Political science and urban studies major promotes equitable transportation access

Gabriele Sam ’27, a political science and urban studies major at The College of Wooster, managed two internships with the help of an APEX Micro Fellowship, the summer before her junior year. Sam interned with Community Action Wayne/Medina, a local agency aiming to provide support and resources for low-income individuals and families, and Goldkey Properties, a major real estate agency. Through her Micro Fellowship, Sam assisted and supported a transportation equity initiative, conducting community engagement and data analysis to identify barriers to transportation access and develop solutions for underserved populations. These two internships allowed Sam to combine her interests in policy and community development, while allowing her to make a social impact in the community.

“These project management skills, balancing profitability, design integrity, and stakeholder needs, are ones I will carry forward into my career in sustainable urban development.”

—Gabriele Sam ’27

LESSONS LEARNED

During my internship with Goldkey Properties, I learned how real estate projects move from concept to completion, starting with assessing a project’s viability, developing detailed cost estimates, and translating a client’s vision into architectural, structural, and civil plans. I gained insight into coordinating timelines, budgets, and quality standards, as well as monitoring progress and implementing corrective measures when challenges arise. These project management skills, balancing profitability, design integrity, and stakeholder needs, are ones I will carry forward into my career in sustainable urban development.

EXPANDED PERSPECTIVE

At Goldkey, I mostly worked on proposals for property spaces targeted to specific clients we wanted in those locations, as well as drafting contracts and proposals for potential ventures and joint ventures the company might want to pursue. At Community Action, I had a more personal project that was very exciting— gathering as much information as possible on active transportation within Wayne and Medina counties, handling billing for existing programs, and researching potential grants to fund new initiatives. Many of these programs needed to align with the local government, so part of my work involved identifying opportunities that could be a good match for future projects.

GUIDANCE FOR GROWTH

The most impactful supervisor I’ve had was Kathryn from Community Action Wayne and Medina Counties. She showed me how to be an empathetic leader, putting others first and understanding their situations while still upholding the company’s goals and priorities. From her, I learned a lot about vulnerability, kindness, and how to be smart, knowledgeable, and confident in my work.

WHAT’S NEXT

This experience has shown me what kind of work environments I like and the working pace that helps me feel gratified and accomplished. I also got the chance to work in both corporate and on-site settings, experiencing a variety of fields.

Featured image: Gabriele Sam ’27 worked with Goldkey Properties and Community Action Wayne/Medina with an APEX Micro Fellowship. Photo provided by subject.

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2025 on August 6, 2025.