Julia Verklan

“As a freshman at the University of Michigan, I joined the student newspaper — The Michigan Daily — not knowing that it would front me with the importance of independent student journalism as well as the monetary and access constraints that affect newsrooms across the country and within local communities like Detroit. Interning for Coaching Detroit Forward, therefore, was not just a way for me to explore my creative passions through creating social media graphics and pitch decks, but also a way to connect with and empower the next generation of journalists and photographers. Stephanie, the coaches and the students that I learned from both professionally and interpersonally that summer helped me grow into leadership positions throughout my next three years of undergrad and land editorial/marketing internships the following summers. And now, after graduating and moving from Michigan this past year, I look back fondly on that experience, the people I met and how much the camp has thrived since!”