Intern Alum Appointed to Board

Elevate to Even+ • May 3, 2024

India Charles appointed to the Elevate to Even Plus Board of Trustees

The Elevate to Even Plus Board of Trustees is delighted to announce the election of India Charles to the board effective immediately. As a dedicated advocate for social welfare and an undergraduate student at the University of Eastern Connecticut majoring in Social Work, Ms. Charles is poised to bring a valuable stakeholder perspective and an infusion of energetic leadership to the board.

A woman wearing glasses and a red floral shirt is smiling.

While studying Social Work at CT State Three Rivers College, India was part of the inaugural Elevate to Even Plus internship program in Eastern Connecticut. Her exceptional commitment was recognized as an intern with the New London Homeless Hospitality Center (NLHHC), leading to a part-time position as a Tenant Representative for UniteCT at NLHHC. This role highlighted her dedication and capabilities, earning her a commendable recommendation from her manager at NLHHC and aiding her successful transfer to Eastern Connecticut University.

Since then, India has been an active alumna supporter of Elevate to Even Plus while demonstrating impressive leadership and guidance skills. India has also served as a part-time Food Pantry Assistant at FRESH New London, underscoring her commitment to community service. Recognized for her potential, India’s nomination was enthusiastically endorsed by Higher Edge, our intern talent sourcing partner in New London, for her leadership and personal experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome India Charles to our board,” said Stacey Slater, Board Chair. “India’s rich background in social work, her prior experience as an intern, and her profound understanding of community needs make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her fresh perspective and proactive approach will be crucial as we continue to serve underserved students in each of the communities where we operate.”

India also expressed her enthusiasm about joining the board, “I am deeply honored to serve on the board of Elevate to Even Plus. I personally benefited from the internships it facilitates, and this is a great opportunity to give back. I am eager to help advance its mission and support our community in Eastern Connecticut and beyond.”

India’s election comes at a pivotal time for Elevate to Even Plus as we seek to enhance our outreach and social equity impact. Her role as a trustee promises to strengthen our mission and expand our impact nationally.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Why Elevate+ Matters to Me

By Dr. Marilú Marcillo • August 17, 2026

By Elevate+ Board Member Marilú Marcillo

Building More Than Internships

By Carolyn Parelli • August 11, 2026

How Elevate+ Turns Workplace Experience into Career Readiness

A Summer of Showing Up

By Aguie Barrantes • August 5, 2026

An Intern's Perspective on Professional and Personal Growth

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 .

Elevate+ Welcomes Alumna Cyreema Marshall as Organizational Effectiveness Consultant

By Andrew Walker • May 20, 2026

Newark, NJ native and Emory University graduate returns to Elevate+ after two prior internships and continued leadership with the organization’s Role Model Series