Fellows pose outside the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond at the end of VCN Partner Intern & Fellow Day.

Virginia Conservation Network recently hosted its second Intern & Fellow Day at the VCN office in Richmond, bringing together interns and fellows from across our Network. This event allowed us to create bonds and strengthen friendships across VCN by blending education, networking, and firsthand exploration of Virginia’s conservation landscape.

See the highlights of our Intern & Fellow Day below!

Our Environmental Leadership Fellows, Pooja, Sophie, Emily, and I-Kamilah, kicked off the day with an introduction to VCN, explaining VCN’s mission and role within Virginia’s environmental community. This presentation also provided context to fellows and interns on the importance of collaboration among the VCN Network to ensure a coordinated conservation movement. 

Afterwards, interns and fellows enjoyed some fun networking activities, led by Environmental Leadership Fellows, Ren, Gauri, and Bailey. These activities  gave everyone a chance to get to know each other and connect! This networking hour fostered new friendships and boosted the collaborative spirit that drives our work.

Next, VCN fellows kicked off VCN’s fourth annual Summer Speaker Series with its first session: Setting Up for Success, Professionalism in the Environmental Sector. Three past VCN Fellows, Finn Pollard, Andreana Lin, and Tytus Suchotinunt, joined us virtually to share their insights and experiences as professionals in the environmental sector. The interns and fellows found the tips and encouraging words of these speakers valuable and a highlight of the day. 

Finally, our day culminated with a guided Capitol tour, where interns and fellows got a behind-the-scenes look at Virginia’s legislative landscape.  This immersive experience offered the group a tangible glimpse of their potential futures, empowering them to continue their advocacy.

Don’t worry, VCN still has two more webinars in our Summer Speaker Series! 

• Reclaim the Earth: From Redlines to Frontlines: July 23 from 12pm-1:15pm
• Designing for Walkability: Urban Challenges and Solutions: July 30 from 12pm-1:15pm