A Birthday Bash to Remember
By: Celine Choi, CAS ’25
Celine’s view on the way to work.
GRIP: Social Impact in Buenos Aires
I noticed a special warmth as soon as I entered Tierra Violeta that made it stand out from any other workplace. My coworkers were many decades my senior– and they were more than coworkers; they were inspiring leaders who led the way for the Argentine feminist movement. They served as a constant reminder of the value of our combined efforts in creating a more fair society through their passion and unshakable commitment to gender equality.
As the end of my time at Tierra Violeta, the feminist nonprofit I had interned at for the past six weeks drew closer, the entire Tierra Violeta team came together for a momentous occasion: the birthday celebration of one of the interns of the organization. The workplace was buzzing with anticipation as the weeks turned into days and one of our fellow interns’ birthdays drew near. What happened on that memorable day was evidence of the remarkable relationship Tierra Violeta fostered. The celebration was a lavish and sincere event that featured more than just a cake and a card.
Every element of the celebration was thoughtfully chosen to reflect the strong bonds between us, from the handcrafted décor that honored the intern’s enthusiasm to the thoughtful gifts that spoke to her interests. What was notable were the wonderful comments spoken, which highlighted the actual character of the organization through sincere sentiments of thanks, support, and empowerment. It was a dramatic contrast to the cold, impersonal atmosphere frequently found in corporate settings.
The Tierra Violeta birthday party embodied the female unity that permeated every aspect of our professional life. It served as a reminder that in this environment, relationships with others and overall wellbeing came above financial goals and output deadlines. The event emphasized the significance of creating an atmosphere where people are respected for their individuality and seen for who they are.
I’m grateful for the experiences that have formed my perspective on work and advocacy, and as I think back on my internship experience at Tierra Violeta, I’m especially thankful for those experiences. The birthday party for our intern served as a poignant reminder that there are communities where feminist values are not just professed but are actively practiced, building a lively and encouraging community that drives us all toward a brighter future.
Tierra Violeta stands out as a symbol of feminist solidarity in a world where impersonal workplaces are all too common, demonstrating that a desire to bring about significant change can coexist with a focus on human connection and wellbeing.
The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.