Blood:Water would not exist without compassionate students and young professionals who understand our vision and give their time, energy, and talent to fulfill the various needs of the organization. We have had the privilege to work with some truly amazing interns (you can read our last Development Intern, Abby’s, reflection blog here).

Last month we were excited to welcome a new face to the Blood:Water team! Over the course of the summer, we will have Elena Walker working in our development and communications department and helping us to keep our essential operations running. Read on to learn about her and why she chose to join us for this internship!

Elena walker – mt. zion, IL

Meet Elena, our new development intern! She is a senior at Lipscomb University with a double major in International Affairs and Spanish, and if you’re looking for someone to try unique and interesting food with, she’s your girl.

Tell us a little bit about your family and upbringing.

I grew up mostly in central Illinois near my mom’s family, and I greatly appreciate the relationships I was able to build with them. I did live abroad when I was younger and continued traveling domestically and abroad during the summers after we moved back to the States. These international experiences instilled in me a love for travelling, other cultures, and languages from a very young age, which my parents also shared and encouraged.

What made you want to apply for a Blood:Water internship?

I am very passionate about humanitarian work, specifically abroad. I was drawn to Blood:Water’s Christian values and its commitment to empowering local communities to better perpetuate change. I’ve heard many times that non-profit workers, when performing efficiently and successfully, should eventually work themselves out of a job. The aim is not to stay there and establish dependence, but to be able to leave after a mentorship process and be confident about a community’s achieved independence.

What is your dream job?

Working for an international non-profit organization in Latin America helping to implement programs on the ground.

What is your favorite book and why?

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. This book opened my eyes to the foundations laid by slavery for the U.S.’s current race relations climate. I also deeply related to the main character as she wrestled with the tension between her vocational calling and the societal and familial expectations placed on her as a woman.

TV Show / movie?

The Middle. Very relatable!! The show follows a middle class family in the Midwest that possesses uncanny similarities and family dynamics to my own immediate family. And I’m a huge Star Wars fan!! I mean, who isn’t?! They’re objectively cinematic masterpieces.

What is your favorite pastime?

Hiking or baking.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Some type of curry…preferably Thai curry. Maybe Massaman curry… it’s soooo delicious. 

Tell us one of your special quirks!

I am a huge foodie and love all different types of cuisines… there’s nothing food-wise that I wouldn’t try at least once!

Our blog has a number of other intros to our wonderful interns and reflections from former friends we’ve been able to work with over the years. If you have any other questions that aren’t on our website, you can email us at [email protected]!

Do you feel called to support and strengthen our partners in Africa as they work to end the water and HIV/AIDS crises impacting their communities? Learn more about our internship program and apply today!