Daisy Arevalo-Rodriguez, left, with mentor Megan Hesselink of Los Alamos Arts Council. Courtesy/UNM-LA
Jovanna Blea is prepping a loom at Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. Courtesy/UNM-LA
Rheanna Esparza (right) with her mentor Jordan Ray from Valles Caldera National Preserve. Courtesy/UNM-LA
UNM-LA News:
UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) has announced the continued success of its Community Internship Collaboration (CIC) program, which provided valuable hands-on experience to students during the spring 2025 semester while supporting the needs of local organizations.
During the spring, two students transitioned from interns to employees at their host organizations. Daisy Arevalo-Rodriguez interned with the Los Alamos Arts Council’s marketing department and was offered a part-time position following her internship. Jovanna Blea, who interned at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, was hired to assist with the organization’s summer camps and 30th anniversary celebration.
Reflecting on her experience, Blea said, “During my internship at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center, through the UNM-LA CIC program, I had the opportunity to work on both the creative and behind-the-scenes sides of the organization. I helped design promotional flyers, organized event information, created signs for exhibits and classes, and assisted with social media and outreach efforts. I learned a lot about how a community-based arts nonprofit runs from planning and communication to the little details that make events and workshops successful.”
Another standout participant, Rheanna Esparza, interned with the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Her contributions included preparing for the opening of the Volcano Discovery Center, supporting the launch of a roving ranger program and creating promotional materials for dog-friendly trails.
The CIC program is a 60-hour internship initiative grounded in the philosophy of work, earn and learn. It matches UNM-LA students with local businesses to collaborate on meaningful projects under the guidance of a business mentor.
Businesses interested in a fall intern may fill out the form located on the UNM-LA website at losalamos.unm.edu/cic or email CIC at cic@unm.edu.