By Angy Hanon:
This summer, we are proud to feature one of our Catholic Community Connection 2026 Summer Fellows, Grace Salvino, a graduate student at John Carroll University pursuing her Master of Business Administration in Management. She served as Program Account Fellow with Catholic Community Connection, working directly with President Marian Rubin to support client accounts while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit management and community engagement.
Throughout her fellowship, Grace managed a large client account consisting of over 180 organizations served by Republic Services. She coordinated waste and recycling services, answered customer questions, and processed invoices. Through this experience, she learned how to balance the needs of numerous clients while strengthening her account management and customer service skills. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to personalize every interaction,” she reflected. “Every client has different preferences, and learning those details helps you serve them better.”
Grace took part in a variety of community outreach activities in addition to her regular responsibilities, which gave her a greater appreciation for Catholic Community Connection’s mission. She visited the interactive People of Hope: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors exhibit, volunteered at Mission Kitchen’s Refresh Pantry, and went to First Friday and City Club of Cleveland luncheons. Through these opportunities, she was able to build relationships with organizations around Northeast Ohio and observe firsthand how faith-based nonprofits address community needs.
Her supervisor, Marian, played an important role throughout Grace’s fellowship. “Marian always has an open door,” she shared. “If I needed help, I always felt comfortable walking into her office. She was very hands-on and took the time to help me learn every step of the process.” From practicing phone calls during her first week to discussing client relationships and problem-solving strategies, Marian created an environment where Grace felt supported and encouraged to grow professionally.
Throughout the summer, Grace gained a deeper appreciation for Catholic Community Connection’s culture and the people who make it possible. She described the organization as a place where employees genuinely enjoy serving others and are united by a shared sense of purpose. “Everyone here is passionate about what they do,” she noted. “That positivity and commitment to the mission make it an incredible place to work.”
Looking ahead, the fellowship has inspired Grace to consider a future in the nonprofit sector. “This experience has definitely made me think about working in a nonprofit someday, especially when I’m in a position to help others,” she reflected. Her time at Catholic Community Connection reinforced her passion for building relationships, serving the community, and making a meaningful impact, all lessons she plans to carry with her throughout her career.
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