St. Thomas University senior Kiley Golberg recently joined GN-IP as our development and special events intern. During her tenure at GN-IP, Kiley is supporting the planning and implementation of the 2022 Benefit for Innocence along with other critical advancement processes to support GN-IP’s mission.
Great North Innocence Project: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from and what school are you attending?
Kiley Golberg: I grew up in Owatonna, MN, and just started my senior year at the University of St. Thomas where I’m studying Business Management and Justice & Peace Studies with a minor in Political Science. Since starting my education at the University of St. Thomas, I’ve become very passionate about social justice work, especially issues dealing with the criminal justice system.
GN-IP: How did you learn about the Great North Innocence Project & why were you interested in being an intern with us?
KG: I learned about the Great North Innocence Project when I was researching internships that involved justice work for a Justice & Peace Studies degree requirement. The thing that really intrigued me about the Great North Innocence Project and the reason I really wanted to intern here was because of the mission statement and commitment to justice. I think the work that GN-IP does, actively advocating for change while educating others to understand and fight injustices in the justice system, is really cool and something that I wanted to have the opportunity to be a part of.
GN-IP: What are you most excited about doing or learning while an intern with us?
KG: I have some experience volunteering at nonprofits, but nothing as immersive as this internship, so I’m really excited to be able to learn more about the different functions of a nonprofit and the skills needed to successfully support its development.
GN-IP: What about work in development and/or events is most interesting to you? What previous experience do you have working in these areas?
KG: The part that’s most interesting to me about work in development and events is the way they’re able to bring people together, especially over important issues and topics such as innocence work. Last spring, I had the opportunity to plan and facilitate a world café event at the University of St. Thomas where we brought together around 400 faculty, staff, and volunteers to have a conversation on the important issue of Settler Colonialism.
GN-IP: What are your plans or goals after the internship concludes?
KG: After the internship concludes, I plan to finish and graduate college this December. My plans after college aren’t set yet, but I hope to continue doing justice work and giving back to the community somehow.