Mya Duncan-Reid, a Bachelor of Biomedical Science student majoring in Microbiology and Immunology at UWA, has been nominated for a McCusker Centre for Citizenship (the Centre) Outstanding Intern Award for her contribution to Inclusion Solutions.
Mya decided to apply for an internship with the Centre after seeing the range of roles and organisations that were part of the program.
“A lot of the internship roles aligned with my interests and expertise in both human sciences and graphic design. I wanted to expand my practical skillset in either the health and medical field, or another industry related to my interests,” she said.
For her internship Mya was matched with the not-for-profit organisation, Inclusion Solutions, and assisted with creating content for digital and print purposes, filming and editing videos, and was involved in a major event for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
“The highlight of my internship was the Social Inclusion Forum I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of on the last day of my internship. I created the 30-minute video which played during intermissions, oversaw the pacing of slideshows for each presenter, and assisted with setting up and packing away at the venue.
“It was an honour to meet with the other organisations and be part of an event so crucial to the representation of those identifying with disability, neurodivergence and the LGBTQIA+ community,” Mya said.
Anne Marliac, Inclusion Consultant with Inclusion Solutions, was Mya’s supervisor and nominated her for the Outstanding Intern Award, saying that she had shown great initiative and brought valuable skills, and was always eager to adapt to best support the needs of the team.
“Mya quickly completed tasks for us that can be time consuming and regularly get pushed down the to-do list in a small team; she always welcomed feedback and actioned it,” Ms Marliac said.
“Our organisation’s goal is to help build more inclusive communities across WA, and Mya has played a key role across all our projects throughout her internship - it was such a pleasure to have her on board!”
Mya said she felt she could bring her whole self to work during time with Inclusion Solutions.
“I felt comfortable to be my authentic self: I am on the spectrum, and having others who have lived experience with neurodivergence and are open to other perspectives is so special to me. I could be my colourful self and not only was it accepted, it was encouraged by everyone on the team. I have to credit Inclusion Solutions for their dedication to creating a welcoming environment for new team members to thrive in, they truly embody social inclusion.”
She recommended the Centre’s internship program to students not only as a valuable workplace experience, but to learn more about career paths they may not have considered before.
“I now have practical experience working with an organisation engaged with the National Disability Insurance Scheme, I have enhanced existing skills in graphic design and communications, and fully believe in my own ability to adapt to new tasks and environments,” she said.
“The experience showed me how initiatives like marketing and communications are important for the success of organisations working for the benefit of the community, and that there are many ways you can support organisations who are having a positive impact.”