A closer look at how an intern from Colombia is leveraging her own immigration story to impact her work in the non-profit sector. 

Authored by Gabby Rivera, Marketing and Content Specialist

Sara Guerra Burgos moved to the United States at 19 years old through the family reunification process, leaving her world behind. She felt as if she had nothing in the Charlotte area for her, not until she found International House. 

International House is a non-profit organization with a vision of Charlotte that welcomes and embraces the world. Guided by a mission “to promote international understanding and help immigrants integrate fully into [our] community,” International House is trailblazing the steps immigrants can take to be welcomed into their new home. As an intern, Burgos contributes to marketing, fundraising and community outreach through research and event planning efforts. 

“I feel like I belong here and I can also share my background with them [clients] and be heard,” Burgos said. “I literally just went through it.” As an immigrant herself, she feels drawn to serve others in a way that connects her personal story to impact.

Vulnerability and intercultural competency are skills highlighted by Burgos’ own immigration story, creating a safe space for those seeking better opportunities. Burgos explains how implicit bias forms stereotypes around immigrants when they need help. 

 “You definitely need to push that away when you’re talking to the person who is coming here, open to you and telling you what they need,” said Burgos. 

This summer, Burgos hopes to influence others to make a difference in their community. She is excited to continue working under Mica Gadhia, Communications and Events Manager, in helping unique immigration stories be heard. 

“She [Sara] is very willing to learn and try new things with our organization,” said Gadhia. 

The SECU Public Fellows Internship Program connects UNC Charlotte undergraduate students with paid, community-focused summer internships across the Charlotte region. Supported by the SECU Foundation and administered by the Career Center team, the program offers meaningful, hands-on internships while strengthening community impact.