For over ten years, interns have played a critical role in the HBA’s operations. Each one brings new perspectives, talents and ideas to member services and the HBA’s team.

May 10, staff and members say goodbye to Public Affairs Intern Mackenzie Ste. Marie who has been at the HBA since September of 2017.

She first worked in communications assisting with various programs and writing projects. During the 2018 local election season, Ste. Marie assisted with the HBA’s related political activities and became interested in advocacy. Then, the following September, she then became the HBA’s public affairs intern, working with staff and members to prepare for the North Dakota legislative session, all while continuing many of her communications duties.

Executive Vice President Krista Mund says, “Mackenzie is the first intern we’ve had to serve in both the communications and public affairs areas. We will miss her quiet smile, willingness to pitch in whenever and however asked, and her dedication to getting projects done.”

Ste. Marie will graduate from North Dakota State University this month in strategic communications with a focus in public relations. She is currently searching for a job and considering graduate school, studying English, in the fall of 2020.

She says, “The best part of working for the HBA was getting to know the staff and members! It was always so fun to get to come to work and be surrounded by awesome people!”

Jaden Spooner has joined the HBA staff as communications intern for the summer. She was born and raised in Casselton and will graduate from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a degree in public relations this month.

Spooner started training in April and has developed a social media plan for the Herdina Academy for the Construction Trades, which will be a main project focus through mid-June. After that, she will work on communications related to the HBA and Home Builders Care Foundation the rest of the summer, including content development, social media and event planning. 

She says, “One thing I'm looking forward to the most with this internship is getting hands-on experience in a new market.” 

In her free time, Spooner loves being active in hobbies like spikeball, softball and golf.