We’re pleased to announce that Lalita Durbha has joined the Community Foundation team this summer as a student intern! Learn more about Lalita in this Q&A.
Where do you go to school and what are you studying?
I go to school at Indiana University with majors in Nonprofit Management and International Law, along with a minor in Spanish.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the nonprofit field?
I got my first exposure to the nonprofit community through volunteering as a reading buddy and mentor for elementary school kids and loved it! The way the community was able to harness resources to give back was inspiring. The people in the nonprofit world are also the most genuine and hardworking people I have ever met. Choosing to pursue a career in the nonprofit field, ultimately, felt right.
Why did you pursue an internship at the Community Foundation?
My first time learning about the Community Foundation was through a program called Forward Turn. As a member of the Loudoun Youth Advisory Council, I got to take part in the grant making process and decide how to allocate funds to local youth-led organizations. It was a great experience! I was drawn to the Community Foundation for the work and variety of issues they took on. Through the Community Foundation, I am able to gain exposure to a multitude of organizations and hone in on my interests, while learning the ins and outs of how a nonprofit operates.
What advice would you give to high school students interested in exploring a career in the nonprofit field?
I would tell them to go for it! There is always (and will always be) a need for nonprofit work across various interest areas. I would also recommend getting out there and volunteering at a nonprofit. Talking to current community leaders and getting engaged can give great insight to how a career in the field may look.
What kind of work are you interested in pursuing post-college?
I hope to possibly pursue a career in a law- or education-related nonprofit! I am looking into law school, so there are definitely many possibilities.
What do you enjoy most about our local community in Loudoun and Northern Fauquier County?
I love how connected and supportive the local community is. I have experienced the interwoven nature of everyone’s work, as well as how willing others are to support different projects throughout the community, and it is wonderful to see.
