The Telluride Foundation relies on interns and an Americorp VISTA Volunteer each year, who work closely with staff to accomplish projects and initiatives. The VISTA serves as the Strong Neighbors Coordinator and is instrumental for our work in the West End communities, including the Local Food initiative. We love the enthusiasm, energy, and IT and social media savvy these colleagues bring to our office!
Recently in July, we said goodbye and thank you to Sheamus Croke, who spent the last year as the Foundation’s Strong Neighbors Coordinator. Sheamus was born and raised in here Telluride, received a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and a minor in Spanish from University of Colorado Boulder. Having a strong familiarity with the region, as well as family in the West End, Sheamus was a tremendous asset and was instrumental writing several successful trails and food security grants.
While big shoes to fill, we have no doubt that our new VISTA/Strong Neighbors Coordinator will have no problem filling them. Robin, too, is a Telluride local, growing up at Trout Lake. She attended the University of San Diego, where she received her bachelor’s degree in international business with a minor in German. As a passionate skier, Robin traveled to South America for two months after college to ski tour throughout Argentina. Upon her return, she moved to Boulder where she worked as a Media Planner for two years at a small advertising agency called TDA Boulder.
We feel extremely lucky to have had Sheamus and now, Robin – both locals who gravitated to the Foundation’s VISTA position because they wanted to give back to the communities they love so much.
Elena Rivera has been our remote summer intern this year. She is a sophomore at Duke University, majoring in visual media studies and economics. She grew up in Durango, so when her media summer internship was cancelled, and she was forced to “shelter in place” in Durango, she reached out to the Telluride Foundation about being a long-distance intern. We have greatly benefited from Elena’s research, Excel, and editing skills. We with Elena the best as she travels back to Duke and continues her studies!
