How Tribal Tech’s Internship Program Demonstrates People, Performance and Partnership
By embedding our values into the program, Tribal Tech has created an exciting and comprehensive internship experience
Written By Amber Boulley
This summer, Tribal Tech has welcomed five interns to our Native Connections (NC) contract team, and just like any of our teams at Tribal Tech, our internship program is committed to the values of People, Performance and Partnership. As Tribal Tech’s Owner and Chairwoman, Vicki Vasques, likes to put it, these values are illustrated through our employees, the services we provide, and the teams we build. In other words, our people are hardworking, our services are provided with excellence, and our teams are impassioned. Our interns are no different. When our people, interns and employees alike, feel entrusted and empowered by the work we do, our values begin to permeate across individuals and communities. That’s why we would like to put a spotlight on our Native Connections internship team. Throughout their time with Tribal Tech, they have emphasized these values through their goals, projects, and demonstrated teamwork.
Native Connections is a five-year grant program focused on substance abuse and suicide prevention among Tribal youth. Our NC interns are MiChaela Barker, Mexica Miner, Annabelle Poersch, Quincey Poersch, and Dillion King. While they get to work closely with the contract team for this program, each of them have very unique backgrounds, interests and upbringings.
MiChaela Barker, for instance, is an incoming Yale graduate student who is working to get her master’s in Public Health with a specialization in Healthcare Management. MiChaela would like to be a hospital administrator who prioritizes the holistic evaluation of health through physical, mental, and social determinants. This internship has provided her the opportunity to better understand the unique needs of Tribal communities. MiChaela is currently living in Lansing, MI.
Mexica Miner (Métis Nation of Ontario), also residing in Lansing, MI, is a rising sophomore at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA. She is studying Political Theory with an emphasis on Indigenous Studies. Upon graduation, Mexica would like to attend law school to pursue family law. During her time with Tribal Tech, Mexica has enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, and the ability to develop strong relationships with Native people across the United States.
“Both Native Connections and Tribal Tech have shown me how much a healthy business environment can change your feelings towards your work. What we are doing can be so emotionally draining. Fortunately, Tribal Tech has ensured our wellbeing won’t be compromised by teaching us the skills we need to preserve our health. Additionally, the people here are so positive which has been very encouraging”
- Mexica Miner, NC/SAMHSA Intern
Annabelle Poersch (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina) is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, and she is double majoring in Psychology and Criminology/Criminal Justice. Annabelle is interested in gaining a deeper understanding on the issues surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Tribal Tech has helped her observe a variety of prevention methods used to aid Tribal communities. Annabelle lives in Bethesda, MD.
Quincey Poersch (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina), also from Bethesda, MD, is a rising senior at St. Mary’s College in Maryland who is double majoring in Fine Arts and English. Quincey is interested in having a more extensive understanding of historical trauma and has been working with the historical trauma group at her university. This summer, she has helped design images to accompany both our webinars and fact sheets.
Lastly, Dillon King (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) lives in Wisconsin and is a prospective technical school student. Dillon is interested in Leadership Management and has enjoyed working with staff across many different contracts. At Tribal Tech, Dillon has been able to travel to Tribal communities in order to provide on-site aid.
Given our intern’s distinctive backgrounds, they have been able to contribute fresh, valuable perspectives to enhance Tribal Tech’s performance. This summer, through their independent and group projects, they got to experience first-hand what performance means to Tribal Tech.
For the interns’ group project, they have created an infographic poster oriented towards Native American youth. Specifically, it will inform Native youth about the paths they can take after graduating high school. There are three pathways: one for college, a second for training and vocational schools, and a third for the workforce. The poster provides quick facts related to each topic. Additionally, it includes a scannable QR code containing more in-depth resources that are relevant to the specific needs of Native Americans. For example, details on Native American grants and scholarships are provided, as well as insights on Tribal colleges and technical schools. The QR code will also hold workforce advice that takes cultural traditions into account.
“Our aim was to be as intentional as possible with the information we presented. For example, when we target the specific needs of Native Americans, we might highlight how hair and dress may be perceived in the workforce, or how to utilize the art of storytelling in a job interview. This way we can ensure our poster resonates with our audience.”
– MiChaela Barker, NC/SAMHSA Intern
To be able to complete a project on a topic this meaningful, good partnerships must be created and maintained. For our interns, this means their group environment operates on the basis of trust, respect, and mutual support.
“Our group gets along great! For us, it has been incredibly important to be aware of how we treat each other and how we are working together. This awareness contributes to a group environment where we can bounce ideas off each other, ask for advice, and respond in an encouraging manner. Our group is committed to similar goals, values, and norms which aids our success.”
- Annabelle Poersch, NC/SAMHSA Intern
Tribal Tech has encouraged our interns to implement their own values, interests, and goals within their projects by creating an environment where our people feel empowered. Also, by allowing our interns to establish their own parameters and group norms, we have ensured our performance is impactful, and our partnerships are nurtured.
“We understand that we are here to help the community and that our collaboration results in positive implementation.”
- MiChaela Barker, NC/SAMHSA Intern
About the Author
Amber Boulley, member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, is a student at Santa Barbara City College. She is studying Economics and Political Science, and is Tribal Tech’s Communications & Marketing intern for the summer of 2021. Her passion for accurate media representation of Native American communities and individuals is emphasized in her work.