Highlighting Our Incredible Interns This Volunteer Appreciation Month
The Arc of San Diego is proud to recognize the remarkable contributions of our interns, who play a vital role in supporting our community, during Volunteer Appreciation Month. Each year, over 15 dedicated individuals step into vital administrative roles, including Accounting, Human Resources, Marketing and Development, and Program Administration. We are immensely grateful for their dedication, expertise, and passion in empowering people with disabilities to reach their life’s goals.
Meet Cindy!
Cindy Pena's journey with The Arc of San Diego began in 2024 when she sought out a nonprofit organization to volunteer with. Drawn to The Arc's mission to support individuals with disabilities, Cindy felt inspired to contribute her time and skills to make a positive impact in the community.
As a finance and accounting intern, Cindy's role involves filing, preparing, and archiving journal entry documents, creating and maintaining an Excel spreadsheet to track company expenses, and supporting the accounting team with various administrative tasks. Through her volunteer work, Cindy has gained valuable skills in accounting, such as creating journal entries and spreadsheets, and has strengthened her attention to detail and accuracy.
"Volunteering at The Arc of San Diego has allowed me to support their mission while learning new skills at the same time," Cindy shares. She encourages anyone considering volunteering to take the leap, highlighting the supportive and patient team at The Arc.
For Cindy, the most enjoyable part of volunteering is learning new projects in the accounting department and the excitement of gaining new skills. She appreciates the opportunity to assist the accounting team whenever they need her help.
Volunteering has significantly influenced Cindy's personal and professional growth. It has helped her develop better communication and teamwork skills and expanded her knowledge of accounting processes. "This experience has boosted my confidence and opened up new opportunities for my future career," Cindy reflects.
Meet Owen!
Owen Gilgun's talent and dedication shine brightly in our marketing and development department. He joined The Arc of San Diego as a Marketing & Development Intern for the Spring 2025 semester, driven by a deep commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Owen's connection to this cause is personal, as his sister has disabilities, making his work at The Arc especially meaningful.
"I heard about The Arc of San Diego while looking for an internship. The mission and values of The Arc resonated with me well, so I was very excited to be offered to join the marketing department and assist the team with their duties," Owen shared.
Owen's role involves creating social media and blog posts, designing flyers, writing press releases, and reaching out to donors. His versatility and willingness to assist in any area make him an invaluable asset to the marketing team. One of his most memorable experiences was helping organize the "Art For All" Art show, where members of program showcase their creative talents through painting. Owen played a crucial role in cataloging and organizing the art pieces, ensuring the event's success.
"Although I am in the background facilitating projects, I feel as if my work as a volunteer adds to the whole picture when it comes to The Arc’s goal. It is a great feeling knowing that my work adds value to the community in a way that helps some of the most vulnerable individuals," Owen explained.
Through his volunteer work, Owen has gained numerous skills, including navigating various applications, improving his design skills with tools like Canva, and learning the importance of collaboration in an office environment. His advice to potential volunteers is to find a role and organization that they are passionate about, as this will bring out the best in them and create incredible memories.
"The thing that I enjoy most about volunteering with The Arc is the dedication of all of the employees. Everyone seems to be passionate about what they are doing, and I believe that everyone is doing important work that helps the organization thrive," Owen said.
Volunteering at The Arc has not only allowed Owen to give back to the community but has also positively influenced his personal and professional growth. His contributions have created a lasting impact, and his story is a testament to the power of volunteerism in making a difference.
Meet Isadora!
Isadora Casetta's creativity and dedication are a driving force in our marketing and development department. She joined The Arc of San Diego as a Marketing & Development Intern in 2025, inspired by the organization's mission and the positive impact it has on the community.
Isadora discovered The Arc of San Diego through her school's internship platform. After learning more about the organization, she was captivated by its mission and the meaningful work it does. "I’ve always been passionate about using creativity and communication to help others, so when I saw that The Arc offered opportunities in marketing and development, it felt like a perfect fit," Isadora shared.
In her role, Isadora supports various projects, including social media, events, blog posts, and fundraising efforts. She has also contributed to marketing planning, coordinating advertising campaigns, press releases and assisting with storytelling initiatives that highlight the organization's impact. Her dedication and innovative ideas have been invaluable to our team.
One of Isadora's most memorable experiences was the Art for All event. "Seeing the joy on participants' faces and being part of something that celebrated creativity and inclusion was powerful. It reminded me why I chose to be part of this organization," she recalled.
Isadora believes her volunteer work has made a significant difference in the community. By amplifying the voices and stories of clients through social media, campaigns, and events, she helps build a stronger connection between The Arc and the community. "It’s rewarding to support efforts that promote inclusion, awareness, and celebration of every individual’s potential," she said.
![IMG 1475[1]](https://www.arc-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_14751.jpg "IMG 1475[1]")
Through her work, Isadora has honed her marketing and communication skills, particularly in social media strategy, content creation, and using various platforms essential in the marketing field. She has also gained confidence in event planning, working with different teams, and adapting to fast-paced environments.
Isadora encourages others to consider volunteering, emphasizing its personal and professional benefits. "Volunteering is one of the most fulfilling ways to grow both personally and professionally. You not only gain experience, but you also get to be part of something bigger than yourself. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone; you’ll be surprised by how much you can learn and contribute," she advised. What Isadora enjoys most about volunteering with The Arc is the people. "Everyone at The Arc is so welcoming, passionate, and driven by the mission. They’ve helped me grow and learn so much throughout this experience. It’s an inspiring environment where you genuinely feel like your work matters," she expressed.
Volunteering has profoundly influenced Isadora's personal and professional growth. "It’s strengthened my sense of purpose and helped me discover how I want to make an impact through marketing. It’s made me a more empathetic communicator and a more confident professional," she reflected.
Isadora is grateful for the opportunity to be part of The Arc of San Diego. "It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to keep learning, contributing, and growing with the team," she concluded.
