Growing With Purpose: My Internship Experience
At LeadingAge PA, our communications and marketing internship provides students with hands-on experience while supporting meaningful work for Pennsylvania's aging services providers. Throughout the internship, participants develop professional skills, contribute to important projects, and gain insight into the vital role our members play in serving older adults.
We are proud to share thoughts from one of our recent interns, Noah Lopez, a graduate of Central Penn College.
It is hard to believe that my time with LeadingAge PA is already coming to an end.
When I think back to my first day in the office, I never could have imagined how much this experience would mean to me. Over the past few months, I have learned new skills, met incredible people, and gained a deeper understanding of a sector that touches the lives of so many. What began as an internship became an opportunity to learn, grow, and see firsthand the passion and purpose that drive the work being done across Pennsylvania every day.
Before starting my internship, I knew very little about aging services. Like many people, I understood the basics, but I never realized how much work happens behind the scenes to support older adults and the communities that serve them. Looking back, one of the things I am most grateful for is the chance to get a glimpse of the work and learn more about the people who make it happen.
Hands-On Experience in Communications
Throughout my internship, I worked on a variety of communications projects, including social media content, press releases, blog posts, webinar promotions, media research, and Annual Conference materials. I also gained experience working with a CRM, helping update member data and identify the service lines provided by LeadingAge PA member communities, all to improve our ability to reach and serve our members effectively.
These projects strengthened my writing, editing, and communication skills while giving me a better understanding of the strategy behind effective messaging.
Learning Beyond the Office
Some of the most memorable experiences happened outside the office.
Attending the 2026 LeadingAge PA Annual Conference gave me the opportunity to connect with professionals from across Pennsylvania and see firsthand the collaboration and innovation taking place throughout the sector. Participating in Lobby Day at the Pennsylvania Capitol helped me better understand the role advocacy plays in supporting older adults and aging services providers.
I also had the opportunity to visit Willow Valley Communities with members of the LeadingAge PA team. Seeing a member community firsthand helped me connect the work being done in the office to its impact on residents and staff every day.
A New Appreciation for Aging Services
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was gaining a new appreciation for aging services.
Throughout my internship, I learned about workforce development initiatives, leadership programs, advocacy efforts, and the many partnerships that help support providers in Pennsylvania. This experience showed me that aging services is about much more than healthcare. It is about creating communities, building relationships, and improving quality of life.
More importantly, it showed me how many dedicated people work every day to ensure older adults receive the support, dignity, and opportunities they deserve.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Perhaps the most valuable part of this experience was the people.
I would like to thank Garry Pezzano, Katie Andreano, Toshi Nelson, Seth Anthony, and the entire LeadingAge PA team for their support, guidance, and willingness to share their knowledge. Their mentorship helped me grow professionally and gave me a deeper understanding of both communications and aging services.
As I complete both my internship and my college career, I leave with new skills, new perspectives, and a much greater appreciation for the work being done throughout this sector.
There is so much more I could say about my time at LeadingAge PA, but above all else, I am grateful. Grateful for the opportunities, lessons, conversations, and people who made this experience so meaningful.
Thank you, LeadingAge PA, for an unforgettable experience.