How Outreach and Engagement Connects to a Career in Business- Community Outreach and Digital Media Intern Amaya Murillo's Blog

Amaya helping to check participants in at our Girl Scout Tour.

Amaya working at our Moonlight on the Marsh gala.

Growing up, my family and I would always walk along the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. Because of this, when I began my first semester at Loyola Marymount University and learned about internship opportunities at the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, I immediately applied for the Community Outreach and Digital Media Internship. At the time, I had no prior knowledge of the Ballona Wetlands, had only been in Los Angeles for a few weeks, and was pursuing an accounting major, not environmental science or conservation. Still, I knew I had to seize the opportunity. I was homesick and hoped this experience could evoke the same sense of nostalgia I felt at Bolsa Chica. Additionally, I saw this internship as a chance to build new skills while exploring my interest in environmental conservation.

On my very first day, I helped out at the Latino Conservation Week event. It was a crash course in the organization’s work and gave me my first tour of the Ballona Freshwater Marsh. On the tour, I learned that the Ballona Wetlands were actually nothing like Bolsa Chica. Instead, Ballona offered such a unique mix of ecosystems, and I was amazed that such a natural space exists in a major city like Los Angeles. This first day convinced me that the organization truly impacts both the environment and the people who experience it.

Afterward, I was introduced to a variety of responsibilities, including social media management and event organization. One of the most significant projects I contributed to was the Moonlight on the Marsh Gala. Through this, I learned how a nonprofit functions, the importance of clear fundraising communication, and how to plan events that engage and inspire attendees to contribute financially. On the social media side, I learned to combine information strategically to convey the organization’s mission while also maximizing audience reach and engagement.

A Great Blue Heron flew through a tour Amaya went on!

While learning both social media and outreach were incredibly valuable and insightful, my favorite thing to do was participating in community engagement events. Witnessing people’s direct interactions with the environment and seeing their appreciation for nature, especially in a city with so few green spaces was incredibly rewarding. This internship taught me how to run an event from start to finish: organizing materials and waivers, educating participants, facilitating the event, and completing post-event tasks such as inventory and cleanup.

Although this internship was not in accounting, it offered so many transferable skills that will greatly benefit my future career. I gained experience working in a professional office setting, as well as strengthened my organizational skills and enhanced my attention to detail. I also learned from each event. From developing a more efficient system to organize the binoculars, to simplifying check ins and waiver processes, I was able to gain insights to plan and improve events while also honing my ability to identify patterns that support the Friends of Ballona Wetland’s success. Most importantly, I learned the value of clear communication, teamwork, and understanding what matters to the people involved. These skills will be essential in accounting when managing client relationships, auditing processes, or coordinating with colleagues.

A photo Amaya took while learning about community partnerships at our AARP California Tour.

My favorite aspect of the internship was seeing what a meaningful difference the organization made in people’s lives and the environment. My experiences inspired me to think about how I can integrate environmental responsibility into my future career. Whether I work for a company or start my own accounting firm, I will ensure that my work supports sustainable practices and leaves a positive impact on the world. This internship has not only enhanced my practical skills but also shaped my vision for how I can contribute to a more environmentally conscious future.