Interns at the Council: Fatema and Nathan

Give a big welcome to the current interns at the Charities Review Council, Nathan and Fatema! As Nonprofit Services interns, Nathan and Fatema get to see and be a part of a little bit of everything that happens here at the Council. So, who are Nathan and Fatema? What do they like to do and why did they want to intern here? We asked them to take a crack at interviewing each other:

An Interview with Fatema Kermalli Walji by Nathan Sayler

Fatema Kermalli Walji interns at the Charities Review Council and graduated from Rollins College with a degree in International Relations:

Where are you from and where did you go to college?
I moved to the Twin Cities area this past summer from Florida, where I stayed for four years while attending Rollins College.

But that’s the short answer. I was actually born in Kuwait and lived in England for a couple of years before moving to New York and then Pennsylvania, where I grew up. Unfortunately (or fortunately!) all that travelling occurred before I was four years old, so I don’t actually remember any of it.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like reading, reflecting, and relaxing (all R’s!) But one of the most important things for me is spending time with family and friends.

What led you to Charities Review Council?
I come with many years of experience working with and within nonprofit organizations (many years for a recent college graduate, that is) so the Council naturally appealed to me as a way to learn more about the sector and what it means to successfully run a nonprofit.

What has been your favorite part about interning with the Council?
It’s honestly hard to choose. I have enjoyed everything from reviewing nonprofit submissions on the accountability wizard to compiling data to drafting standard spotlights for the website. If I had to choose, however, I would have to say that the best part has been getting to work with such an amazing group of people – the Charities Review Council staff.

What excites you the most about working in the nonprofit sector?
Having the ability to make a positive difference.


An Interview with Nathan Sayler by Fatema Kermalli Walji

Nathan Sayler interns at the Charities Review Council and is a student at Bethel University, majoring in Business-Marketing and Organizational Communication:

What brings you to the Charities Review Council?
I became interested in the nonprofit sector, so when I heard about the opportunity to potentially intern for an organization that has an impact on so many different charitable organizations I was very excited about it.

What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go in the Twin Cities?
I love the lakes--throwing a football at the beach, tubing, fishing, going for a boat ride, anything outside on a beautiful summer day.

If you had to make a movie about your life, what would it be called and why?
I don’t know, I would give it some kind of strange metaphorical title- those are the ones that win Oscars, right?

What has surprised you most about working with the Council?
I have been surprised with the amount of information I have be able to learn. Coming in, I was a little concerned that I might be in over my head, but I have been taught extremely well since coming here and have had a great experience with the Council.

What will we be seeing you on TV for doing/accomplishing ten years from now?
Hopefully it won’t be on “Cops.” I really have no idea; I just hope I can make some kind of contribution to serving others and making this world a better place to live!