Anna Nowakowski and Devin Kirby have been working 12 to 20 hours a week at the Urban Ecology Center for academic credit and the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes operations of our center. In the process, they have become invaluable members of the visitor services operations at Riverside Park!
Anna Nowakowski has previously worked in the Milwaukee County Parks and is currently majoring in communications with a minor in art at Cardinal Stritch. She wanted to do her internship here because she was looking for an opportunity to work in a job that was more customer service focused, but not so different from her previous experience in the county parks. She hopes to someday work in an environmental field. Says Anna, “I want to make a physical difference in the surrounding areas wherever I may live, but also encourage others to enjoy their space as well and know that it’s actually there.”
Anna, UEC's Visitor Services intern, lends her artistic talent to Riverside Park's chalkboard door
As part of her internship, Anna has relied on her artistic eye to “spruce things up” around the center, including drawing weekly updates on our chalkboard door, creating a clear check-out system for our AV equipment, and updating the interpretive signage around the building. She has also been trained as a receptionist, greeting visitors to the center on Tuesday evenings, answering phones, and directing questions, all while keeping the coffee and baked goods stocked.
Anna’s favorite part about her internship is being a part of the Urban Ecology Center community and feeling like she is an important member of the team (which she is!) When not greeting visitors at the reception desk, or in class learning Spanish, she can be found walking dogs throughout the neighborhoods of Milwaukee. “I walk many, many dogs but do not have one of my own yet, so borrowing is the only option for now.”
Devin Kirby is a business major with a certificate in energy and sustainability, and this is the third nonprofit organization he has worked for. He chose to pursue his internship at the Urban Ecology Center because it is closely aligned with his interests in the business side of working at a nonprofit, especially one that is focused on the environment and sustainability.
UEC Visitor Services intern Devin greeting guests at our Riverside Park branch
While at the Urban Ecology Center, Devin can be found all over the building. He has done a lot of work with our equipment lending program, tuning up equipment displays, taking inventory, and helping members check out and return equipment. Like Anna, Devin works regularly at our reception desk, where he has found the opportunity to fine-tune his socialization skills, whether that is speaking to visitors in person or over the phone. Devin also enjoys making sure the lobby is a welcome, inviting place by keeping the coffee and baked goods stocked and always being up-to-date on the latest happenings in the center to share with our visitors.
Says Devin, “I like the environment of the center and how peaceful and inviting it is. The environment is very comfortable, not tense or nervous, even when you’re working!” Outside of the Urban Ecology Center, Devin enjoys reading and learning about all sorts of “random” topics, including emerging technology, astronomical events, and, in his words, “maybe even some conspiracy theories.”
If you come into the center at Riverside Park before the spring semester is up, you may see Anna drawing a frog on the chalkboard door, or Devin checking out board games to some kids. We are certainly lucky to have them here with this spring!
