her toes until the evening. The day typically begins with sifting through emails and reviewing her calendar before diving into a weekly check-in with the community engagement team. These meetings help ensure that upcoming events are well-organized and that every detail, from logistics to outreach, is in place.
Beyond meetings, Calderon also dedicates time to organizing paperwork, tidying up notes, and providing translation services for focus groups. These translations are crucial, ensuring that language barriers don’t prevent community members from fully understanding and participating in important discussions. With a community event just days away, her responsibilities extend into event preparation, making sure everything runs smoothly and that all necessary resources are available.
A Vision for Community Impact
When asked about a dream project she would take on if given full control, Calderon enthusiasm shines through. She envisions expanding the organization’s annual Health and Wellness Fair into a large-scale resource event. Her ideal event would include free access to essential resources such as healthcare services, clothing for children, and nutritious food. She also dreams of incorporating music and cultural activities, creating an inclusive space where people can gather, connect, and celebrate their shared experiences. For Calderon, equity and community connection are at the heart of her internship, and she believes in hosting events that are not just about services but about fostering a sense of belonging.
The Power of Internships
Calderon firmly believes that internships play a crucial role in shaping future careers. Having completed a previous internship before her current position, she credits those experiences with giving her a clearer sense of direction. Through hands-on learning, she has developed skills, pushed herself beyond her comfort zone, and discovered her passion for community-based work. Her journey is a testament to the value of internships in bridging academic knowledge with real-world application.
Overcoming Challenges with Discipline and Balance
Like many students juggling multiple responsibilities, Calderon acknowledges that balancing work and life can be a challenge. Staying organized, holding herself accountable, and maintaining a disciplined mindset have been key to managing her workload. She emphasizes the importance of a positive outlook and structured time management to ensure she can meet her commitments without feeling overwhelmed.
Shaping the Future
Calderon’s experiences at Latino Service Providers have reinforced her career aspirations. She has always known she wanted to work within the community, but this role has provided clarity on how she can do so. Seeing firsthand the impact of her work, she now envisions a future where she continues to be a driving force in community engagement and advocacy.
Through her work, Calderon is not just gaining professional experience—she is making a lasting difference. Her passion, dedication, and vision for a more connected and equitable community showcase the power of young professionals stepping into leadership roles to drive meaningful change.