Meet Our Summer Interns

The Aim Higher team welcomes three Frassati interns from the University of Notre Dame to work on special projects for seven weeks this summer.

As a part of a partnership with the University of Notre Dame, the Aim Higher Foundation is thrilled to welcome summer interns, Emma Vales, Spencer Cole and Danny Roemer, from the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Frassati Internship.  “Our mission is greatly enhanced with the talent and enthusiasm this trio brings to the foundation this summer. It is apparent these young professionals will make a significant impact in just a few short weeks,” shares Claire Buethe, Director of Advancement, Donor Relations.

We asked Emma, Spencer, and Danny to share a little bit about themselves and the work they are doing at Aim Higher this summer.

What are you currently studying at Notre Dame, and where are you from?
Emma: Marketing and English with a minor in theology. I’m from Morristown, New Jersey.
Spencer: Science-Business with a minor in history. I’m from Modesto, California.
Danny: Business Analytics and History. I’m from a suburb of Chicago.

How has Catholic education shaped who you are?
Emma: I’ve grown up Catholic, but started attending an all-girls Catholic school in high school. Since then, I’ve become very invested in my faith, thanks to taking theology classes, experiencing Mass as a community with my classmates, and starting each class period in prayer. I felt that being grounded in my faith each day really helped me succeed in high school. Notre Dame has provided me with that same sense of community rooted in faith.
Spencer: I went to public school K-8 and then I went to a Catholic high school. Through a Catholic education I was able to receive different opportunities and experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, like attending Notre Dame. These opportunities were supported through the values of a Catholic education.
Danny: I went to public school K-12, but regularly attended Sunday School up until 8th grade.  These classes were an important add-on to going to mass services, as they taught me more about what we prayed for and why. Notre Dame is my first encounter with Catholic education.

What drew you to work with the Aim Higher Foundation?
Emma: One of my best friends at Notre Dame was a Frassati Intern last summer in Chicago. I loved hearing about her great experiences living in community and being a part of something bigger than yourself by working with a Catholic nonprofit organization. Because my Catholic faith and education is so important to me, I felt called to do the same this summer. The mission of Aim Higher aligns with my own values, which made me really excited to work here this summer.
Spencer: After seeing firsthand the benefits of a Catholic education, I wanted to pursue a role where I can help provide a similar opportunity. When I learned of Aim Higher, I grew passionate about their mission, and I hope to play a part in allowing children to attend Catholic schools.
Danny: I knew several people who have worked as Frassati interns and really enjoyed their time with their organizations, so I wanted to experience it for myself.  As for Aim Higher specifically, it sounded like an excellent opportunity to explore the data analytics field in a professional setting.  I also appreciated that Aim Higher is more concerned with the social good than other institutions, so I know my work will be for the benefit of others.

What work are you doing for Aim Higher this summer?
Emma: I am one of the Advancement Interns this summer, which means that I will be connecting with school leaders and families that work with the Aim Higher Foundation to learn more about their stories and what Catholic education means to them. We hope to be able to share these stories with the greater Minneapolis-St.Paul community to highlight the impact that Aim Higher has on its Catholic schools and families.
Spencer: As the other Advancement Intern, I am taking on a unique fundraising project. I will be setting up a memorial giving program so that the Twin Cities community can donate to the Aim Higher Foundation in memory of a loved one.
Danny: I am the Data and Operations Intern this summer, and I am in charge of tracking data from Aim Higher alumni and analyzing that information to see how the organization has impacted their recipients.  By the end of the summer, I hope to be able to clearly illustrate how AHF scholarships improve education for those in the Twin Cities area.

What do you hope to do post-graduation?
Emma: As of right now, I’m very interested in working in impact consulting. I would love to be able to use creative solutions to solve business problems that affect the world.
Spencer: I am a pre-med student and I hope to attend medical school. Between graduation and med school, I would love to take a couple gap years and join the ACE program at Notre Dame where I can teach in a Catholic school.
Danny: I hope to go to law school after graduation and work towards becoming a lawyer.  I want to help people for a living, and for me, the law is the best way to do so.

What is something you’re hoping to do in Minnesota this summer?
Emma: I’m a big fan of Minnesota sports teams because my dad grew up here! Seeing a Twins game would be awesome.
Spencer: I hope to explore the nature of Minnesota and make my way to plenty of lakes.
Danny: I would love to spend a day seeing the Mall of America.  I would not necessarily buy anything, but I could definitely just spend hours walking around and browsing everything it has to offer.

What is a fun fact about yourself?
Emma: I share a birthday with my mom.
Spencer: I have a twin sister.
Danny: I’ve been to 3 continents.

We are deeply grateful for our summer interns’ joyful presence and significant impacts.