Building a Future: How Elevate+ Helped Neema David Turn Challenge into Purpose

April 14, 2025

In her young life, Neema David has overcome a lot. In her childhood, her family escaped the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo and lived in a refugee camp in Uganda before eventually immigrating to Cleveland, Ohio. Her small stature belies her fierce determination, evidenced by Neema learning English (on top of several other languages she already spoke), adjusting to a new culture, and supporting her family. As a student at Cleveland State University, Neema was also working as a caregiver and volunteering in her community. Her journey continued through the Elevate+ internship program, where she was matched with nonprofit Global Cleveland and received dedicated mentorship and hands-on experience. As a participant in the program, Neema immersed herself in all it offered, gaining invaluable insights and honing essential skills.

A woman in a black jacket is smiling for the camera.

As an Outreach Coordinator at Global Cleveland, Neema connected with diverse communities as she supported the organization’s mission of bringing opportunities to international people. "My day-to-day responsibilities included organizing outreach events, building relationships with local and international groups, and assisting with program development. I also conducted research on community needs and collaborated with team members to design initiatives that promote inclusivity and engagement," she told us.

“The skills I developed in communication, project management, and community engagement have enabled me to take on more responsibilities and be more confident in my abilities. These achievements are directly tied to the mentorship and growth I experienced with Elevate+." - Neema

Reflecting on her time with Elevate+, Neema emphasized the significance of the professional development resources that Elevate+ offered. "The training sessions provided me with practical skills like effective communication, project management, and leadership strategies that I continue to use. The speaker series was incredibly inspiring, as hearing from accomplished professionals helped me envision my own career path and identify steps to achieve my goals." She also enjoyed the networking events, which expanded her perspective and opened doors to new opportunities. "Overall, these resources gave me the confidence and tools to navigate my career journey with purpose and ambition."

The Elevate+ programming equipped her with knowledge that bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world application. It also influenced her academic studies and professional goals. "Working with Global Cleveland gave me a clearer understanding of how I can apply my International Relations studies to promote community engagement and global connectivity. It inspired me to pursue a career in nonprofit or public sector work, focusing on creating programs that support immigrants and marginalized groups. The hands-on experience reinforced the importance of cultural competence and leadership, motivating me to take additional courses in cross-cultural communication and public policy. This internship also deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact in my community, shaping my long-term vision for advocacy and service."

Neema’s time at Global Cleveland was instrumental in her professional and personal growth. She gained firsthand experience in outreach and community engagement, which strengthened her confidence and leadership abilities. As she reflects on this experience, Neema is particularly grateful to her Global Cleveland colleagues. "The whole team made a lasting impression on me, but especially my mentor and supervisor, Evan Chwalek. He was incredibly supportive and guided me through every step of my internship. I still reach out to him because of the lasting impact he had on my development. His insights, advice, and encouragement made a huge difference in how I approached my work and how I viewed my career path. His mentorship truly helped shape my confidence and leadership skills, and I’m grateful for the ongoing support."

Neema's journey has continued to progress, reflecting her ongoing dedication and growth. She recently received the Top Performer award by ComForCare, where she has continued to work as a care giver to the elderly. In the fall, she will begin graduate school to pursue a Master of Public Administration degree. She added, "Since my internship with Elevate+, I’ve successfully secured additional volunteer leadership roles and networking opportunities that I attribute to the experiences I gained through the program.”

Neema's journey through life was already impressive but the Elevate+ internship program underscores the profound impact of structured mentorship, practical experience, and community support in shaping the careers of emerging professionals. After overcoming language barriers and adjusting to a new culture, she went on to building leadership skills and professional confidence. Her experience demonstrates the power of resilience and opportunity. Her story serves as an inspiration to others seeking to make a meaningful difference in the world.

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Intern: Neema David

Internship: Global Cleveland, 2024

Currently: Senior attending Cleveland State University

You can connect with Neema on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neema-david-58315521b/

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Showing Up Is Only the First Step

By Aguie Barrantes • July 8, 2026

Walking into a networking event alone is not exactly comfortable. I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't sure I belonged there. But somewhere between the first conversation and the second, that feeling changed. This summer, as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ , I've learned that internships are about much more than completing projects. Managing and developing the Intern Spotlight posts, creating social media content, and building a content calendar and other marketing materials, including this blog post, have strengthened my organization, creativity, and communication skills. My biggest takeaway has been that building a personal brand starts before anyone is watching . Outside of Elevate+, one of my professors from Seton Hall introduced me to the opportunity to attend a two-day networking event at Next League. While I was nervous at first, I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone . Connecting with students and professionals across the sports industry showed there isn't one path to success. Alongside Elevate+, I’ve also balanced two other part-time jobs with FC Motown and Momento. Whether it’s working long hours in the summer heat or adjusting to unexpected changes during a live event, I’ve learned that success comes from being adaptable and thinking on the fly. These experiences have shown me that the most valuable growth happens when you’re willing to step up and show up , regardless of the circumstances. Looking back on the first half of the summer, I’ve realized that my biggest growth hasn't come from checking projects off a list. It's come from putting myself in unfamiliar situations, asking questions, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating . As I head into the second half of the summer, my goal is to be more intentional about following up with the professionals I meet. I've had the opportunity to connect with many people, but I want those conversations to turn into meaningful, lasting relationships. Showing up is only the first step; following up is what makes a connection memorable .