Meet Mariana!

We’re excited to introduce to you our MSSW Program Fellow, Mariana Diaz. Mariana is supporting our programming and the Giving Project at Chinook Fund.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not interning at Chinook Fund?

A: I love to spend time with friends, my puppy, Moonshine, and my partner, Tim. Preferably, hiking, making and/or eating some delicious food, playing board games, or just being a couch potato. I also enjoy traveling, but I don’t get to do that as much as I would like.

Q: What are your hoping to gain by working at Chinook Fund?

A: For me having the opportunity to spend a year with Chinook Fund means an opportunity to learn about fundraising that is sustainable, community driven, and that focuses on systemic change – not just through the organizations that Chinook Fund funds but also through the social justice focused, internal/external, work that is done through the Giving Project. I believe deeply in this work, however, I don’t yet have a lot of experience and being at Chinook Fund will allow me to gain new tools and skills to continue this work throughout my life and career.

Q: Where do you go to school and what are you majoring in?

A: I am currently a graduate student at the University of Denver. I am working towards a Masters in Social Work.

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Q: What do you like most about Colorado?

A: I have now lived in Colorado for a little over two years, and I have to say that while I miss the beach (I am from Miami, FL originally) I have really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to learn about myself in connection to nature. There is something about the mountains for me that is awe inspiring, motivating, and terrifying all at the same time.