From First Internship to Community Leader: How Enterprise for Youth Helped Shirley Discover Her Potential

When Shirley first joined Enterprise for Youth as a high school freshman in 2019, she wasn't sure where to begin. She had never written a professional email, built a resume, or participated in an internship. What started as her first Green Careers internship quickly became the foundation for a future centered on leadership, education, and giving back to her community.

Over the years, Shirley participated in multiple Enterprise for Youth internship programs, including Green Careers, medical-focused internships, Program Assistant, and Development & Communications Intern. Each experience gave her new skills while building the confidence to take on greater responsibilities.

"Job readiness training was one of the most helpful experiences for me. Enterprise taught me how to write professional emails, build my resume, and prepare for interviews—skills I still use today."

As a marketing minor in college, Shirley especially appreciated the opportunity to apply classroom concepts in  real world settings through her Development & Communications internship.

"I was excited because I could actually apply what I learned in my marketing classes during my internship."

Growing Into a Leader

Before joining Enterprise for Youth, Shirley never imagined herself leading workshops or speaking in front of groups. With encouragement from staff and mentors, she began facilitating job readiness workshops, interviewing interns, and helping younger participants navigate their own internship journeys.

"I never thought I could facilitate workshops before. Enterprise pushed me to try new things and helped me realize I was capable of leading and supporting other youth."

Those leadership experiences continue to shape Shirley's career today.

She now works as a Program Leader at the Boys & Girls Club, where she designs educational programs, supervises youth, and helps children build positive character and life skills.

"The leadership skills I developed at Enterprise are something I use every day. I'm creating programs, supporting youth, and helping them become responsible adults."

Mentors Who Made a Difference

Throughout her journey, Shirley credits the Enterprise for Youth staff for helping her grow professionally and personally.

She shared that mentors including Lauren, Lisa, and Merilou consistently encouraged her to step outside of her comfort zone, whether it was learning data tracking, facilitating workshops, creating social media content, or thinking strategically about how to reach more young people.

“They helped build my confidence. Sometimes I had the skills, but I didn't believe in myself. They gave me that extra push."

That confidence ultimately helped Shirley secure her current position and continue pursuing her long-term goals.

Building a Career Through Service

Shirley hopes to become an elementary school teacher and plans to pursue a teaching credential at San Francisco State University. Working with children at the Boys & Girls Club has reinforced her passion for education while giving her valuable experience supporting youth from diverse backgrounds.

She also sees a continued connection between her work in education and the communication skills she developed at Enterprise for Youth.

"Enterprise inspired me to continue working in education while also strengthening my marketing and communication skills. I want to help families from diverse backgrounds access the resources they need."

Why Paid Internships Matter

For Shirley, Enterprise for Youth offers more than just paid work experience.

She believes the organization's combination of job readiness training, mentorship, and hands-on internships gives young people opportunities they can not find elsewhere, especially those from under-served families or multilingual households.

"Enterprise doesn't just provide paid internships. They give young people real practice, mentorship, and confidence that schools don't always teach."

She recalled one participant who used Enterprise's resume and interview workshops to successfully land a job outside of the program.

"Even if they don't get an internship with Enterprise, they leave with the confidence and skills to pursue other opportunities. Enterprise helps build that foundation."

Looking Back—and Looking Ahead

Reflecting on her journey, Shirley says the greatest gift Enterprise for Youth gave her was confidence.

Confidence to lead.

Confidence to communicate.

Confidence to try something new.

"Enterprise helped me realize my potential. It showed me I could do things I never thought I was capable of, and it encouraged me to keep trying new things."

Today, Shirley continues to pay that support forward by helping the next generation of young people discover their own strengths, just as Enterprise for Youth once helped her discover hers.