Welcome, interns, to the Career and Leadership Workshop! This workshop is a key component of your internship program, offering a week-long opportunity to expand your knowledge of various career fields while honing your leadership skills. Throughout the week, you will join fellow interns in showcasing the outcomes of your summer projects through presentations. You’ll also have the chance to connect with industry professionals through engaging panel discussions, skill-building sessions, and interactive activities. This workshop is designed to enrich your experience and evaluate the program’s impact—celebrating successes and identifying opportunities for future improvement. We hope you make the most of your time in Washington, DC. Take advantage of this incredible networking opportunity, and don’t forget to have fun!
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
Wednesday August 6, 2025 6:30am - 7:30am EDT State Plaza Hotel2117 E St NW, Washington, DC, 20037
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.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 7:00am - 7:50am EDT Met Cafe The Venue1750 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006
The National Park Foundation and Fund II aim to capture the unique stories of internsXL. Kelcie Glass, the internXL Marketing lead, along with the production team, will conduct interviews and photograph the interns to document their individual experiences.
Group Discussion: Share the research findings you gathered at your national park this summer about the contributions of Black Americans at that or surrounding communities during the group discussion.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT Rachel Carson RoomU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
An external entity will conduct a qualitative evaluation of our program through in-depth conversations with interns. This evaluation aims to gather valuable insights into intern experiences and perceptions. The feedback collected will be crucial for informing future program improvements and ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of our interns.
Dr. Lisa Yvetta Collins is a professional with over 30 years of experience as an educational professional. She holds degrees in psychology and education and works as a business and education consultant. Dr. Collins brings a gender, equity, and healing lens to her working environments... Read More →
Wednesday August 6, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am EDT North PenthouseU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
The Career Panel aims to speak to panelists in public service with the federal government. It is structured to provide a comprehensive view of career trajectories. The session would feature three panelists at different career stages: beginning, mid, and late-career. Each panelist would share insights and experiences pertinent to their career stage, offering a well-rounded perspective on public service. Beginning Career Panelist: This individual, relatively new to the federal workforce, would discuss entry-level experiences, the transition from academia to professional life, initial challenges, and the strategies used to navigate and establish themselves within the public sector. Mid-Career Panelist: This panelist, with several years of experience, would provide insights into career development, progression within the federal government, the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and the pursuit of specialized roles or leadership positions. Experienced-Career Panelist: A seasoned professional, this panelist would reflect on their experience in public service. They would share tips for career sustainability, the evolution of the federal landscape, and advice for those considering a career in public service.
The session, moderated by a Mosaics alumnus, would encourage active engagement through a Q&A segment where interns could ask questions tailored to each career stage.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am EDT Yates AuditoriumU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
Participants will enhance their understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to preserving African American history and culture through engaging in meaningful conversations and exchanging personal perspectives. The panelists will discuss innovative methods for preserving historical records, the importance of grassroots efforts in protecting community histories, and the potential for expanding access to heritage for broader public engagement.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT Rachel Carson RoomU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
I first started my career as a seasonal on a wildland fire engine in 1999. I received my permanent position in 2001 with the Bureau of Land Management as a Fire Administrative Assistant. After almost 10 years, I went to work for the Forest Service as an Assistant Center Manager... Read More →
Discover the next steps to take after concluding your internship. Learn how to navigate USAJOBS effectively to search for positions using the Public Land Corps special hire authority.
Crystal Gailes has been working for the National Park Service since May 1999. She was hired as a student employee and converted to a permanent position when she graduated from the University of Virginia in 2002. Upon graduating, Crystal began working as a Human Resources (HR) Assistant... Read More →
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 →
Moderator, Connected Communities Advanced Fellow U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Alexia graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Forest Resources and Conservation majoring in Natural Resource Conservation with a minor in Wildlife Ecology. During her time, she served as Recruitment and Marketing Director, then President of the UF Lucha Latina Organization... Read More →
Wednesday August 6, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am EDT Yates AuditoriumU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
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.
An external entity will conduct a qualitative evaluation of our program through in-depth conversations with interns. This evaluation aims to gather valuable insights into intern experiences and perceptions. The feedback collected will be crucial for informing future program improvements and ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of our interns.
Dr. Lisa Yvetta Collins is a professional with over 30 years of experience as an educational professional. She holds degrees in psychology and education and works as a business and education consultant. Dr. Collins brings a gender, equity, and healing lens to her working environments... Read More →
Wednesday August 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm EDT North PenthouseU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
Throughout their internship, interns explored the influence of Latino and African American contributions to the United States within the parks or nearby communities where they are interning. Each presenter will be given 5-minutes to present their artwork and reveal the stories behind their creative inspiration.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm EDT Yates AuditoriumU.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C St NW, Washington, DC 20240
GOGA interns, join us for an exclusive tour of the DOI murals. Discover the history and artistry behind these stunning works and learn about their cultural significance. Meet outside the Yates and the tour will end out of the Yates
As we conclude today's sessions, we invite you to join us for an exciting night tour of DC. Discover the city's iconic landmarks illuminated under the night sky. It's a perfect way to unwind and experience the beauty of Washington, DC. See you there!
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Wednesday August 6, 2025 4:30pm - 4:30pm EDT End of day
Feel the spirit of history, valor, and courage preserved in the granite and marble of its most revered monuments enhanced all the more by the glow they radiate at night. Monuments by Moonlight is a truly unique and extraordinary look at Washington DC!