DCS Intern Spotlight: Parker Wadding & Isabel Lam
This fall, Denny Civic Solutions is thrilled to welcome two interns to the team – one brand new (Parker), and one a familiar face (Isabel)! We asked both to share a little bit about themselves below. Please join us in welcoming them aboard!
Parker Wadding (She/her) is from Canonsburg, PA, and is a current sophomore majoring in English with a minor in history at Carlow University. She is the president of the Banned Book Club, President of the Carlow Chronicle, and Carlow University’s English Program Assistant.
In her free time, Parker loves to crochet (she is currently trying and failing to learn how to knit), she also loves to read (her most recent read was Good Omens by Neil Gaiman), and to go for runs around Pittsburgh.
Q: What public policy issues are most important to you, and why?
A: These days it would be easier to narrow down what doesn’t interest me. Most recently I have become enraged at the treatment and underfunded nature of abused and battered women's shelters. My mom is one of only two counselors for every women’s shelter in Southwestern PA. It has become increasingly apparent to me that these programs are underfunded, causing a lack of resources and ultimately a lack of care for victims in their most vulnerable state.
Q: What is one fact about you that would surprise people?
A: I got the opportunity to go to Italy and Austria this summer. It was my first time out of the U.S. and was one of the best experiences of my life.
Q: And, because we're all about food at DCS, what is your favorite place to eat in Pittsburgh? Do you have a go-to order?
A: I am obsessed with The Colombian Spot, and specifically the Fried Stuffed Arepas!
Isabel Lam is from Scranton, PA and is a senior majoring in Economics and Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh. She’s got a ton of school pride as she currently serves as Pitt’s Vice President of Operations on Student Government.
In her free time, Isabel loves baking (fruit tarts and chocolate soufflés currently), skiing, tennis, and watching the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She is so excited to learn as much as she can from the team and our amazing clients, and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Q: So what were you up to this summer?
A: I had the privilege of interning on Capitol Hill for my hometown representative, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08). My days were filled with a range of typical intern tasks, from answering phones to giving Capitol tours and conducting research on policy initiatives. It wasn't all work, though! I had the opportunity to attend an enlightening lecture series hosted by members of Congress from both parties, witness fascinating Congressional hearings, and even take rides on the underground Capitol train!
What truly made this internship special was the chance to engage directly with constituents and discuss the issues that mattered most to them. Understanding the priorities of my district was invaluable, and I will carry the insights and memories from this experience with me for a lifetime.
Q: And -- after everything you now know about the DCS team -- what made you want to come back to deal with (uh, WORK with) us again?
A: If you were to ask John what his number one question for me is, he'd undoubtedly say, 'Isn't this the best internship you've ever had?' And my response is always that it truly is! While my summer in DC was an incredible experience, I found myself missing the Denny Civic Solutions team and the remarkable work we undertake to enhance our Commonwealth. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that the team welcomed me back for another semester.
It's invigorating to have hands-on involvement with our clients, outreach efforts, and various policy projects. I'm thrilled to return and continue to contribute to a wide range of policy issues, deepening my understanding of our state and local politics in the process. I firmly believe that the DCS team is second to none – their mentorship has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from each of them.
Of course, I can't help but mention that perhaps one reason I returned is because the office needed someone to to "out dad joke" John at his own game – a role I'm more than willing to embrace!
Q: We know you're a Cafe 33 fan -- any other favorite Pittsburgh restaurants/bites to eat?
A: Although I've only been back for a short time, I have already been to Bae Bae's Kitchen three times in the past month... consider me obsessed! Their Korean Fried Chicken is delicious and has been rated the top fried chicken place in Pennsylvania. Their kimchi and Thai ice teas are also classics. If you haven't been...what are you waiting for!?