Zohreh Saher, President of interVivos, delivered a speech at the University of Alberta's Nonprofit Board Internship Program Graduation in April 2024. The speech is found below.
Hello everyone, I'm Zohreh Saher, and I'm thrilled to be here as a five-time mentor with the Nonprofit Board Internship Program. Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the graduation of our interns from the University of Alberta's Nonprofit Board Internship Program. It's a moment to appreciate the hard work and growth that's shaped this journey.
Let me share why interVivos values this program. It's more than just a checkbox; it's about committing to our community's growth and nurturing future leaders.
This program serves as a bridge between academia and the real challenges nonprofits face. Our interns have made tangible changes – from overhauling recruitment to refining our marketing strategies. They bring fresh ideas and a dedication that's truly inspiring.
At interVivos, we thrive on diversity. Our interns come from different backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to the table. Embracing diversity isn't just a buzzword for us; it's about sparking innovation and creativity. Our interns don't merely tag along; they evolve into full-fledged board members, actively contributing to crucial decisions alongside us.
Remarkably, 3 out of 4 interns have transitioned into longer-term board positions, with some serving up to 4 years! We also have one former intern, who served with a different board during her internship, join our board.
Getting involved in this program isn't just about altruism for interVivos; it's about showing that when academia and nonprofits team up, incredible things can happen.
And speaking of mentorship, interVivos actually has its own mentorship programs for the community. interVivos means "from one person to another," in Latin and that's exactly what this program is all about. It's about passing on knowledge, guidance, and support.
In closing, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of this program. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in shaping the future of the Edmonton community. Congratulations once again to our interns and mentors for their outstanding achievements. Let's continue to build on this momentum and strive for excellence in all that we do. Together, we can create a brighter future filled with opportunities for growth and positive change.
Thank you.