MBF & FIU Partner to Create Internship Opportunities for Youth in Overtown

by | Aug 23, 2018 | Press Release

Media Contact:
Alison Grewe
MBF
(305) 379-7070 Ext. 205

Miami, FL (August 23, 2018) – In September 2011, FIU and the Miami-Dade County Public Schools established The Education Effect, a university supported community school partnership, to improve educational outcomes in schools across the county. This summer, Miami Bayside Foundation (MBF) partnered with the Education Effect and their Career Pathways Program, a career readiness initiative, enabling twenty students at Booker T. Washington Senior High School to serve as interns at businesses in Overtown, helping to prepare them to transition beyond high school.

One of the businesses helping to support this initiative was The Copper Door B & B, a newly renovated 22 room bed and breakfast in the heart of Historic Overtown. Owned and operated by Akino West and Jamila Ross, participants of MBF’s Small Business Training, The Copper Door B & B focuses on providing an intimate experience for guests while featuring chef-driven amenities and local goods.

“This internship program was so important to our pre-opening, even before we realized how much of an asset being a part of the program was going to be. It was gratifying to provide a space for a group of young adults to not only be themselves but to showcase their strengths and take on challenges in a safe space. Our hope is that, years from now, they will walk along NW 4th Avenue in Overtown, peek into the window of The Copper Door B&B, and feel proud that they opened this project successfully as individuals as well as being a part of an outstanding group.” -The Copper Door B&B

One of the interns who were instrumental in the pre-opening was Quanecia Pittman, a senior at Booker T. Washington High School.

“My thoughts on the internship are that it has been an interesting journey and that learning new techniques every day and understanding each task and how to be a professional employee have shaped me to take responsibility as an adult. Since accepting the offer, the internship has been a great opportunity. This internship has been an outstanding journey for me and for the people watching me succeed.”

Since completing her internship Quanecia has accepted a part-time position at The Copper Door B& B as an Operational Assistant and Guest Ambassador.

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