Learning Governance from the Inside: Elsie Olsei and Lisa Glock’s interVivos Internship Story

When Elsie Olsei and Lisa Glock joined the board at interVivos as University of Alberta Community Service Learning Non-Profit Student Board Interns, they both arrived with curiosity about how nonprofit governance works in the real world. They had studied leadership, policy, and community engagement in academic settings, but they wanted to see what happens when those ideas are put into practice.

For Lisa Glock, the goal was clear from the beginning.

“When I began this internship in September I hoped to gain a deeper practical understanding of nonprofit board governance, especially within a community driven organization,” Lisa said. “I was interested in learning how boards translate values such as equity, diversity, and engagement into concrete programming and partnerships.”

As the months passed, those questions quickly turned into lived experience. Board meetings, events, and collaborative planning sessions offered a behind-the-scenes look at how a volunteer-driven organization operates.

“My experience with interVivos has well exceeded my expectations while also expanding my understanding of how volunteer-led boards operate,” Lisa explained. “It has strengthened my appreciation for the adaptability and commitment required to sustain community engagement initiatives.”

First Impressions Matter

Starting a new role on a board can feel intimidating, but both interns found themselves welcomed almost immediately.

Lisa remembers her first evening with the group clearly.

“We began my time on the board with a large group dinner so we could all get to know each other in person,” Lisa said. “It helped me feel like a member of the team rather than just a temporary external component.”

That sense of inclusion continued throughout the onboarding process. Documents, regular check-ins, and easy communication with her mentor helped Lisa quickly understand the organization’s priorities and projects.

“They have an incredibly structured onboarding process,” she explained. “The materials and support helped me stay on top of things and understand the overview of current plans.”

Elsie Olsei experienced a similar introduction to the board.

“My board and mentor welcomed me by introducing me at a board dinner for familiarization,” Elsie said. “This calmed my nerves and helped me feel comfortable participating early on.”

The People Behind the Work

While both interns hoped to learn about governance, they quickly realized that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience was the people.

Lisa described the board as a group united by a shared mission.

“One of the most positive aspects of the internship has been working with people on my board,” Lisa said. “They are highly engaged and motivated, united by a shared commitment to community impact.”

The diversity of perspectives made the work even more interesting. Board members came from different professional backgrounds, but they all shared an interest in strengthening community dialogue.

“Being able to contribute to initiatives that bring together diverse perspectives around important local issues has reinforced my interest in leadership that prioritizes connection, accessibility, and meaningful conversation,” Lisa explained.

Elsie also appreciated the opportunities to connect with people from different fields.

“The events we plan and attend have been one of the most positive aspects,” Elsie said. “I have met people in different fields including politics, governance, and academia.”

She added that the board also knows how to enjoy time together.

“The team building dinners are also very fun.”

Learning What a Working Board Looks Like

One of the biggest surprises for Lisa was discovering how hands-on the board is.

“Something that I did not anticipate was how much the board members at interVivos are involved in operational work alongside governance,” she explained.

Unlike some boards that focus almost entirely on high-level strategy, the interVivos board also plays an active role in organizing events and initiatives.

For Lisa, this meant learning how to navigate the space between strategy and implementation.

“I focused on learning where governance oversight ends and operational contributions begin because those lines can sometimes blur,” she said. “I asked a lot of questions and sought clarification from my mentor.”

That experience helped her see how complex nonprofit leadership can be.

Elsie also noticed the importance of collaboration in board decision making.

“The internship has provided deeper lessons in navigating group dynamics and building consensus,” Elsie said.

Balancing Responsibilities

Like many student interns, Elsie also had to balance the internship with a busy schedule.

“With evening meetings it can sometimes be difficult after a long day at school,” she said.

Still, she remained committed to participating fully in the experience.

“I made a conscious effort to attend all meetings and contribute.”

Through that commitment, both interns gained a new appreciation for the dedication of volunteer board members who contribute their time to community organizations.

Looking Ahead

As they move into the next stage of their internships, both interns are eager to take on even more

responsibility.

Lisa hopes to deepen her involvement in strategic conversations.

“I want to contribute more confidently to strategic discussions and become more involved in initiatives this quarter,” she said.

Elsie is looking forward to taking on a leadership role in an upcoming meeting, where she hopes to present research or help facilitate a discussion.

A Lasting Impact

For Lisa, the experience has reinforced a long-term interest in nonprofit leadership.

“This internship has built up my commitment to  nonprofit governance and community based leadership,” Lisa said.

Elsie shares a similar perspective. Through meetings, events, and collaboration, she has gained a deeper understanding of how organizations balance mission-driven goals with practical realities.

Together, their experiences highlight something important about nonprofit governance. Behind every strategic discussion or community event is a group of people working together to strengthen their community.

For Elsie Olsei and Lisa Glock, being part of that process has been both motivating and inspiring. They’ve seen firsthand how their contributions help shape meaningful work and drive impact.

While we are not looking for interns currently, we are seeking board members who are passionate about supporting our mission. If you’re interested in making a difference, apply here before March 14 at noon.