By Carrie Nolan-Robson | Northside North Shore Chamber Exec. Director
This summer, the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of hosting an intern from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), as part of the Local Government Academy’s (LGA) Municipal Intern Program. The internship came at a time when federal funding changes disrupted many traditional opportunities for public service internships. Recognizing the disruption, the Local Government Academy — an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence in local government — partnered with GSPIA to match students with community-based organizations across the region to address this gap. The Local Government Academy, in collaboration with GSPIA, launched an Internship Support Program. This program was designed to help students who lost access to federally funded internships, offering them a chance to work in local government and community- based organizations across Pittsburgh.
Through this initiative, students passionate about public service were placed in roles where they could apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges while gaining experience in public service, nonprofit management, and project coordination at the grass roots level. For Hazell Flores, the program provided a unique opportunity to work at the Chamber, contributing to community initiatives and gaining hands-on experience. Serving as the Chamber’s Research and Development Intern, Hazell Flores played a pivotal role in supporting key initiatives that strengthen Northside businesses and neighborhoods. From grant writing to strategic research, her work has helped propel the Chamber’s mission during this critical time of growth.
We sat down with Flores to hear about her experience firsthand:
Q&A with Hazell Flores, Research and Development Intern
Q: Can you start by telling us about your role at The Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce and how you became interested in this internship?
A: I’m currently serving as a Research and Development Intern at the Northside | North Shore Chamber of Commerce. I found this opportunity through the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) and the Local Government Academy, which supports summer internships that connect students with community organizations. I was drawn to the Chamber’s mission of strengthening local businesses and neighborhoods, and I saw this internship as a chance to contribute meaningfully while building skills in nonprofit development, community engagement, and economic research.
Q: What are some of the key tasks or responsibilities you have in your role?
A: My main responsibilities include supporting the Chamber’s grant writing efforts, conducting research on funding opportunities, and developing internal resources that can streamline operations. I’m also working on data collection and analysis to support creating the Chamber’s first annual report and member engagement strategies. These tasks are giving me a firsthand look at how community-focused organizations manage their growth and impact — skills that are directly tied to my academic and professional goals in public policy and development.
Q: Can you walk us through a recent project you’ve worked on?
A: I am currently working on developing a grant proposal for the General Marketing to Attract Tourists Fund, which supports initiatives that draw visitors to Pennsylvania communities. The Chamber’s proposal centers on a tourism and storytelling campaign that highlights the Northside’s history, culture, and creative energy. I’ve been responsible for helping reshape the narrative, gather supporting materials, and prepare the application package. It’s been a rewarding challenge that has pushed me to think strategically about place-based marketing and how to articulate the value of local assets.
Q: How do you collaborate with the team on your projects?
A: I work fairly independently on most tasks, but I regularly check in with my supervisor, Carrie Nolan-Robson, to ensure alignment and get feedback. The environment is collaborative and supportive. I’ve also had the opportunity to attend meetings and contribute ideas alongside full-time staff. This balance between autonomy and mentorship has been one of the highlights of the experience.
Q: What skills or knowledge have you gained so far that you didn’t expect to?
A: One unexpected but invaluable skill I’ve been developing is networking. The Chamber hosts regular events for local businesses to connect, and I’ve been invited to attend several, including Coffee & Contacts and a community night with the Pirates. These experiences have helped me build confidence in professional settings and meet people working across many sectors in Pittsburgh. I’ve also gained practical knowledge in tourism development and grant writing, especially how storytelling can be used to support economic goals.
Q: Have you faced any challenges during your internship, and how have you overcome them?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been working within a tight eight-week timeline while aiming to produce deliverables that are thoughtful, adaptable, and useful for the Chamber’s long-term goals. With limited time, I’ve had to quickly prioritize, plan ahead, and break larger projects into manageable pieces. Staying organized, checking in regularly for feedback, and being flexible when new priorities come up have all been essential strategies. This experience has taught me how to manage multiple moving parts on a deadline without compromising on quality.
Q: In what ways does your internship align with your long-term career goals?
A: This internship aligns closely with my goal of working in community-centered development and public policy. I want to continue supporting organizations that build equity and opportunity at the local level. Being able to contribute to a Chamber that is both strategic and deeply rooted in its neighborhood has reinforced my commitment to that path.
Q: What advice would you give to other students who are looking for internships in the same field?
A: Be open to learning from small, community-based organizations — they often offer hands-on experiences and greater responsibility than larger institutions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, propose ideas, or take ownership of a project. The more proactive and communicative you are, the more rewarding the internship will be.
Q: What’s next for you after completing this internship?
A: After finishing the internship, I’ll be heading into my final year at GSPIA. I plan to continue focusing on equitable economic development and hope to pursue a role in policy research or nonprofit strategy after graduation. This internship has definitely given me both inspiration and tools for the next steps in that journey.
The Chamber’s participation in the Local Government Academy’s Internship Support Program offered a unique opportunity to engage with the next generation of public service professionals while advancing meaningful work that will have long-term impact. Flores’ contributions — from grant proposals to internal development tools — will help position the Chamber for continued success and deeper community engagement.
This partnership also highlighted the strength of collaboration, including support from fellow Chamber member Local Government Academy (LGA), whose work made this connection possible. By bridging academic learning with hands-on civic experience, this internship exemplifies how thoughtful partnerships can generate real benefits for local organizations and future leaders alike.
