Q&A with Luminari Intern Elizabeth Nielsen
by Luminari Team
For Elizabeth Nielsen, stepping into the Operations Intern role at Luminari isn’t just another summer job—it’s the next chapter in her lifelong passion for storytelling, creativity, and community. A junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Film and Communications, Elizabeth has always been drawn to narratives that inspire—from dance and writing to advocacy work. In this Q&A, she shares what led her to Luminari, the experiences that shaped her, and what she hopes to take away from this summer.
Q: Welcome! We’re excited to have you as part of our team. To start, can you tell us a little about yourself? What’s something unique or interesting about you that people might not know?
A: My name is Elizabeth Nielsen, and I’m currently entering my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh, where I study Film and Communications. I am originally from Upton, Massachusetts, but in 2012, my family re-located to Wexford, PA, where we have lived ever since. I’ve always had a deep passion for storytelling in all its forms, including dance, which I dedicated much of my childhood to through competitive performance.
Q: What drew you to this role as Operations Intern for Luminari? Was there a moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to work in this kind of environment?
A: During high school, I served as a student advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention through Pine-Richland High School’s Peer to Peer club, which collaborated with Multiplying Good—a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism and public service across the nation. That experience sparked a strong interest in mission-driven work and reinforced the importance of community engagement. I was particularly drawn to the Operations Intern role at Luminari because of the organization’s commitment to empowering young people and fostering diverse educational experiences. The alignment between Luminari’s values and my own passion for service and community involvement makes this opportunity especially meaningful to me.
Q: Luminari’s camps can be fast-paced and full of energy. Do you have a favorite memory from a past camp or similar experience that made an impact on you?
A: As the daughter of an elementary school librarian, I spent many summers participating in various camps that kept me engaged and learning between academic years. One particularly memorable experience was a writing camp I attended during the summer between fifth and sixth grade through the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project. Throughout the week, we explored different writing styles and environments designed to inspire creativity. The highlight of the camp was a final sharing session, where each student presented a piece they had written to an audience of peers and parents, which I shared a poem of mine. Until then, writing had been a quiet passion of mine and I was nervous about how others would receive it. But the supportive atmosphere and mutual encouragement among campers taught me the importance of creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and celebrated for expressing themselves.
Q: You’ll be helping with day-to-day activities and interacting with campers throughout the program. What’s something you’re looking forward to most in this role?
A: Through this role, I am especially excited to build meaningful connections with the students. While I look forward to strengthening my media and professional communication skills through the practical aspects of the Operations Intern position, I believe the most rewarding part will be witnessing the personal growth and transformation of the students over the course of each camp.
Q: Outside of camp life, what are some of your interests or hobbies? Do you have any fun skills or passions that might surprise us?
A: Outside of camp life, some of my hobbies include dancing, cooking, going on long walks with friends, trying new coffee shops, attending concerts, and watching new films. Most recently, my dad has shared his lifelong passion for sailing with our family, so each summer I’ve been working to improve my sailing skills, though I still have plenty of room to improve!
Q: Finally, what’s one thing you hope to take away from this experience at Luminari? Whether it’s a new skill, a great memory, or something unexpected, what would make this a meaningful summer for you?
A: Through this experience with Luminari, I hope to build greater self-confidence in my ability to communicate both professionally and effectively. As someone at the beginning of my career, I’m eager to gain insight into the responsibilities of an operations director and develop a stronger understanding of what effective operational support entails.
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For more information on any of the summer camps that Luminari offers (I Want to be an Ambassador!, MusicMakers!, and Camp Delicious!), please visit luminari.org or call (412) 877 – 1888 today.
