Celebrating Our Intern, Olivia Justice: A Summer Full of Impact
- destiny8260
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
By Olivia Justice & Destiny Glee
This summer, Suited for Change was delighted to welcome Olivia Justice to our team as a summer intern. From the very beginning, Olivia brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a willingness to learn, supporting our programs, connecting with clients, and lending a hand wherever needed. Here’s Olivia’s reflection on her time with us:
"One of the most impactful things a person can do is advocate for a community they do not belong to, and service work is one of the many avenues through which we can do so. This summer I had the opportunity to intern with Suited for Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and economic independence through providing them with professional attire and career coaching.
I entered my internship knowing that I loved storytelling but was still uncertain about how I could use that passion to advance the organization’s mission. I quickly realized that the answer was obvious; photography, videography, and communications overall became great ways to share their vision. For me, writing and content creation are about more than documenting what happens in a room—they are about capturing the stories within those moments and using them to move people. Over the course of the summer, I was entrusted with helping tell Suited for Change’s story. From photographing stylists and career coaches in action, stepping into those roles myself, developing media releases, curating a photo gallery, to eventually producing an entire client spotlight video from concept to completion, I was given the opportunity to create work whose impact would extend beyond the length of my internship.
Communications in the nonprofit sector is a nuanced field. There is a delicate balance between advancing an organization’s mission, preserving the agency of the people whose stories you are entrusted to tell, and creating a compelling call to action with the sociopolitical setting in which your audience exists. I came to understand that balance most clearly through the writing and production of my client spotlight video. College taught me a great deal about communications, specifically Political Communication, but I quickly learned that the real world may be the most important exam I have ever taken. I entered my six-week internship knowing that I wanted to conduct a client interview, but no textbook could tell me how to find the “perfect subject”.
I learned that a powerful story is not something you manufacture; it is something you learn to recognize. That required me to listen closely, ask better questions, and allow the direction of the story to change based on what my client was willing to share. As her interview unfolded, I realized that her experience at Suited for Change was about more than professional clothing. Her story touched on life transitions, empowerment, and the importance of feeling heard. My responsibility was not to force those experiences into the narrative beforehand, but to preserve her voice while finding the larger message within it.
That process fundamentally changed the way I think about storytelling. In nonprofit communications, the people we feature are not content and their experiences are not marketing tools. Effective storytelling requires intention and empathy: knowing when to dive deeper, what details belong in the final story, and how to inspire an audience to act without taking ownership of someone else’s experience. Under the guidance of our Program Manager, Savannah Brown, I was able to practice these skills in the best classroom I’ve sat in—our boutique! There is something incredibly powerful about someone believing in you and what you’re capable of while still challenging you to take it one level higher. Suited for Change’s staff and volunteers alike share this trait, and this creates an environment that begets bright ideas and boundless energy.
I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Suited for Change family, including the staff, volunteers, clients, and board members, for allowing me to join such a special organization. I have truly enjoyed every moment of shooting, styling, tabling, writing, chit-chatting, and serving my community. I am especially grateful to Program Manager, Savannah Brown, for her guidance, trust, and willingness to give my ideas room to grow. Being encouraged not only to observe, but to experiment, and take ownership of projects made this experience invaluable. I am immensely grateful for the mentorship from the entire team, including Savannah, Destiny, Natalie, and Liz.
Although six weeks went by quickly, the lessons, relationships, and memories I gained at Suited for Change will remain with me well beyond this summer. I leave with a stronger understanding of the communicator I want to become, greater confidence in the skills I possess, and an even deeper appreciation for service-centered work. More than anything, I leave grateful to have found a space where my passions for storytelling, creativity, and service could exist together."
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Note from Suited for Change:
Olivia, thank you for making your summer with Suited for Change so special! We’re grateful for the creativity, positivity, and care you brought to our boutique and to the women we serve. It was wonderful having you as part of our team, and we’re excited to see all that’s ahead for you. Please join us in wishing Olivia continued success on her journey! 💐✨
About Internships at Suited for Change
If you’re interested in entering the nonprofit sphere once you graduate from college, consider applying for an internship here at Suited for Change! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.
Stay connected with Suited for Change by following us on social media @suitedforchange, and signing up for our Monthly Newsletter for additional updates.
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