Good morning, everyone!

Last night?s Fall Internship Celebration was a really special, intimate event. I know you were all there in spirit! Meghan and Mario, along with Daniela, Joanne, and Katia, did a splendid job organizing the celebration.

Two students, Elaine ? who had an internship at Norman Yee’s office in City Hall and Amanda ? who had her internship at Zeterre Landscape Architecture, both had wonderfully prepared speeches that were so personal and touching. It was uplifting to hear both of these young women describe their first work experience. They each expressed how important and impactful the Enterprise job readiness training and programming was for them.

After the two students spoke we had an impromptu speaker, Aubria Lamendola, Workforce Development Director at SFUSD Charter High School, Life Learning Academy on T.I. Aubria had many students represented at the celebration last night. She explained that youth who come to Life Learning Academy usually need that extra high-touch and may have had truancy or other problems assimilating into a larger school framework in the past. Aubria explained the impact Enterprise for Youth has had on these students who literally transform from shy and sheltered to alive and interested after having an internship opportunity. There was not a dry eye after she spoke because it was so real, genuine and relevant. These youth have been given an opportunity to blossom and grow and Enterprise for Youth is a part of that transformative growth!

I am so proud of the staff for producing a lovely celebration of personal and professional development for San Francisco youth. It?s something we can ALL be proud of! Remember to spread the good word about internships to your business-owning friends and contacts in companies that can help transform a youth?s life.

All good wishes during the holidays and throughout 2019!

Michael Franzia

President, Enterprise Board of Directors