DDC Apprentice Blog

My oh my, how time is flying by! I can hardly believe I’ve already wrapped up my second rotation as an apprentice, and I’m beyond excited to share just how incredible my experience has been with the Marketing and Communications team at Destination DC (DDC).  

From day one, I was welcomed into a vibrant, creative space where every team member brings something unique to the table—and together, they create pure magic when it comes to showcasing DC as a must-visit destination. Being part of this dynamic group has not only sharpened my skills and opened new doors for my future, but it’s also inspired me in ways I never imagined. Whether it’s brainstorming innovative campaigns or finding fresh ways to highlight the heartbeat of the city, every moment has been a joyful step in my professional journey. DDC has truly helped shape my path, and I’m so grateful for the fun and passionate energy that fuels this team and their mission! 🎨🎆 

• Favorite project= Itinerary for America turning 250! 

One of my favorite projects during my time with the marketing and communications department was creating a three-day itinerary highlighting the best of DC for an upcoming once-in-a-lifetime celebration—our country’s 250th birthday! I mean, how exciting is that? 

 As a proud DC native, I’ve always loved my city; but getting the chance to dive deeper into everything it has to offer made me fall in love with it all over again. This project was perfect for me. I’ve always been the type to plan memory-making adventures, and this gave me the opportunity to turn that passion into something that could be used by people from all over the world—and locals too! I got to research incredible events, hidden gems, iconic spots, free happenings, rooftop vibes, parades, festivals, and of course, fireworks! I put together a fun, flexible 3-day itinerary with morning, afternoon and evening options (two choices for each time slot) so anyone could tailor their perfect DC weekend. 

Joy, culture, history, fun, connection—this city has it all, and it was such an honor to help showcase that. I felt grateful and energized to contribute to something that celebrates not only our nation, but also the magic of my hometown. I honestly can’t wait to experience the itinerary myself because it really is the ultimate DC celebration!

• Favorite Outing = Cherry Pie Deliveries  

One of my favorite outings still lives in my heart like a postcard from a dream. I love how deeply DDC cares about its community, taking the extra steps to provide meaningful gestures that matter. During cherry blossom season, when the whole city feels like it’s blooming with joy, I was incredibly touched to learn that I would be helping deliver cherry pies to our beloved members and partners. It was one of those moments where you pause and think, “Wow, this is special.” Most companies wouldn’t even think of doing something so thoughtful, but here, love and appreciation are baked into everything we do—sometimes quite literally! 

As we set out, with pies in hand and hearts full, I found myself exploring parts of DC I’d never seen before. There’s something magical about rediscovering your own city through fresh eyes—seeing hidden gems, vibrant neighborhoods, and the smiles of people genuinely surprised and delighted by a sweet, unexpected gift. It reminded me of why I love what I do and who I do it with. 

I’m a people’s person to my core and I thrive on connections, sharing energy and stories. To spend the day bringing joy to others, seeing the laughter and gratitude light up their faces, filled me up. It was a reminder that kindness, when shared, becomes a ripple of happiness. That day wasn’t just work; it was an experience, a memory, and a celebration of the spirit of this city and the people who make it shine. 

• Key take aways = Strengthening Partnerships to Elevate Washington, DC 

My time with this department at DDC has been nothing short of inspiring. Being surrounded by such a passionate, creative team opened my eyes to the power of storytelling and strategy—how vibrant visuals, heartfelt messaging, and out-of-the-box ideas can come together to shape how the world sees our city. From brainstorming fresh ideas to witnessing the artistry behind every design and piece of content, I gained a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes brilliance that brings DC’s story to life. It’s one thing to love your city, but it’s another way to learn how to showcase its soul with intention and impact—and I’ve gotten to do just that. 

The energy during the team retreat, collaborative sessions, and community-focused initiatives was electric. Each project we touched on felt meaningful, whether it was celebrating local culture, supporting small businesses, or highlighting hidden attractions across the city. I walked away not only with a toolkit of marketing knowledge, but also a renewed sense of pride for everything DC has to offer. I now see the city through a lens of opportunity and wonder, and I’m grateful to have been a part of a department that leads with purpose, celebrates creativity, and spreads joy through everything they do. 

I’m absolutely over the moon to share that I’m back at Destination DC (DDC) as a Rotating Apprentice. This incredible opportunity allows me to build on the hands-on experience I first gained as a high school intern through the American Experience Foundation (AEF) - and I couldn’t be more excited! 

Even more thrilling? I’ve been given the honor and privilege of creating my very first blog to capture my journey from intern to apprentice. I can’t wait to dive into my experience, starting with the completion of my first departmental rotation with Partnerships & Alliances. From unforgettable projects to exciting outings, I’ve had so many standout moments already! In this blog, I’ll be sharing my absolute favorite project, the best outing, and my biggest takeaway- giving you a behind-the-scenes look at all the amazing work happening at DDC. 🎉✨ 
 

Favorite project: Exploring Creativity with Canva: A Journey of Learning and Innovation 

Recently, I was given the creative freedom to use Canva to update a key promotion project that is sent to our member businesses. This opportunity allowed me to dive deeper into the platform and explore its full potential. Through this hands-on experience, I was able to experiment with various design elements, such as color combinations, engaging animations and dynamic imagery, all of which helped bring the projects to life in a vibrant and impactful way. 

As I worked with Canva, I not only received the chance to showcase my design skills but also gained a deeper understanding of how these visual tools can enhance communication and engagement. The ability to play with different styles and layouts allowed me to create something that truly resonated with our audience. This project was a valuable learning experience, expanding my creative toolkit and reinforcing the importance of visually compelling content in our outreach efforts. 

Favorite Outing = A Memorable Trip to Sycamore & Oak with AEF Interns. 

It was truly inspiring to visit Sycamore & Oak – a retail incubator space for local Black-owned businesses and a community gathering space - with our AEF high school AIP interns, a trip that highlighted the incredible impact these kinds of places have on transforming local communities. The tour not only showcased their contributions to the neighborhood but also underscored the importance of preserving and sharing history.  

As someone who was once in my high school colleagues' position while interning with DDC, this experience felt especially meaningful. Being able to guide and support them on their professional journeys has come full circle for me. It's a moment that brings immense pride and fulfillment, as I can pay forward the support and knowledge I once received. This opportunity to mentor and witness their growth is a reminder of how impactful these experiences can be, both personally and professionally.  

Key take aways = Strengthening Partnerships to Elevate Washington, DC. 

Working with DDC feels like being part of a family — one that genuinely cares about the community and is passionate about helping people grow and succeed. DDC isn’t just about promoting Washington, DC; it's about building connections, supporting local businesses and uplifting the next generation of professionals through mentorship and hands-on experiences. 

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to shadow meetings and join outings with various businesses, seeing firsthand how DDC’s partnerships boost DC’s visibility on a global scale. From hotels and museums to restaurants and transportation providers, every member plays a vital role in shaping the city’s vibrant visitor experience. It’s inspiring to witness how everyone works together to make DC a premier destination for tourism, meetings, and events. 

What truly makes DDC special, though, is the heart behind the work. Through AEF, young professionals are given invaluable opportunities to learn, grow and develop essential life and career skills. It’s more than just experience — it’s guidance, encouragement, and a push to become the best version of yourself. Being part of this environment motivates me to dream big and give back. The support, professionalism, and genuine desire to see people thrive make DDC not just an organization, but a community dedicated to making a lasting impact. I’m proud to be part of something that helps DC flourish while shaping future leaders who will carry that spirit forward.