Intern Spotlight: Shelby Johnson
This past semester, UNC Asheville senior Shelby Johnson joined HARK as an intern—and what began as a way to gain experience quickly became a meaningful journey into advocacy, nonprofit work, and service to vulnerable youth in Buncombe County.
Shelby came into the internship hoping to learn more about nonprofit operations—and she left with hands-on experience in grant writing, project planning, and strategic collaboration.
One of her proudest contributions? Leading two major grant proposals—a task that pushed her writing and research skills while teaching her just how powerful storytelling can be in the world of nonprofit funding. “I thought I’d mostly observe,” she reflected. “But I was actually given the opportunity to lead. That made a huge difference.”
With mentorship from HARK Board member Jackie Miller and Administrator Elizabeth Bragg, Shelby found her footing and her voice. She participated in team strategy sessions, gained insight into policies like the McKinney-Vento Act, and saw how data, compassion, and advocacy come together to shape funding outcomes.
Along the way, Shelby faced challenges—especially learning the complex language of grants and ensuring alignment with funder priorities. But she met those challenges with dedication, research, and a strong support system. “The mentorship I received was incredibly helpful. I always felt supported and encouraged to grow.”
Shelby now plans to pursue a career as a counselor for at-risk children and families, inspired by her time at HARK and fueled by her passion for service. She describes the team as “supportive, mission-driven, and collaborative”—a space where her voice was heard and her work truly mattered.
Would she work with HARK again? “Absolutely. The mission is close to my heart, and the experience was both challenging and rewarding.”
You can even read more about her senior project, “The Art and Importance of Grant Writing: A Case Study in Nonprofit Survival and Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations”, where she explores how grant writing serves not just as a fundraising tool—but as a lifeline and advocacy platform for small nonprofits on our website (link in bio).
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