Autumn Strebel is a public management, leadership and policy major at The Ohio State University and is minoring in international relations and diplomacy.
This summer, she is interning with BE NKY Growth Partnership’s economic development team.
Why did you choose to intern at BE NKY?
I chose my major with the idea of someday working for state or local legislators. My parents are politically active, and politics was always an open conversation in my house. I have a vested interest in government, and seeing the divisiveness between parties inspires me to help create a middle ground. However, as time goes on, I find that my major can fit into multiple sectors. I am exploring whether I want to get involved directly with politics or more involved with community growth and development.
At BE NKY, I want to learn more about how local government involves itself in communities and the partnerships that exist between government and private businesses. BE NKY is a public-facing organization and it’s been eye opening to learn more about behind-the-scenes work of economic development and the work that goes into bringing businesses to the region. Many of the policy classes I took focused on the work of government officials but failed to highlight the organizations that collaborate with elected officials to create change and development in the community.
I previously interned with the American-Central European Business Association (ACEBA), which focused on connecting U.S. businesses with foreign governments. This time, I wanted a more local experience. I enjoy connecting with new people and learning the faces behind the local businesses I interact with every day.
What projects have you been involved with so far at BE NKY?
Covington will host the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED) Fall Forum this year, so I am starting the planning process at the sponsorship level. It has been interesting to see community partners, including REDI Cincinnati, come together to bring attention to Northern Kentucky. I had no idea the amount of collaboration that exists and seeing “competing” companies working together is fascinating.
As BE NKY prepares to move into the new OneNKY Center in downtown Covington, I am preparing for the move by sorting through documents and materials. It’s not the most glamorous work, but it’s interesting to find little pieces of history and understand how BE NKY became what it is today. It will be so exciting when we are settled in our new space!
How have your past experiences influenced your time at BE NKY?
I spent last fall working for Habitat for Humanity Mid-Ohio, which has begun to shift their focus to workforce housing in Columbus and surrounding areas. I hear echoes of workforce concerns but never understood the processes that go into creating solutions for those issues. I’ve learned a lot about the Northern Kentucky workforce, our need for more population growth, and possible solutions through conversations with BE NKY Director of Business Retention Angie Mulberry.
This past spring, I graduated from Ohio State’s Mount Leadership Society Scholars program, a two-year program focused on developing leadership skills and giving back to the community.
What are your future plans?
This fall, I am going to be a junior at Ohio State and will apply for my master’s in public administration. I eventually want to get involved with local government, and I am particularly interested in learning how we can develop cities without pushing out longtime residents.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending time with my friends and family. We like to stay active together between skiing, hiking, playing pickleball, and going to workout classes. I’m a big foodie so I also love trying new restaurants and cooking. And I most certainly love to travel; I try to go as many places as I can.
About BE NKY Growth Partnership
BE NKY Growth Partnership, the economic development company for Northern Kentucky, provides businesses with the expertise they need to build opportunity in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. We attract new business and elevate what’s already here to create innovative, forward-thinking, and attractive environments for companies and community success. We serve Northern Kentucky so that our community thrives through the creation of good jobs and a growing and diverse economy. We believe in Opportunity and Prosperity for All Northern Kentuckians. Visit www.BE-NKY.com for more information.
