CSU celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements, or are fulfilling Cleveland State University's mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Courtni Began.

CSU: Have you had any significant Internships/Co-ops/Careers while at CSU?

CB: I’ve been fortunate enough to have landed internships with two major Cleveland-area nonprofits. I worked as a Major Projects Unit Intern for Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), the Chamber of Commerce our region and as a Development and Experience Intern for Destination Cleveland, the Convention & Visitors Bureau for Cleveland. At GCP, I led community engagement efforts for the North Coast Lakefront Master Plan and Connector projects. At Destination Cleveland, I've been involved in diverse projects aimed at enhancing both the city's physical infrastructure and visitor experiences. This includes tangible elements such as public art, lighting, and mapping, as well as intangible aspects like curating immersive experiences for both visitors and residents.

CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?

CB: The connections I’ve made with CSU faculty and staff have been some of the most rewarding ones I’ve made, I’ll carry these relationships with me for the rest of time! In late 2020, I had the opportunity to join the (now-defunct) College of Sciences and Health Professions as a Student Assistant. While I initially had limited knowledge of higher education, the advisors and staff were incredibly supportive, guiding me through various challenges and helping me navigate the opportunities available at CSU. This experience not only enriched my personal growth but also enabled me to share valuable resources and insights with my peers, which I found immensely fulfilling.

CSU: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

CB: Attending Cleveland State has truly been a transformative experience for me. CSU is not just a place of learning but a catalyst that has propelled me to think beyond conventional boundaries. The faculty and resources at CSU have consistently encouraged me to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence. Moreover, through various programs and networking opportunities, the university has introduced me to a myriad of career paths I hadn't explored before. This exposure has been invaluable in shaping my aspirations and providing me with a clearer direction for my future endeavors. In essence, Cleveland State has not only educated me but inspired me to reach for the stars and seize the countless opportunities that lie ahead.

CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled the CSU mission (empowering others, creating knowledge, engaging our community, shaping our world)?

CB: While I feel that the pursuit of these values is an ongoing journey rather than a destination, I have experienced numerous instances throughout my academic career where I've embodied the CSU mission. One such instance was through my involvement in the Levin Mentoring program, where I built a cohort of over 40 students, each paired with a mentor tailored to their interests and career goals. This initiative allowed me to empower others by fostering meaningful connections.

Moreover, I actively contributed to knowledge creation through my Senior Capstone project. Serving as a Project Manager for the Cleveland Public Library (CPL), I spearheaded the generation of ideas and recommendations for programming, activities, and services, thereby enriching the community's access to resources and opportunities.

Engaging our community has been a fundamental aspect of my journey, exemplified by my organization of a Climate Action Planning Workshop in collaboration with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). This collaborative effort provided a platform for students to contribute their insights and ideas, shaping the region's inaugural climate action plan and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, my volunteerism with Mayor Justin Bibb's Transition Team allowed me to contribute to shaping priority actions for our city, underscoring my commitment to effecting positive change at the local level. As I reflect on these experiences, I am reminded that while the mission may never be fully realized, it is the collective efforts of individuals like me that propel us closer to its fulfillment, leaving a lasting impact on our communities.

Congratulations, Courtni!