What I Learned this Summer at Global Ties Kalamazoo
By Sofía Hartman, Global Engagement Intern
Celebrating at our July Dinner Diplomacy event at Harvey’s on the Mall - Sofía in center, Emma at left
Throughout my time working with Global Ties Kalamazoo, I have had multiple enriching and beautiful experiences. You might wonder why people would want to go to Kalamazoo and as a student at WMU, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, I get that question a lot. I do have family in Kalamazoo who have given me many opportunities to explore here. Just those summer trips to Kalamazoo were a huge factor for wanting to go to Western Michigan University. I am a criminal justice major minoring in Spanish.
“Throughout this internship I knew that I would be exposed to many different fields and would have a stronger idea of what I wanted to go into after college. This is exactly what happened. ”
When I started interning, I thought I would just be working in an office writing proposals to bring participants here. On top of this, I have also created connections with people from all around the world. Throughout this internship I knew that I would be exposed to many different fields and would have a stronger idea of what I wanted to go into after college. This is exactly what happened.
When a group of anti-trafficking leaders from Thailand came, something shifted. I wasn’t just doing work - I was able to connect what I have learned in school to real life. I was providing them with knowledge from here in Kalamazoo that they could take back to their country. I applied what I learned in Critical Issues in Criminal Justice, and suddenly, it all felt very real. That experience challenged me to facilitate professional meetings and discuss difficult topics. Additionally, it has shown me the importance of forming relationships in unifying our world. It demonstrated how the knowledge I am gaining at Global Ties Kalamazoo prepares me to act, adapt, and lead in real-time. That moment helped me realize I want to continue working with anti-human trafficking and specialize in it. I will walk away from this internship with clarity, confidence, and momentum toward victim advocacy and international engagement.
Anti-trafficking leaders from Thailand in Kalamazoo through IVLP. Photo taken by Sofía Hartman
While I joined Global Ties Kalamazoo in the fall, being part of the Broncos LEAD Internship Program this summer has made a huge difference. The support and professional development workshops have given me the resources and confidence I need to turn this moment into lasting growth. One thing that has stuck with me is to take in as much as you can. Global Ties Kalamazoo gives me this unique opportunity to meet so many inspiring people and connect them with people here in our Kalamazoo community. It feels incredible to know that I am making a lasting impact.
“Global Ties Kalamazoo gives me this unique opportunity to meet so many inspiring people and connect them with people here in our Kalamazoo community. It feels incredible to know that I am making a lasting impact.”
As I have spent more time downtown this summer, I have discovered how the community comes together and shares their appreciation for music, food and art. Three things I love. Above all, I believe the people are what make Kalamazoo so comforting. Every time Global Ties Kalamazoo hosts an event, I see how our partners, hosts and many others show up for it. I’ve gotten to know the community and hear such impactful and important ideas that have expanded my mind; ideas and thoughts I wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to without having this experience. To be a part of something so inspiring makes me feel empowered and confident that I can make a difference. Also, it has become more clear there are people here in Kalamazoo that believe in community and believe that together we can make a difference. Such small acts make huge ripples.
At the Kalamazoo Promise, following a meeting there with Angelita Aguilar (front, left) in Fall 2024. IVLP delegation focused on Innovative Leadership in Higher Education and Workforce Development from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, as well as visiting social workers from Germany. Sofía pictured front, right
In general, I am so lucky to have this opportunity and to work alongside amazing colleagues. They have shown me how inclusive and welcoming Kalamazoo is. Walking around with Jodi Michaels is definitely one of the things I will remember the most because everyone here seems to know her in some way, somehow! She and Emma Baratta have shown me the ins and outs of Kalamazoo and I have had only positive experiences. I love when participants come and I can play tour guide or hear their stories of what home is like for them. I love hearing about the cuisines from their countries and learning about what they do for work. One central theme from all of the projects I have helped work on has been that people enjoy a listening ear. Any stories they share always end in a tidbit of advice for me. If any of the participants I have worked with are reading this, I want to say thank you for sharing a bit of your world with me and thank you for giving me lasting memories. I hope I was able to give you some too!
“If any of the participants I have worked with are reading this, I want to say thank you for sharing a bit of your world with me and thank you for giving me lasting memories. I hope I was able to give you some too!”
