This summer, more than a dozen ambitious youth from the Latino Civic Alliance (LCA) “Building Future Industry Leaders” workforce development program completed an internship with the City of Burien’s Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PaRCS) Departments.
The partnership, initiated by former interim Public Works Director Glenn Akramoff, was successfully guided and supervised by the department’s administrative operations specialist, Noelani Hatton. Participants received job training and skill building while earning a livable wage. They worked 15 hours per week for a period of five weeks.
While most interns performed maintenance projects in the field including painting and litter pickup, two interns were tasked with office work at Burien City Hall and leading summer camp programs at Burien Community Center.
The interns also had an opportunity to attend a career panel hosted by the City’s Communications Division. One panelist, Economic Development Specialist Lorraine Chachere, shared why it’s important to create career exploration opportunities for youth.
“I believe it’s important to expose our youth to a variety of career options so they can see what resonates most with them,” said Chachere. “To decide what they wish to learn more about, so that they can eventually share their skills and talents with the community.”
After the initial internship program ended, an opportunity presented itself. With Hatton’s support, the department invited back one of the summer interns, Ariana “Ari” Montoya, for a limited-time position as a Public Works intern in October 2024.
“We wanted to see if we could bring Ari back to help hone her skills a little bit, and knew she was so quick to pick things up,” said Hatton. “It would help relieve some of the work on my plate, so I could be open to taking on bigger projects. She has proved us correct on that assumption.”
Montoya reports to Hatton and is responsible for answering the phone, triaging severe weather management, and processing time sheets, invoices, and service requests.
Montoya has been a very active participant with LCA and attended several of their programs. She graduated from high school and took some studies in dental assisting before participating in the summer internship program with LCA.
Montoya’s father was stationed in the Navy in Mexico until she was 14. When he finished his tour of duty in Mexico, he followed an opportunity to transfer his family to Washington state.
“I arrived at 14 not knowing any English, and it was very difficult,” said Montoya. “Everything that I know, I learned on my own by listening and reading. I would like to say that I have improved as I translate a lot for my mother and try to help others. I feel I can help them even if a little bit.”
Hatton shared that during the summer internship Montoya did an amazing job and was looking forward to supporting her in this new opportunity.
“She just needed a little guidance,” said Hatton. “Letting her know she is wonderful just who she is. The skill part we can always work on and grow but giving her the confidence to know that what she is bringing to the table is worthy, and that she is worthy [is important].”
Montoya shared that her computer and social skills have improved immensely, even though she previously had limited experience with both. She said she’s normally more introverted and has used this experience to become more sociable especially when working to resolve issues with the public.
“I’m a lot more comfortable speaking with people than before,” said Montoya. “When I talk with them, I try to find the best way to calm them down, to listen to them. I want them to know that I’m here to help them.”
One of the City of Burien’s strategic plan directions is achieving racial equity, which includes evaluating programs and practices through an equity lens. Hatton agreed it’s critical that opportunities exist like these internships with the City as it helps to open doors and minds alike.
“I think if we’re going to talk the talk, we better walk the walk,” said Hatton. “I think especially with our youth, showing them possibilities and potential jobs, what they’re doing to help us is worth something. It’s huge in building their confidence.”
Now almost halfway through her internship which ends in February 2025, Montoya spoke about how she has enjoyed the work so far and feels ready to embark onto something bigger with more responsibilities.
“I feel this role has been a good experience,” said Montoya. “I know this training will help me in my career even if I don’t continue to work for the City. This opportunity has helped me to be more confident in what I know.”
As the City continues to work on advancing racial equity, Hatton hopes there’s continued growth and more opportunities throughout each department, as she has seen firsthand the impact of uplifting marginalized youth.
“I am really grateful to have the opportunity to be part of Ariana’s journey,” said Hatton. “I can see where people in other departments would love the opportunity to be part of others’ journeys and help them grow and teach them what they know. To be even just a small blip on Ariana’s journey, I’m happy, and know she’ll do great things.”
