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Community Building Program Empowers Future Nonprofit Leaders

Supported by Wells Fargo, the University of New Haven's Helping Hands initiative provides students with paid internships, professional development, and leadership opportunities in the nonprofit sector.

October 22, 2024

By Caitlin Truesdale, Office of Marketing and Communications

Summer 2024 cohort of Helping Hands, students and participating organizations
Summer 2024 cohort of Helping Hands, students and participating organizations

Secora Chambers 23, 24 MBA vividly remembers the moment she realized how much of an impact her internship at , a small business involved heavily in the arts community, would have. As an artist and a business major, she found this opportunity was a perfect match for her unique skill set. It was when she hosted her first art show that the full gravity of her experience hit her.

I was nervous, but Sonal [Soveni], the owner, encouraged me, she said. It was a rewarding experience because I was able to see the community that built me come together and share in my success.

For Secora, this wasnt just an internshipit was an opportunity to bring her artistic passions to life while developing practical business skills that would set the foundation for her future.

The Helping Hands Nonprofit Leadership Program, now in its third year, is designed to provide students such as Secora with opportunities to intern at local nonprofits and with area small businesses, gaining firsthand experience in leadership roles.

We make sure students are well-rounded individuals when they step out into the workforce, explained Anita Sebabi, employer relations manager for the University of New Havens Career Development Center (CDC).

Terry Floyd, vice president and community relations consultant at Wells Fargo
Terry Floyd, vice president and community relations consultant at Wells Fargo
Were giving students the opportunity to develop skills that benefit both the nonprofits and their careers

The vision for Helping Hands came to life through a partnership between Terry Floyd, vice president and community relations consultant at , and Marcus Paca, former assistant director of employer relations at the University. Together, they aimed to create a program that would provide real-world experience while fostering leadership in the nonprofit sector.

My personal passion is to reach out and help people, Terry shared. Were giving students and alumni the opportunity to pair up with nonprofits and develop skills that benefit both the nonprofits and their careers.

Marcus echoed Terrys enthusiasm. Ive seen the growth and impact that the Helping Hands initiative has had on the University of New Haven and everyone else whos been involved, said Paca, who spent nearly four years at the University before joining Nuvance Health as director of workforce and career development. Im overcome with joy with the way its expanded, and I look forward to the impact it will continue to have on the community.

This years cohort included 16 students, including Secora, who completed her degree over the summer. Each of the participants took part in a professional development workshop focused on core competencies such as leadership, critical thinking, and communication. These skills were then put into practice during their internships.

At the end, the organization supervisors sent in evaluations, Anita said. It warmed my heart to hear the feedback and see the growth in each of the students.

Secora Chambers 23, 24 MBA (second from right) receiving award from Helping Hands
Secora Chambers 23, 24 MBA (second from right) receiving award from Helping Hands
For a small business owner, it was like a dream come true

For Sonal Soveni, the founder of The Table & Gallery, the Helping Hands program provided essential support for her growing business. For me as a small business owner, it was like a dream come true to have extra hands on deck, she said.

Secoras work at The Table & Gallery ranged from managing the businesss Instagram account to developing an employee handbook. Her contributions didnt just fill immediate needsthey laid the groundwork for long-term success.

A lot of the work I was doing, I wanted to make sure it would last beyond me, Secora explained. I created documents and plans that could be used by the team in the future.

Sonal Soveni, founder of The Table & Gallery, unveils painting H.O.P.E.
Sonal Soveni, founder of The Table & Gallery, unveils painting H.O.P.E.
The skys the limit

Sonal praised Secoras contributions, noting the lasting impact shes had on the business. Shes part of the team, Sonal said. Im bringing her on as a consultant to advise other students on what works and doesnt when it comes to gaining visibility and selling artwork.

This partnership exemplifies the mutual benefit of the Helping Hands programstudents gain experience, while local businesses and nonprofits receive valuable support.

At a recent event celebrating the programs achievements, Wells Fargos Terry Floyd expressed his hopes for Helping Hands moving forward. I think for the nonprofits and the companies involved, the skys the limit, he said.

Helping Hands invests in students and small businesses in a way that creates lasting change, he continued. Were going to keep this going.

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