Canine Costume Fests and More: Events & Partnerships Intern Sofi Sopuchova

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to complete my first-ever internship as an Events and Partnerships Intern at the Greenway Conservancy, and it has truly set a high bar for any future internships or jobs. I thrived in a dynamic environment where there was always something new to learn and tackle. Staying busy is something I genuinely enjoy, and The Greenway provided no shortage of engaging work—whether it was administrative tasks, understanding park regulations, or rolling up my sleeves for hands-on fieldwork.

One of the standout moments of my internship was being entrusted with designing and executing my own event funded by The Greenway Business Improvement District. I’m proud to say that the Canine Costume Festival, which took place on August 16, 2024, was my creation. From the initial planning stages to seeing all the dogs in their adorable costumes on the day of the event, the entire process was incredibly rewarding. I relished every moment, from organizing and producing materials to securing permits and working with suppliers. Seeing the joy on people’s faces and knowing I had a hand in creating a fun, community-centered event made all the hard work worthwhile.

The festival wasn’t just about cute costumes; it was about bringing the community together in a unique and enjoyable way, and I’m proud of the role I played in making that happen. It was a moment where everything I’ve been learning came together, reinforcing my passion for event planning.

Beyond the festival, I also had the chance to contribute to Truck and Tractor Day, where families from all over Boston gathered, even braving the rain, to enjoy the event. The success of this and other events has been incredibly fulfilling, and the skills I’ve gained—like managing load-ins and load-outs, securing necessary permits and insurance, and coordinating with various stakeholders—have been invaluable.

Throughout this experience, I’ve built wonderful professional relationships and grown significantly both personally and professionally. As I look forward to finishing my degree in Hotel and Tourism Management at UMass Amherst, I’m excited to see where these experiences will take me. This summer has definitely reshaped my aspirations, and I have much to look forward to in the future.

Summer workforce development opportunities on The Greenway are made possible through the generosity of Citizens.