My name is Lexie Kupka, and for the past three months, I have been incredibly fortunate
to serve as the Bucks Go Pro Summer Intern for the 2nd & 7 Foundation.
By now, you probably know just how much this organization means to me. For the past
four years, I have had the privilege of volunteering with 2nd & 7, and it has truly become one of
the most meaningful parts of my Ohio State experience. As my senior year approaches, it's hard
to believe that both my time at Ohio State and my summer internship are coming to a close.
Throughout my time with 2nd & 7, I have been lucky enough to experience the
organization from two different perspectives. As a student-athlete role model, I had the
opportunity to go into classrooms, read with children, and help inspire the next generation of
readers. This summer, I was able to see the incredible work that happens behind the scenes to
make those moments possible.
Over the course of the summer, I worked on a wide variety of projects that helped me
grow professionally. I created social media content, designed graphics, developed marketing
materials, captured photo and video content, and helped tell the stories that show 2nd & 7's
mission. I assisted with donor communications, collaborated with community partners, attended
meetings with associates and members of the Board of Directors, helped organize Columbus
Kids' Book Bank Giveaways and summer reading programs, and supported countless events and
literacy initiatives. And... I even got the chance to be a Hog Mollie!
Beyond the projects themselves, this internship gave me a deeper understanding of what
it takes to run a successful nonprofit organization. I learned how grants and donations directly
fuel programming, how partnerships are built and maintained, and how every person behind the
scenes plays a role in creating opportunities for children and families throughout the community.
Most importantly, this experience reinforced exactly what I hope to do in my future career. It strengthened my passion for serving others, showed me the power of community engagement,
and confirmed my desire to continue learning and growing within the nonprofit and sports
philanthropy space.
I am so grateful to everyone at 2nd & 7 for believing in me and supporting my career
goals every step of the way. Thank you for making this summer one I will never forget. While
my internship may be ending, my involvement with them certainly is not. I can't wait to continue
volunteering throughout my senior year and to remain a forever supporter of the mission.
Thank you, 2nd & 7!
Lexie Kupka
Bucks Go Pro 2.0 Summer Intern/Ohio State Women's Lacrosse Player