Amirah “Mimi” O’Neal interned at the Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas, where she gained experience working with fashion and business development in the non-profit sector.
How did you get your internship?
I was connected to my internship through my mom and my stepfather, who is the pastor of the church where I interned. They introduced me to my supervisor, and we instantly connected. I was grateful for the opportunity to be introduced in such a supportive way. This connection helped me feel more comfortable starting my internship and allowed me to build trust with my supervisor quickly. Despite my family connection, I still had to apply for the internship through a series of interviews, provide a business plan and lookbook for the ministry department.
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship because it gave me the opportunity to work with underserved women while also exploring my passion for fashion. The church’s values include creating a loving environment and community where people feel encouraged to stay, serve, grow spiritually, and are empowered to make a positive impact on the world around them. I deeply admired these values and felt connected to the people I had met through the church, which made it a great fit for me. When speaking with my supervisor, she listened to my passion, and together we explored ways to combine fashion, my interest in business, and with giving back to others. This unique blend of service and creativity made the experience both meaningful and inspiring. It also allowed me to see how my skills and interests could be used to make a difference in my community.
If you worked on a big project, describe it.
The big project I worked on was the clothing drive at the church, where we donated thousands of clothing articles to underserved women and children. I helped organize the donations by sorting items by size and condition to ensure everything was ready for distribution. We also partnered with other local organizations to reach more people in need. This project required a lot of coordination, teamwork, and communication to ensure a smooth operation. Seeing the joy and gratitude on our congregation’s faces made all the hard work worth it. It was rewarding to know that our efforts directly impacted the lives of individuals and families in our community.
What is a notable skill that you developed during this internship?
I learned how to speak up and take charge. My supervisor gave me feedback that I needed to be less passive and put myself out there more. Taking this advice to heart, I began volunteering for tasks, sharing my ideas, and stepping into leadership roles when opportunities arose. Over time, I became more confident in expressing my opinions and making decisions. This growth not only helped me contribute more to the team but also improved my ability to work independently. Overall, it taught me the value of being proactive and trusting my own voice.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The most challenging part of my internship was overcoming my shyness. In the beginning, I often felt nervous speaking up or introducing myself to new people. I worried about saying the wrong thing or not making a good impression. However, as I spent more time in my role, I pushed myself to engage in conversations, ask questions, and participate more actively in group activities. Over time, I became more comfortable and confident in my interactions. This growth not only helped me build better relationships with my team but also improved my communication skills. It taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone is necessary for both personal and professional development.
What was your favorite part of your internship?
My favorite part was being of service to others. Lighthouse Church believes in serving the community at large, and these are the same values that have been instilled in me through family. I enjoyed giving my time and talent to help others and being part of servant leadership. It was meaningful because I felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself. This experience also helped me build stronger connections with the community and the people I was serving, and allowed me to learn ethical business principles.