Clara Devey ’27 remains in Northfield for summer internship with local Laura Baker Services Association

For one Carl at Northfield’s Laura Baker Services Association (LBSA), volunteer work has elevated into a summer internship and school-year-long position. Clara Devey ’27 is the public policy intern for LBSA, an organization for families and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located just a few blocks from Carleton’s campus. 

Working directly with the executive director of LBSA, Devey has learned how to communicate remotely, make a campaign, and be in a professional work environment. One avenue for outreach that Devey engages in is crafting and posting educational and advocacy content on LBSA’s social media platforms. Through this work, she is able to share her independent research with her supervisors.

“A specific moment that was rewarding was when I sent some content for social media to be approved by one of my bosses, and he replied that he was learning new things through my content. I was really pleased that I was able to put out information about disability advocacy that was fascinating and impactful,” said Devey. 

Devey has set her sights on future goals for disability advocacy beyond LBSA’s immediate community as well. By implementing hidden-disability sunflower lanyards — a common symbol in the disabled community to signify someone whose disability may not be initially visually apparent — in Northfield, Devey hopes to spread awareness.

Working with LBSA also has personal significance for Devey. 

“I’m excited about this work every day,” said Devey. “As a disabled individual with a service dog, advocating for the disabled community and giving back is extremely rewarding. This organization does amazing work.”

Devey is encouraged and energized by the LBSA community, describing it as “absolutely lovely,” filled with people who are “so passionate about their work that it makes me motivated and inspired to continue working toward my goals.” 

This is not Devey’s first time working with LBSA, as she’s participated in the organization since winter term of her first year at Carleton.

“I volunteered as a College Friend at Laura Baker last year and participated in other events such as bingo and Saturday respite events,” said Devey.

Devey hopes her long term relationship with LBSA will develop into a career.

“This type of work is very important to me and I hope to have a career in disability advocacy after my time at Carleton,” said Devey.

Carleton has also been instrumental in making this internship a reality for Devey. 

“I am so grateful to Carleton for providing some funding so that I could participate, otherwise I would’ve had to find other work not in my area of interest,” said Devey.

Devey expressed gratitude for the Career Center’s internship activities, including weekly blogs and check-ins, for helping her build and maintain a routine while working remotely.