Before this summer, I never thought much about how small moments could send powerful messages. A simple smile. A carefully chosen word. The layout of a market table. But during my time at Martha’s Table, I’ve come to see how communication is woven into every part of service, especially in communities that are too often overlooked.
As a Karel Fellow placed with Martha’s Table’s Internal Communications Team, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer directly in Ward 7 and Ward 8, two communities rich in culture, resilience, and care, yet often lacking access to the essential resources they rightfully deserve. From food markets to youth programming, I’ve seen how Martha’s Table doesn’t just serve—it listens and uplifts the struggling communities of DC. And through it all, I’ve been learning how to communicate not just with words, but through presence, empathy, and consistency.
Just being able to see the smiles from mothers, fathers, brothers, and children makes me feel so much joy. I think the best part about my commute from Shenkman Hall to Southeast DC is just knowing that once I step foot at Martha’s Table, I will make a difference, whether huge or small. I was a young Black child who faced challenges of my own growing up, and yet I find myself helping others navigate systems that were never built for us to thrive, which is something that I will forever cherish.
So far, I’ve worked on internal campaigns that highlighted team members’ stories, captured meaningful moments, created my own content for Martha’s Table with ideas that I came up with, and helped create a sense of unity across all of our departments. I began to understand how internal communication is the heartbeat of any mission-driven organization. It’s what keeps the vision alive, the team members connected, and the community impact strong. Whether I’m filming a video, drafting a newsletter, or brainstorming ideas for team engagement, I realized I was amplifying the voices of those often unheard.
The relationships I’ve built with team members, other interns, volunteers, and community members have left a lasting imprint on me. It wasn’t just about the work I
was doing but the way people treat each other with dignity and warmth. Martha’s Table fosters a culture where everyone matters and where joy and justice are equally prioritized; it almost feels like one big family. That kind of environment changes you. It reminded me that no matter how small the action, when done with care and consistency, it can spark real change.
I am truly excited to continue my journey with Martha’s Table because I know this is only the beginning of something much greater than myself. This experience is showing me that real change is not always about big, dramatic moments. It happens in everyday actions the way we listen, and even the way we consistently show up with care and intention. As a 20-year-old Black man attending Morehouse College, I am now understanding the importance of using my platform and purpose to uplift others, especially those who come from communities that are lacking resources to survive.
Serving in Ward 7 and Ward 8 has been a deeply personal experience. My time at Martha’s Table so far has shown me what it means to serve with humility, to be part of a mission that listens before it acts, and to truly see people for who they are, not just for what they’ve been through. I have seen joy, resilience, and love in every corner of Ward 7 and Ward 8, and it has inspired me to stay committed to this kind of work for the long haul.
