Before joining Elevate+, Francisco Velez was attending college while working part-time with a very busy schedule. "I was balancing multiple responsibilities. I worked as a construction laborer while also attending school full-time as a Business Administration major. I also served as an assistant wrestling coach." He took something away from all of these experiences - the value of hard work, dedication, and community engagement, but, he added, "I was eager to gain professional experience that aligned with my interests in business administration."



Francisco recognized that practical work experience would improve his chances of working in his preferred field. "The inspiration to apply for this internship came from my desire to build a meaningful career and connect with mentors who could guide me," Francisco shared. His decision to join the Elevate+ program would prove to be a pivotal step in his career journey.

During his time with Elevate+, Francisco interned at Destination Cleveland , the non-profit destination marketing and management organization for Cuyahoga County, where he played an essential role in supporting its Human Resources, IT, Operations, and Finance functions. "My day-to-day responsibilities included collaborating with HR, Operations, IT, and Finance teams on various projects, applying analytical skills to interpret survey data, and supporting strategic planning," he explained. "I also assisted in developing renovation plans and led sustainability efforts by promoting recycling and paperless processes while handling confidential information." His work directly contributed to the organization’s success and mission. "As someone from Cleveland, this project resonated deeply with me because I saw how these changes could reduce waste and benefit the community I call home," he said.

While the Elevate+ internship ended in August, Destination Cleveland asked Francisco to stay on, working through the following December.

The professional development resources offered by Elevate+ were transformative for Francisco. "The training sessions and networking events taught me how to present myself professionally and build meaningful connections," he noted. These skills became invaluable as he began networking with industry professionals and exploring future career opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey, Francisco credits Elevate+ with providing the foundation for his success. " Elevate+ was the launchpad for my career journey. It gave me the confidence to navigate professional environments and the tools to excel in them," he said. He was also grateful to be able to earn money over the summer while gaining transferable skills, something made possible by Elevate+ donors who help fund internship wages.

The summer following his Elevate+ internship, Francisco moved on to intern with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Francisco also credits his internship experience with helping him secure a position in a rotational program at CINTAS after graduation, a milestone he is particularly proud of. "Elevate+ opened doors I didn’t even know existed," Francisco emphasized.

Francisco’s advice to future interns is simple but impactful: "Take full advantage of every opportunity the program offers. Ask questions, connect with mentors, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone."

Today, Francisco continues to apply the skills he developed during his internship in his professional role. He remains passionate about leveraging his business expertise to make a difference in his community. "Elevate+ is more than a program; it’s a community that equips you with the resources and connections to achieve your goals," he said.

Francisco’s journey from a student seeking guidance to a professional making an impact is a testament to the power of opportunity and mentorship. His story underscores how Elevate+ helps young professionals unlock their potential and create meaningful careers.