Wolff Civic Fellowship: Learning Through Community in Spokane

The Gonzaga University CCE Wolff Civic Fellowship connects students with local organizations to support community-driven work while building professional skills. The program places students in hands-on roles across Spokane, allowing them to engage directly with nonprofit work while developing a deeper understanding of civic engagement, leadership, and community needs beyond the university setting. Through these placements, students are not only contributing to organizations but also learning how their academic interests and future careers can take shape in real-world environments.

Nya Schara completes her placement with L’Arche House, a community for adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her role, she contributes four days a week through relationship-building, daily activities like shared meals and outings, and managing communications, including social media and outreach. Her work is rooted in presence and consistency, showing up each day to support both the practical and relational needs of the community.

Over time, Nya has found that much of her learning comes from the everyday rhythm of life at L’Arche House. Simple moments like preparing meals together, joining group outings, or engaging in casual conversation have helped shape her understanding of community-based care. Her experience has emphasized adaptability and a deeper understanding of the Spokane community beyond campus, as she learns how much impact consistent, relational work can have in people’s lives.

Reiko Gumabon works with Manzanita House with the development and communications team. Her role includes professional and grant writing, as well as supporting broader organizational messaging. She contributes to shaping how the organization communicates its mission, both to funders and to the wider community, ensuring that its work is clearly represented and accessible.

Through her placement, Reiko has gained insight into nonprofit operations, community needs in Northeast Spokane, and workplace dynamics, while strengthening skills relevant to her interest in social work. She has learned how behind-the-scenes communication and development work directly support frontline services, and how strategic messaging can influence an organization’s ability to serve its community effectively.

Both fellows highlighted the supportive nature of their work environments and the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the community. They encourage students to apply, noting the fellowship as a chance to build practical skills, explore career interests, and connect with Spokane in a more intentional way. Their experiences reflect not only professional growth but also a developing awareness of the relationships and systems that shape local nonprofit work. Nya describes her experience as “enlightening, easing, comforting,” while Reiko characterizes hers as “supportive, empowering, inclusive.”