By: Emily Vega
“I have learned that being the first may be terrifying at times, but it is also empowering.”
Growing up as a Latina woman in a household rooted in the vibrant culture of Michoacán, Mexico, I am proud of the traditions that shaped me. However, as I embarked on my journey, I soon realized that being the first in my family to achieve certain milestones came with its own set of challenges. In this blog, I want to share my experiences as a trailblazer, navigating the unfamiliar territory of an internship while embracing my unique identity. During my time as an intern, I have come to realize that my personal growth extends far beyond the confines of job titles and assigned roles. While the primary objective of my internship was to gain practical experience, the journey has taught me invaluable lessons that extend well beyond the professional world.
As I set foot into my internship at Amélie, I couldn’t help but notice the differences between myself and others in the workplace. It felt like I didn’t quite fit in. As a marketing company, it was a hub of innovative minds, each contributing their unique perspectives to create captivating campaigns and strategies. Initially, this brought about feelings of fear of not being accepted. However, I realized that my individuality was my strength. Through Amélie, I was able to meet amazing people. They allowed me to express my true self without judgment and gave me the strength to thrive. My internship became a powerful platform for personal growth and development, providing not only practical experience but also invaluable mentorship and guidance from successful professionals.
During my time at Amélie, I had the privilege of working on the “Lift the Label campaign”, an initiative that I will always carry close to me. I got the opportunity to contribute my skills to a cause aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to seek help. I also played a significant role in recruiting professionals for the campaign’s video and contributing to the Spanish portion. As part of the campaign’s team, I worked on identifying and reaching out to professionals with expertise in mental health, stigma reduction, and fluency in Spanish. I actively collaborated with mental health advocates and individuals to ensure a diverse and impactful representation of perspectives. Through my process, I even had the privilege to attend the behind-the-scenes shoot day. Witnessing the dedicated teamwork and significant contributions from everyone involved was truly inspiring. I’m eagerly anticipating the campaign’s live release and excited to see our collective efforts come to life. What I found particularly impactful was how deeply connected the campaign was to Spanish-speaking communities. As I reflect on my involvement in the “Lift the Label” campaign, I am reminded of the power of collaboration, the importance of diverse voices, and the profound influence a purpose-driven initiative can have.
It was an amazing experience to be allowed, as a transcreation and translator, to connect with people from different backgrounds authentically. While I initially had no experience with Mailchimp, backlinking strategies, or Meltwater’s media monitoring platform, I can proudly say that I am now walking out with invaluable knowledge. Working with these tools gave me a solid foundation in digital marketing, and analytics, and equipped me with essential skills.
Navigating these challenges on my own would have been daunting. However, I discovered the power of building a support system. Connecting with Royer, who shared similar experiences, provided me with the guidance and encouragement I needed. Royer understood the struggles I faced and offered unwavering support. One of the most cherished aspects of my internship was exploring new coffee shops in Denver every Tuesday morning. Together, we fostered an environment of growth and encouragement. It goes to show how the simplest moments can lead to the most profound growth and inspiration.
For many people, an internship is just a common step in life, but for me, it was a concept I struggled to even translate into Spanish or explain to my parents because it is something my family is unfamiliar with and has not talked about. Unlike some of my peers at school who had family professionals guiding them or networks of connections to lean on, I didn’t have anyone in my family who could provide insights into the professional world. Through my internship at Amélie, I have come to realize the potential impact that internships can have on individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. I have learned that being the first may be terrifying at times, but it is also empowering. As I continue, I am determined to inspire and uplift others, reminding them that their unique identities and experiences are valued. By breaking barriers and embracing our individuality, we can create a more inclusive and diverse future for generations to come. Not just within the marketing world but in every aspect of life.
Muchas gracias, Amélie!
