Leading with Purpose: Morgan Blum’s Internship at the North San Diego Business Chamber

From major regional events like San Diego Women’s Week to intimate leadership roundtables and small business forums, the North San Diego Business Chamber plays a vital role in convening leaders, empowering professionals, and shaping the future of our region’s economy. Under the leadership of CEO Chris Thorne, the Chamber is deeply committed to workforce development, mentorship, and creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

This spring, MBA candidate Morgan Blum joined the Chamber as a University of San Diego Social Innovation Intern, bringing her background in project management, consulting, and entrepreneurship to the Chamber’s event strategy. Tasked with managing logistics for high-profile events like San Diego Women’s Week, Morgan supported every phase of planning—from vendor coordination and budget tracking to event-day operations. Her role placed her at the center of one of the region’s most celebrated leadership events, connecting her with professionals across industries and strengthening her skills as a strategic planner and communicator.

Morgan’s experience illustrates the value of USD's Social Innovation Internship: connecting mission-driven students with purpose-oriented organizations where they can apply their skills and grow their networks. Led by USD’s Center for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Career Development Center—and supported by Conscious Capitalism San Diego and a generous grant from the Prebys Foundation—the Social Innovation Internship offers students like Morgan a launchpad into careers where business, leadership, and impact converge.

Motivation & Mission

Morgan, what inspired you to apply for the Social Innovation Internship, and how does it support your aspirations?
I was inspired to apply after taking the Social Impact class with Professor Karen Henken, who encouraged us to think beyond business success and toward community engagement. When this opportunity came up, she shared it with the class, and it immediately resonated with me. The North San Diego Business Chamber is all about helping businesses of all sizes grow while giving back to the local community. That mission aligned with my values—and the internship has provided real-life experience in event coordination and professional development programming, which directly supports my goal of working in project management.

Chris, why did the Chamber join the Social Innovation Internship, and how does it align with your mission?
At the North San Diego Business Chamber, we’re committed to developing leadership, strengthening the workforce, and creating space for meaningful community engagement. Partnering with the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship program was a natural extension of that mission. It allows students like Morgan to gain hands-on experience while contributing to high-impact events like San Diego Women’s Week. Morgan’s creativity, dedication, and fresh perspective have added tremendous value—and reaffirmed the importance of investing in emerging professionals.

Inside the Internship

Morgan, what does a typical week at the Chamber look like? What were your main responsibilities?
Every week looks different, depending on the events we’re preparing for. I’ve worked on San Diego Women’s Week, the upcoming Business Summit, and the Chamber’s Celebration of Business. My responsibilities range from organizing pre-event logistics and budget tracking to setup, registration, and post-event reflection. For Women’s Week, I managed venue and vendor coordination and worked to ensure everything stayed on budget and on schedule. I also attend monthly advisory boards, small business forums, and networking events—each of which offers insight and professional growth.

Chris, how did Morgan contribute to the success of San Diego Women’s Week?
Morgan played an essential role in this year’s Women’s Week. Her attention to detail and ability to solve problems proactively helped everything run smoothly—from coordinating venues and vendors to managing budgets and timelines. On event days, she brought professionalism, warmth, and leadership, serving as a trusted point of contact for guests and partners. Her work helped elevate the entire experience, and her efforts will have a lasting impact on how we approach these events moving forward.

Morgan, what did you learn about designing events that inspire and empower women leaders?
The biggest lesson I took away was how important it is to create both formal and informal spaces for connection. During Women’s Week, the Chamber hosted an Elevate and Engage networking night that allowed women to share stories and build relationships in a relaxed environment. At the Leadership Conference, interactive seating, breakout sessions, and meaningful conversations helped attendees connect across career stages. Hearing from inspiring women like Laysha Ward (Target), Anne Chow (formerly AT&T), and Israa Nasir (mental health advocate) reminded me of the power of authentic storytelling—and how it can spark real growth.

Chris, how do young professionals help shape events that foster leadership and career development?
Young professionals bring fresh thinking, new energy, and a deep understanding of what rising leaders are looking for. Morgan helped us reimagine certain aspects of Women’s Week—from how we structured networking to how we ensured the experience was inclusive and engaging across generations. The creativity and curiosity that students bring to the table helps us evolve, stay relevant, and deliver experiences that resonate with today’s professionals.

Challenges, Growth & Insight

Morgan, what was the biggest challenge you faced, and how did you navigate it?
Event planning comes with a lot of pressure—especially when trying to design something that will resonate with hundreds of attendees, all while working within a tight budget. Balancing creativity and cost was a constant challenge. Another smaller challenge was learning everyone’s names and roles in a very connected, community-based environment. I navigated both by being proactive, asking questions, staying organized, and reminding myself that growth comes from these kinds of challenges.

Chris, what surprised you most about working with Morgan?
Morgan impressed us from the beginning with her professionalism and ability to step into a high-level role with confidence. She didn’t approach the internship like a student—she approached it like a seasoned coordinator. Her ability to anticipate needs, manage complex logistics, and maintain a positive presence throughout high-pressure moments left a lasting impression on our entire team.

Looking Ahead

Morgan, how has this experience shaped your career interests in event management or nonprofit leadership?
This internship helped me understand project management in a much more holistic way. I learned how to break down large-scale events into manageable pieces, juggle multiple priorities, and keep everything aligned toward a common goal. It also showed me that project management isn’t just about logistics—it’s about people, relationships, and impact. Working with the Chamber also helped me see how nonprofit work can drive real change, and that purpose-driven environments are where I thrive. I now know I want a career that combines strategy, leadership, and community engagement.

Chris, how do programs like this help build a stronger pipeline for regional leadership?
University-industry partnerships like the Social Innovation Internship are essential. They help students turn classroom learning into real-world experience while giving organizations access to smart, motivated talent. These programs create opportunities for mentorship, skill-building, and connection—all of which contribute to a stronger, more resilient local business community. We’re proud to be part of this effort and excited to see where leaders like Morgan go next.

What advice would you offer future interns looking to grow in event planning and leadership development?
Embrace the process. Ask questions. Be curious. Event planning is unpredictable, and leadership development requires stepping outside your comfort zone. The interns who make the biggest impact are the ones who show initiative, communicate clearly, and treat every project—big or small—with care. Most of all, know that what you’re doing matters. Even the smallest tasks play a role in delivering an experience that could inspire someone for years to come.

Looking Forward

At the University of San Diego, we know that the best way to prepare young people for their professional careers is by giving them meaningful opportunities to lead, build relationships, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. The North San Diego Business Chamber offered exactly that for Morgan Blum.

By supporting the planning and execution of one of the region’s most impactful leadership events, Morgan stepped into her voice as a project manager, a collaborator, and a connector.

As we grow the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship, we’re focused on creating more opportunities like this—experiences where students help shape our region while sharpening the skills they need for values-aligned careers and lifelong leadership.

Written by Andrew Biros, EdD

Senior Director, Center for Social Innovation
Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost
University of San Diego

Acknowledgments

This article is part of the University of San Diego’s Social Innovation Internship, a campus-wide, interdisciplinary program led by the Center for Social Innovation and the Career Development Center. The program is organized in partnership with Conscious Capitalism San Diego and generously supported through a grant from the Prebys Foundation.