Step-Up interns gain a summer of experience at UNMC

Step-Up Omaha interns are back at UNMC for another summer of work experience and learning opportunities around the academic medical center.

Step-Up Omaha is an initiative of the Empowerment Network, the City of Omaha and community partners to give youths summer job training and work experience.

Since 2016, UNMC has participated by hosting interns in a variety of departments, centers and offices around the campus. This year, the program, which started June 17, has eight interns.

Evelyn Grixby, employee relations programs coordinator in UNMC Human Resources and the Step-Up Omaha program coordinator, said UNMC’s Step-Up internship program is a coordinated effort with the worksite partners to invest in the interns and intentionally provide them valuable outcomes by the end of summer.

The interns receive job shadowing, mentoring, career guidance and networking opportunities, Grixby said.

“In the short period of time that the interns are on campus, they gain soft skills training that leave them feeling empowered, inspired, connected and more confident about their career interest,” she said.   

Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources, said the department is excited to welcome the 2024 interns to UNMC.

Cunningham credited Grixby for her dedicated efforts to the program. She also thanked participating UNMC departments, saying they are mentoring future leaders while also embracing the fresh, new perspectives shared by the interns.

Said Cunningham, “Our campus remains committed to providing thoughtfully designed and impactful learning experiences for our Step-Up interns in a supportive environment that exceeds their expectations and hones their curiosity for career exploration and success.

“We encourage each of them to take full advantage of the rich opportunity, resources and connections available to them during this experience.”

Intern Randy Smith is back at UNMC for a fourth summer through the program, this time working with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Smith, who is studying psychology at Metropolitan Community College, said he was drawn by UNMC’s environment of friendly people.

“It’s great working along with people who are like-minded, driving towards a better future in technology and health care,” he said.

This summer’s interns and their departments are:

• Jennifer Esqueda, UNMC Human Resources
• Alona Wilson, UNMC Human Resources and the Office of the Chancellor
• Randy Smith, UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
• NeRae Davis, UNMC Facilities Management and Planning
• Amari Johnson, UNMC Office of Inclusion
• Mukundaha Devanaboyina, Munroe-Meyer Institute community engagement
• Ajay Repakula, Munroe-Meyer Institute Trailblazers Program and administration
• Niara Bowie-Berry, UNMC Global Center for Health Security