Intern Spotlight: Cayla Won and Sarah Easley
September 30, 2022
Foodwise relies on volunteers and interns to help with education programs, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to grow thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Learn more about internships here and volunteer opportunities here.
With the start of fall, we’d like to thank our Westmont College interns Cayla Won and Sarah Easley for spending two months of their summer supporting Foodwise’s education programs and farmers markets. Cayla, an Economics and Business major and Studio Art minor, was drawn to Foodwise’s “intentionality of knowing the people behind their market produce.” She supported our Summer Bash and Sunday Supper fundraisers with décor planning and online auction platform research.
“Cayla joined the Foodwise team during an exciting time as we were planning our return to hosting in-person fundraising events after two years of virtual fundraising events,” says Partnerships & Events Manager Rebecca Crawbuck. “She jumped right in and supported many elements of planning our Foodwise Summer Bash. While at Foodwise, Cayla tackled lots of organization projects, shared her artistic talents, and was an enthusiastic member of the team.”
Passionate about “sustainability and promoting food accessibility,” junior Biology major Sarah Easley also assisted with Summer Bash as well as Foodwise Teens, occasionally at the market, in the kitchen, and at the garden at John O’Connell High School. Both Sarah and Cayla occasionally helped lead Foodwise Kids through the weekday farmers market and pitched in on a few Saturday market days.
“Sarah was an invaluable team member providing much-needed assistance for Foodwise Kids, Foodwise Teens, and Summer Bash,” says Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator Cindy Mendoza. “She moved seamlessly between programs while enjoying a well-rounded experience at Foodwise, including learning how to make hummus from scratch. We are so grateful that Cayla and Sarah chose to spend their summer interning at Foodwise!” Learn more about Cayla’s and Sarah’s experience:
Cayla: Interning at Foodwise was an invaluable opportunity. It was eye-opening to learn the technical process of events and operations as well as witness the positive effect it had on the community. I have a newfound appreciation for organization and attention-to-detail as it carries communication and the rest of operational efficiency. Additionally, I was inspired by the intentionality of the staff members who I found deeply engaged with their tasks and consistently questioning ways to improve things. Furthermore, I got to interact with people outside of the organization where farmers modeled true commitment and kids inspired me to be curious. I’m returning to Westmont College in the fall as a junior where I hope to carry the values I experienced this summer. I left feeling grateful for the opportunity. Working alongside such hardworking and passionate individuals will be something I’ll forever hold onto and look for in my future career.
Sarah: During my internship with Foodwise I learned exceptionally, but most importantly, how important community is. Having the opportunity to be a part of and give back to the community through Foodwise Kids or interacting at the farmers markets was unique. These experiences were so important because it created a space where we could all celebrate food and those that grew it. Now that I have completed my internship, I am excited to start my senior year as a biology student at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.
Topics: Volunteers and Interns