enFocus Interns share the Impact of enFocus

Over the course of the summer, our internship cohort has contributed more than 7,000 hours worth of innovation to the South Bend-Elkhart region. Amongst the interns, these hours make them one step closer to a career of their own design. Whether it’s further qualification, or testing the waters of a specific work sector, our interns are sure to be making progress toward their long-term goals.

Bruno do Rego Freitas Canela from San Paulo Brazil and attending Purdue University, emphasizes the impact that he feels he has made on the region. He shares, “working at an intermodal chassis company in Niles, Michigan, means that my impact isn’t limited to the South Bend-Elkhart region. My impact extends beyond the region as their products are distributed across the country, and I help them strengthen their efficiency, productivity, and quality control.” Bruno expresses his excitement to create tangible change during his eight-week internship, and the impact he is having on our region and beyond.

Sravani Kotha, a student at University of Chicago, shares her perspective on what it means to strengthen local communities. During her internship, she has primarily worked on the Small Business Security Grant with the City of South Bend Departments of Community Investment & Innovation and Technology. She shares, “This work goes beyond just improving security; it's about strengthening community ties, fostering a safer environment for businesses to thrive, and ultimately, helping make the region a better place to live and work.” The work that Sravani is doing helps organizations like enFocus to collaborate and strengthen the communities they serve.

enFocus Program Coordinator, Louis Holbrook, comments on the profound impact that interns such as Bruno and Sravani are creating in the region. He expresses, “Our engagements help people from across the country, and the globe, get to know the city we call home. Someday, they might one day decide to join us in living here full-time. All in all, this internship program impacts not only the region today, but what the region will become tomorrow.” Louis shares that the impactful work generated by our interns provides them with meaningful experiences to bolster the longevity of our communities.

For our Sponsors, Stakeholders, and community members, the impact our interns are making are facilitating lasting change. The work they do will continue to positively impact regional employers long after the eight-week internship comes to a close. We are excited to continue to drive innovation in our region through the tremendous talent we have acquired. Our impact wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of partnerships and exceptional talent driving innovation in the South Bend-Elkhart region.