Diya Joseph
"It motivated me to stay involved with the community beyond my internship.
Supporting AfCAS has been one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences I have had, both personally and professionally."
I expected to gain hands-on experience working with a not-for-profit organisation by applying my skills in research, grant writing, and communication. I was also eager to learn more about fundraising and outreach for events. Most importantly, I wanted to be involved in meaningful work that created a clear and lasting impact for both myself and the community I am part of.
The internship was genuinely fulfilling. The team at AfCAS, especially Mary, was incredibly supportive and deeply committed to the organisation’s mission. Although the internship was short, I was given real responsibilities that led to tangible outcomes. It was rewarding to see how my work could directly contribute to improving the lives of seniors living with dementia. Learning more about AfCAS and how it supports marginalised communities helped me develop a deeper awareness of social issues in our society.
Through this experience, I learned how to identify and align grant opportunities with organisational needs, develop communication materials for outreach, and contribute to event planning with a strategic mindset. I also learned how to communicate effectively with various stakeholder groups, including volunteers, businesses, and community partners. Additionally, I gained a stronger understanding of social capital and how bonding, bridging, and linking relationships support sustainable, community-led initiatives. This helped me connect academic theory with real-world practice.
A key highlight of the internship was helping to organise Tapestry, a multicultural fundraising event co-hosted by AfCAS and UWA Sanskriti. The event featured performances from diverse cultural groups and brought people together in a meaningful way. It was incredibly rewarding to see volunteers and partners actively engaging with the event, promoting it within their networks, and supporting it by purchasing tickets. Seeing how different relationship networks function in practice and watching cultural communities unite around a shared purpose was a powerful and fulfilling moment.
Working under Mary’s mentorship left a strong impression on me. Her passion and leadership showed me what effective community engagement truly looks like. Knowing that my contribution had real-world impact, not just as an intern but as someone who supported the broader mission of AfCAS, is something I am proud of and grateful for.