Jenna Baron is a 2014-2015 PULSE alumnae. In this interview she discusses her experiences in PULSE in regards to creating community, developing leadership skills, serving in Pittsburgh.
What about the PULSE program was attractive to you? Was there anything about it that surprised you?
I had only lived in Pittsburgh as a Pitt student, so I was excited that PULSE would give me the opportunity to experience the city in a new, professional way.
What was the best part of your PULSE experience?
The best part of the experience was living with the 3 other fellows at Beatty house. We had a lot of late nights reminiscing on our college days and freaking out together about our next steps in life. I’m still so grateful for those memories and our friendship.
How were you impacted by your PULSE experience?
The opportunity to work at the United Way was invaluable. I continued working there for 2 years after my PULSE year and I got to learn so much about non-profits, grant making, and collaborating with partners. I also made a lot of really close friends who help me on regular basis with running ARYSE.
How did PULSE prepare you for what you are doing now?
I’m the executive director of an organization called Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education. We organize programs that support immigrant and refugee youth living in Allegheny County. As an ED of a start-up organization, I pretty much do everything – development and fundraising, program development and management, financial management, and establishing a foundation and culture for the organization that reflects our values.
Story by PULSE. Read more Alumni Stories.