By Stephanie van Vark
MIAMI, FL– URGENT, Inc.’s FACE Media Arts and Film Internship funded by The Children’s Trust and the Southeast Overtown/Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency landed 4th on a list of Top 10 Internship Programs for 2019. The Talent Development Network (TDN) is South Florida’s premier internship hub responsible for connecting Miami’s brightest students with internships that offer hands-on experience in a variety of industries.
Annually, TDN extends this prestigious award to those that demonstrate a commitment to equip students with work skills to set them on a path to pursue successful careers. Urgent, Inc. has dedicated 25 years envisioning a future where all children and youth have the social, economic and educational resources to thrive. They are among a Top 10 list that includes Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., Axxis Solutions/CirrcusLabs, Year Up South Florida and others.
The honors didn’t stop there. Long time FACE interns Leland Overton and Leonce Luma are also members of the exclusive Top 10 Interns of 2019. “We didn’t expect this at all,” both young men express their enthusiasm.
Leonce Luma is 16-years old who found his voice in the program, literally. He’s a spoken word artist and often serves as the Mister of Ceremony at URGENT, Inc. events and interviewer on the Digital Media Team. “Honestly I wasn’t performing with the intent of being rewarded. I just feel it’s best to give it my all no matter how big or small the task is. I’m entirely grateful to have been recognized and plan to continue to perform with maximum effort.”
Leland Overton is the anchor of Urgent, Inc.’s Digital Media Team serving behind the camera as cinematographer and producer as well as in front of the camera on occasion. He also has a photography business that was started and supported by the program. “I definitely appreciate the sentiment of being nominated. I have to thank URGENT, Inc. and Joey Lamar Ashley for believing in me and pushing me to go forward with my goals and aspirations,” says 17-year old Leland. Their instructor Joey Ashley will be featured on CBS 4’s Mentoring Matters segment tonight during the 5 p.m. newscast.
“We are excited about the honor and are so proud of both Leland and Leonce. Our goal is to continue to present opportunities for youth to experience success not only in school but in their communities,” says Vice President Saliha Nelson.
URGENT, Inc. just concluded exhibiting #OurVoiceMatters, a multi-media art collection in Overtown’s Soul Basel. #OurVoice Matters shines a light on the many talents of youth artists in challenged communities. This collection showcases the power of Creative Youth Development (CYD), a dynamic area of community arts education that successfully bridges youth development and community connection.
