Chyna worked as the Marketing and Communications Intern at Rooted & Rising Washington Park, a community-focused organization dedicated to addressing the needs of residents in Washington Park, this summer as a part of Earn & Learn, a youth program designed to provide meaningful work experiences and career exposure to young adults ages 14-24 years old in Milwaukee.  

Chyna is starting her junior year at Marquette University this fall, majoring in Corporate Communications and minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with a concentration in communication leadership.  

In her role this summer, she attended community events, created content for newsletters and social media, and focused on storytelling —ensuring the message they shared truly represented the community and the mission of Rooted & Rising. Chyna learned skills like content creation, strategic communication, and public engagement giving her real-world experience that deepened her understanding of her major.  

“Before this, I didn’t fully grasp how valuable my degree could be,” Chyna said. “Now, I’m leaving the program not only with hands-on skills, but with a new sense of purpose and appreciation for what I’m studying.” 

In the future, Chyna wants to launch her own nonprofit that focuses on providing affordable housing for single families and a community center for youth to engage in safe, enriching activities. Earn & Learn gave her a clearer vision and the foundational tools to take real steps toward her goal after graduation.  

“This experience has been a turning point for both my academic journey and my future career path,” Chyna said. “I’ll carry everything I’ve learned with me, and I’ll never forget the impact it made.”