Meet Julian Collazo, Marketing, Communications & Development Intern, GRCA
Education:
Recent Graduate from Governor Mifflin High School
Incoming Sophomore at Reading Area Community College (RACC)
What inspired you to intern at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, and what drew you to your specific role?
My interest in interning with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) began during my time as a Commissioner’s Intern with the County of Berks, where I had the opportunity to spend a day with the GRCA team. I connected with Lucine Sihelnik, GRCA’s President & CEO, and witnessed firsthand the meaningful impact the organization has on the community. Attending its staff meetings gave me a glimpse into the dedicated team behind the work, which truly motivated me to pursue an internship with GRCA. Since then, I have gained valuable experience working with its Economic Development team, starting as an Economic Development Intern and later expanding my role to become a Marketing, Communications & Development Intern.
Can you describe a project or task you’ve worked on that you’re especially proud of?
One recent project I’m proud of is creating GRCA’s monthly Agriculture Newsletter for the Berks County Department of Agriculture using Constant Contact. I was happy to support this effort because the monthly campaign consistently performs well, earning an open rate between 45% to 50%, compared to the industry average of 15% to 25%. It’s rewarding to contribute to a project with such strong results.
What’s one thing you’ve learned so far during your internship that you didn’t expect?
One of the biggest surprises has been how many new platforms I’ve learned to use! I didn’t expect to gain hands-on experience with tools like Wix, WordPress and Constant Contact. I’m not just learning how they work, but also I’m applying those skills on real projects. These experiences are helping me build a strong foundation and giving me a competitive edge with transferable skills that set me apart.
How has your experience at GRCA influenced your career goals or future plans?
My time with GRCA has opened my eyes to the opportunities available right here in Greater Reading. While I had once considered going away for college, learning more about the quality and affordability of our local colleges helped shift my perspective. It became clear that staying local was the smarter choice for me. This fall, I’m proud to be attending RACC under a full-tuition scholarship, a decision that not only supports my education but also allows me to continue growing professionally through my internship at GRCA.