From Interns to Team Pillars: The Transformative Power of Internships at Proyecto Tit

At Proyecto Tití, we believe in the power of education, opportunity, and community. Our conservation efforts are rooted not only in protecting the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin but also in empowering people—especially young Colombians—who are the future stewards of our forests and biodiversity. One of the most powerful ways we nurture this connection is through our internship program, particularly through our long-standing partnership with SENA—Colombia’s Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (National Training Service).

SENA is a cornerstone of Colombia’s national workforce development strategy. Attached to the Ministry of Labor, this public institution offers free vocational, technical, technological, and complementary training programs, all aimed at increasing the country’s competitiveness and reducing barriers to employment. With more than 50 years of service and over 500 programs, SENA has become a critical gateway for young people seeking to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and transform their lives through education.

Every year, Proyecto Tití proudly welcomes interns from SENA to join us in our conservation mission. Some of these interns stay for a few months—but a few stay for life. Today, we are honored to share the stories of three extraordinary women who began as interns and are now key members of our team: Sarah Velasco, Diva Gómez, and Carolina Yudex.

Sarah Velasco: Growing Through Uncertainty

Sarah Velasco’s journey began in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a student of Administrative Management at SENA, she started her internship with Proyecto Tití amidst national lockdowns and global uncertainty. But even in that challenging time, Sarah found something that inspired her: the unwavering dedication of our team to continue working for the cotton-top tamarin.

Assigned to the marketing and accounting departments, Sarah quickly realized that this was more than just a school requirement—it was a calling. She learned to manage tasks remotely, build professional empathy, and contribute to meaningful work even in isolation. “It was my first job,” she reflects, “and it taught me the importance of compassion, teamwork, and purpose.”

After completing her internship, Sarah was offered a role in our communications team, where her passion and commitment continued to shine. Today, she works in the administrative and accounting area, contributing daily to our conservation mission. “From administration, I work with love for the cotton-top tamarin, because every effort counts to protect it,” she says.

Sarah’s experience is a powerful example of how internships can do more than develop technical skills—they can reveal a sense of purpose that shapes an entire career.

Diva Gómez: Returning with Purpose

Diva Gómez joined Proyecto Tití as a SENA intern in 2022 while studying Marketing Management. What drew her in was the chance to apply her knowledge in support of something greater: the conservation of an endangered species.

From the beginning, Diva immersed herself in our communications and marketing efforts, helping with donor presentations and refining internal workflows. Her ideas were heard, her contributions valued, and her connection to the mission grew stronger with each project. “One of my most cherished memories,” she recalls, “was helping prepare a presentation for donors. Seeing how my work contributed to securing support for the cotton-top tamarin was unforgettable.”

After her internship, she stayed on for an extended contract. In 2024, driven by her continued passion, Diva returned as a volunteer—and shortly thereafter, joined the team once again, this time as a full-time Marketing and Communications Assistant.

“From marketing and communications, I support the conservation of the cotton-top tamarin by connecting people to this cause that inspires me,” she says. Diva’s story is a testament to what happens when passion meets opportunity—and to how internships can ignite a deep, lasting commitment to environmental causes.

Carolina Yudex: A Seed that Found Fertile Ground

Carolina Yudex first came to Proyecto Tití in 2015, thanks to her SENA training in administrative and accounting studies. From the moment she arrived, she felt embraced by the team and challenged to grow beyond her comfort zone. Her role was critical—supporting the internal processes that keep our operations running smoothly—and she embraced it with dedication and heart.

“The most inspiring thing,” Carolina recalls, “was realizing that even from an administrative role, I was directly contributing to conservation. Every document, every procedure had meaning.”

Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and drive did not go unnoticed. After completing her internship, Carolina was offered a full-time position. Today, she remains a vital part of our administrative and accounting team. “Although my work is behind the scenes,” she explains, “I know that every task contributes to the mission of conserving the cotton-top tamarin. That gives deep meaning to my role.”

Carolina’s story reflects the idea that every role—whether in the field or behind a desk—matters deeply in conservation. She reminds us that when interns are given the tools to grow, they can become essential pillars of any organization.

Why Internships Matter to Conservation

The stories of Sarah, Diva, and Carolina show us that internships are more than transitional moments—they are transformational experiences. They open doors, spark vocations, and create pathways into conservation careers. For organizations like Proyecto Tití, interns bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a sense of hope for the future. For interns, it’s an opportunity to discover their voice, their skills, and their purpose.

Importantly, internships also decentralize conservation, taking it out of the field and into every corner of the organization—accounting, administration, communications, and logistics. Conservation doesn’t just happen in forests; it happens in spreadsheets, donor reports, media campaigns, and management systems. Our interns have proven that no matter where you start, you can make a difference.

With institutions like SENA supporting technical and professional training for young Colombians, the future of conservation is not just in biology labs or remote jungles—it’s in classrooms, in internships, and in the hearts of the next generation.

A Shared Passion, A Common Purpose

Sarah, Diva, and Carolina each walked different paths. They came at different times, with different skills and personalities. But what unites them is their shared passion for the cotton-top tamarin and their deep belief in the mission of Proyecto Tití. They prove that when young talent is nurtured in the right environment, it can blossom into lifelong impact.

As we continue to welcome interns each year—many of them from SENA—we do so with the knowledge that we are not just building capacity. We are building community, planting seeds that grow into roots, branches, and fruit for the future of conservation in Colombia.

In the words of our team members:

Sarah Velasco

“Being part of the administration team, I work with love for the conservation of the cotton-top tamarin, because every effort counts to protect them.”

Diva Gómez

“From the marketing and communications team, I contribute to cotton-top tamarin conservation by connecting people to this cause that inspires me.”

Carolina Yudex.

“Even though my work is in accounting, I know that every task helps conserve the cotton-top tamarin, and that gives meaning to my work.”

Join Us in Planting Seeds for the Future

At Proyecto Tití, we are proud to support the professional development of young Colombians through meaningful internships that matter. With every new cohort of SENA interns, we are not only investing in individual futures—we are strengthening the foundation of conservation for generations to come.