Proud to Be a Part of the MHH Team
By MHH Intern Francesca Feodorov, University of Maryland College Park Smith School of Business, Senior Finance Major and University of Maryland Varsity Tennis Team Member
My summer internship with My Heart's Home (MHH) was exciting and unforgettable. Beyond being my first formal working experience (outside of sporadic volunteer work), it was the first time I had workmates, tasks, deadlines, and real responsibilities. This was a new chapter for me, where I could apply what I had studied while being part of something bigger than myself. I knew that MHH's mission wasn't just about individual success but about creating meaningful change for entire communities.
Through this internship, I learned that finance has the power to transform lives—not just for individual profit or well-being, but for the collective good of an entire community. Finance can be the connection between an idea, a dream, and the hope to build something real. It's about making those dreams come true through commitment and tangible action. At MHH, I saw how this process comes to life, turning hope into a real, measurable change in people's lives.
Throughout the summer, I took on many important responsibilities – grant writing, fundraising, donor outreach, and maintaining MHH's donor database. These were more than tasks; they were steps toward fulfilling the mission we have at MHH, a mission centered around making a lasting difference. Each action I took played a role in furthering the change we aim to make in the lives of those we support.
Working alongside Lisa was one of the most impactful parts of my internship. She isn't just a leader – she is an inspiration. Lisa's dedication to MHH's mission is unmatched, and she leads with a sense of purpose that I admire deeply. She's not just a boss but a friend and colleague whose influence and respect come from her unwavering commitment to the cause. Her story of why she started MHH is something I'll always carry with me, and it has shaped the way I see leadership and the kind of leader I want to become. Lisa's influence has shown me how dedication and passion can inspire those around you, and I hope to embrace that kind of leadership in my own career.
One of the standout moments of this experience was our first meeting at the Annapolis farm where groups of adults with various disabilities were working hard with some assistants to plant vegetables and flowers. They were also caring for adorable goats, pigs, and chickens. Surrounded by nature, away from the daily responsibilities, we bonded as a team. It wasn't just a break – it was a moment to reflect on how our work fits into the larger picture. The time spent at the farm helped deepen my connection to MHH's mission and made me realize the value of collaboration and community in our work.
In the end, my internship with MHH wasn't just about learning how to perform tasks or gain professional skills. It was about understanding how finance when applied with purpose, can be a force for good in the world. This experience has shaped how I view my career and how I want to continue using my finance background to support causes that make a difference. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing my work with MHH through the fall, building on the lessons I've learned.
*MHH Note: We were fortunate to meet Francesca as a result of the support provided to us by the University of Maryland Athletic Department’s Maryland MADE INTERPship Program this summer. Her work was incredible, so we hired her as our intern this Fall.