Internship Career and Leadership Workshop 2025: Full Schedule

Welcome, interns, to the Career and Leadership Workshop! This workshop is an integral part of your internship program, providing a week-long opportunity to enhance your exposure to many career fields and their leadership skills. You and other interns will showcase the results of your summer projects through both formal and informal presentations. You will also engage with professionals in their fields through panel discussions, developmental sessions, and various activities. Additionally, the workshop is crucial for evaluating the program experience to identify successes and areas for improvement in the future. We hope you enjoy being in Washington, DC, network, and have fun!

Click to meet the interns: HBCUI Mosaics internXL LHIP GOGA

You can see recorded Livestream Events via Microsoft Teams Links -
August 6, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. EST - NPS Internship Career and Leadership Workshop

August 7, 2:00-4:30 p.m. EST- Art Culture Presentations: LHIP/HBCUI

August 8, 8:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. EST - A Message from NPS Director, Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III and a Conversation with Former NPS Directors

Captioning URL: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=BIS-NPS-4781612

@NPSYouth #NPSYouth #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #Internships #NationalParkService #NPS

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6:30am EDT

Breakfast - MIS, LHIP and GOGA

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30am - 7:30am EDT

State Plaza Hotel

Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Savor a delightful breakfast spread offering a range of options to suit every palate. Take this opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, fuel up for the day ahead, and make meaningful connections

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30am - 7:30am EDT
State Plaza Hotel 2117 E St NW, Washington, DC, 20037

Food

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

7:00am EDT

Breakfast - HBCUI/InternXL

Friday March 14, 2025 7:00am - 7:50am EDT

Met Cafe The Venue

Breakfast served at Met Cafe Savor a delightful breakfast spread offering a range of options to suit every palate. Take this opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees, fuel up for the day ahead, and make meaningful connections.

Friday March 14, 2025 7:00am - 7:50am EDT
Met Cafe The Venue 1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006

Food

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

7:35am EDT

Check-in at the Department of the Interior

Friday March 14, 2025 7:35am - 7:50am EDT

DOI C Street Entrance

Check-in at the Department of the Interior. Everyone should be wearing their respective program name tag.

Friday March 14, 2025 7:35am - 7:50am EDT
DOI C Street Entrance U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Administrative/Logistics

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

8:00am EDT

Announcements and Network Scavenger Hunt Winners

Friday March 14, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Yates Auditorium

Join us for important announcements and cheer on the top Network Scavenger Hunt winners.

Friday March 14, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Additional activities

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

8:30am EDT

Message from the NPS Director, Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am EDT

Yates Auditorium

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Plenary Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

8:30am EDT

A Conversation with Former NPS Directors

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am EDT

Yates Auditorium

THIS EVENT WILL BE LIVE-STREAMED AND IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

As we enter the 21st century, we are faced with new global challenges that require innovative solutions and approaches. From addressing health crises to combating climate change and promoting social justice, these obstacles demand collective action. Former NPS leaders are invited to impart their knowledge and advice to the next generation of leaders as we look towards the future.

8:30 - 8:35 AM - Nicole Segnini Former Latino Heritage Intern Program Participant introduces Director Chuck Sams
8:35 - 8:45 AM - Director Sams provides opening remarks.
8:45 - 8:50 AM - Nicole Segnini introduces George McDonald
8:55 - 9:15 AM - George McDonald provides opening remarks and introduces Panelists

Robert G Stanton
Fran Mainella
P Daniel Smith
Raymond David Vela

10:15 - 10:40 AM - Questions
10:40-11:25 AM - Photo Opportunities with the Director, panelists, and interns. C Street Entrance.

Moderators

George McDonald

Moderator, U.S. Department of the Interior Senior Advisor-Youth Programs , Office of the Assistant Secretary, Policy, Management and Budget

George served as the Chief of the NPS Youth Program Division for 17 years. Under his leadership, many dynamic and innovative youth development programs including the Indian Youth Service Corps, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Intern Program, the Mosaics in Science... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Fran P. Mainella

16th NPS Director, National Park Service

Dr Fran Mainella is a Visiting Scholar at Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreationand Tourism Management. She is also President of Fran Mainella Consulting, LLC. Previously,Director Mainella served nearly six years as the 16th Director and the first woman to lead theNational... Read More →

P. Daniel Smith

Former Deputy/ Acting Director, National Park Service

Smith was superintendent of Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia from 2004 to his retirement in 2015. The park includes a 23-mile parkway and historic sites including Jamestown and Yorktown Battlefield. In 2004, Smith worked as a special assistant to National Park Service... Read More →

Robert Stanton

15th Director, National Park Service

Robert G. Stanton, former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the U. S. Department of the Interior( 2009-2014)and former Director of the National Park Service (1997-2001) is a Scholar -In-Residence at the University of Missouri-St Louis and a private consultant in natural and cultural... Read More →

David Vela

Former Deputy/ Acting Director, National Park Service

Raised in the farmlands of Southeast Texas, David and his two younger siblings were raised by his parents under the values of faith, family, and country. In addition, taking on causes greater than themselves. His life’s calling was determined on a family trip to Grand Teton and... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Plenary Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

11:00am EDT

Meet and Greet, Photo with Panelists and Director Sams

Friday March 14, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Yates Auditorium

Join us for a brief meet and greet, followed by a photo opportunity with these inspiring figures.

Friday March 14, 2025 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Plenary Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

11:30am EDT

Lunch

Friday March 14, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

DOI Bison Bistro - Basement Level Kiowa Room

Take a 45-minute break to enjoy a meal and recharge. This is your time to relax, refuel, and network with fellow attendees. We’ll reconvene shortly for the next session.

Friday March 14, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
DOI Bison Bistro - Basement Level Kiowa Room U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Food

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

12:30pm EDT

Program Completion Certificate Presentation

Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT

Yates Auditorium

Certificates of internship completion will be distributed for LHIP, HBCUI, Mosaics, InternsXL, GOGA

Friday March 14, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Plenary Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

1:00pm EDT

How to Make Your Federal Resume Work for You

Friday March 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT

Yates Auditorium

Feedback Survey

Ten Steps to a Federal Job, Federal Resume Writing Featuring the Outline Format Federal Resume. Bring your resume for review!

Recruiters will be on hand to review interns' resume following this session.

Speakers

Glenn Hooks

Lead Recruiter, National Park Service

Experienced Recruitment, Career Management, and Workforce Development Specialist. SHARP Victim Advocate & Master Resiliency Trainer skilled in Leader Development, Workforce competency development, instruction development, recruiting, performance management, and most Human Resources-related... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Plenary Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

2:30pm EDT

BREAK

Friday March 14, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm EDT

Lobby area outside of Yates Auditorium

Take a quick 15-minute break to recharge! Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and get ready for the exciting sessions ahead.

Friday March 14, 2025 2:30pm - 2:45pm EDT
Lobby area outside of Yates Auditorium

Administrative/Logistics

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

2:30pm EDT

MIS and GOGA- Interns will visit museums of their preference on their own

Friday March 14, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

Friday March 14, 2025 2:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA Rachel Carson Room

Additional activities

2:45pm EDT

HBCUI Breakout Session: HBCU Alumni Serving as Leaders in Federal Service- Exploring the NextGen of Careers in the Federal Government

Friday March 14, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

Rachel Carson Room

Feedback Survey

Prepare to be captivated by an engaging discussion as the panelists draw upon their rich experiences and insights to explore the exceptional opportunities and challenges that HBCU graduates encounter when embarking on federal service careers. From navigating the intricacies of recruitment processes to making significant advancements within federal agencies, attendees will gain invaluable perspectives on how HBCU alumni are shaping the future of leadership in the federal government. Furthermore, this enlightening conversation will delve into the pathways available for the next generation of HBCU students and graduates to enter and thrive in federal careers, highlighting the utmost importance of diversity and inclusion in building a government workforce that truly represents its people.

Moderators

Deanna Hayden

Moderator, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, National Park Service Partnerships & Philanthropic Stewardship

Deanna Hayden is a third-year Ph.D. student at Howard University, specializing in Communication, Culture, and Media Studies. She is a Graduate Assistant to Nikole Hannah-Jones, Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, and creator of The 1619 Project. Additionally, Deanna is an HBCUI Communication... Read More →

Speakers

Dr. Elrand Denson

Acting Director of Lands, Minerals and Geology Management for the USDA Forest Service, US Forest Service

Elrand D. Denson started is his current position in August 2020. He oversees the Land Stewardship portfolio which encompasses Lands Special Uses to include: Wired and Wireless Communications, Renewable Energy, Electric Transmission, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Recreation Residence, Commercial... Read More →

Dr. Turkiya L. Lowe

Chief Historian and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer, National Park Service

Turkiya L. Lowe (2017 - present) is the Chief Historian of the National Park Service and Deputy Federal Preservation Officer. Prior to this position, Dr. Lowe served as the National Park Service Southeast Region (SER) Chief Historian and Chief of the SER Cultural Resource Research... Read More →

Dr. Benjamin "Ben" Tuggle

Director Science Applications, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Dr. Tuggles prominent career began in 1979 at the National Health Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Since then, he has held key leadership positions within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), including a wide variety of field experience and time in the agency&. Washington... Read More →

Friday March 14, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Rachel Carson Room U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Panel/Breakout Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

2:45pm EDT

LHIP Breakout Session: Career Pathways in the National Park Service: Latino Leadership Perspectives Panel

Friday March 14, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm EDT

Yates Auditorium

Feedback Survey

Latino leaders in the National Park Service will discuss topics such as representation and diversity within the organization, the preservation of Latino cultural heritage sites, community engagement, career development, environmental justice, collaboration with Latino organizations, education and interpretation, challenges faced by Latino employees, and the future direction of the National Park Service. Through this discussion, they aim to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and advance conservation goals for all communities.

Moderators

Sophia Grande

Digital Content Specialist, Moderator, National Park Foundation

Sophia Grande is a Digital Content Specialist at the National Park Foundation, where she manages the Foundation's multiple websites and implements digital content and strategies. Before joining the National Park Foundation, Sophia participated in the Latino Heritage Internship Program... Read More →

Speakers

Matt Montaño

Chief Information Officer, National Park Service

Matthew Montaño is the current Associate Director of Information Resources (Chief Information Officer) at the National Park Service. Matthew has held this position since January of 2022. Prior to their current role, they served as the Director of IT Modernization and Innovation at... Read More →

Raquel Montez

Deputy Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, National Park Service

Alex Romero

Superintendent of Fire Island National Seashore, National Park Service

Romero has served as superintendent of George Washington Memorial Parkway, since 2013, where he has lead complex partner efforts, multi-million dollar projects, and planning efforts that included rehabilitation of historic areas, memorials and natural areas. His career has spanned... Read More →

Naomi Torres

Superintendent of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, National Park Service

Friday March 14, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Yates Auditorium U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240

Panel/Breakout Session

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division

4:30pm EDT

End of Day

Friday March 14, 2025 4:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

TBA

Thanks for a great day! Tomorrow, we’re visiting the White House and some amazing national parks. Rest up and get ready for more fun and adventure. See you all in the morning!

Friday March 14, 2025 4:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
TBA Rachel Carson Room

Administrative/Logistics

6:00pm EDT

HBCUI and InternsXL at The Wharf

Friday March 14, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

The Wharf DC

https://maps.google.com/waterDinner on your own.

Speakers

Mikeriya K. Bond

Associate Director of Programs, Greening Youth Foundation

Mikeriya K. Bond was born in Macon, Georgia and raised in the Metro Atlanta area. Interestingly, she did not begin to talk until she was 2 ½ years old. As a teen still struggling to find her voice and emerge from her shell, she trained in a performing arts troupe under the direction... Read More →

Dr. Eboni Preston Goddard

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship Program Lead, SODAS Life Inc.

Led by a call to action, Eboni is a management professional with a background in non-profit administration, program operations, partnerships, advocacy, and workforce development. She has spent the last decade working with public land management agencies on youth programs, DEI programming... Read More →

InternXL

Meet the InternXL here

Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program MIS

Meet the interns here

Friday March 14, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
The Wharf DC 760 Maine Ave. SW, Washington DC

Additional activities

6:30pm EDT

MIS and GOGA Dinner

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

Tonic Restaurant

As we approach the end of the workshop, MIS interns are invited to a celebratory dinner at Tonic at Quigley's Bar and Restaurant. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, share memorable moments, and enjoy each other's company one last time before wrapping up the internship.

Speakers

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Meet the interns here

Dr. Sheylda N. Díaz-Méndez

Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program Manager, Environment for the Americas

Sheylda is a proud Latina from Puerto Rico and the mother of two boys. She started her studies at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez and later obtained her BS in biology from the University of Central Florida. Her graduate studies focused on research in the ecology of wetland... Read More →

Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program MIS

Meet the interns here

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT
Tonic Restaurant 2036 G St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Additional activities

6:30pm EDT

LHIP Farewell Dinner

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

The Cactus Room has been reserved for the private event. The meals will be served family style.

Speakers

Latino Heritage Internship Program LHIP

Meet the interns here

Friday March 14, 2025 6:30pm - 8:30pm EDT

Food

Host Organization NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Youth Programs Division