A Balancing Act: Portia’s Intern Year
Portia’s journey with FCI began a year ago when she was hired as an intern while pursuing her MBA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in Real Estate Development and Investment at James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. While interning, her responsibilities included working with our New Markets Tax Credits program, marketing communications, and managing the execution of the Racine Dominican Grant Program partnership. Portia’s academic focus on real estate investment and development, combined with her active participation in Madison’s Developing Equity for Emerging Developers (DEED) program, made her an invaluable asset to our team. In addition, Portia started an intern blog, called “Grow and Glow,” in which she documented her time as an FCI intern.
Multi-tasking with her many roles was no small feat. As Portia wrote in her blog: “Balancing the responsibilities of wearing many hats as a single parent, managing work projects and communication initiatives, juggling roles as a teaching assistant and president of the [Real Estate Club], while studying as a full-time student was a profound lesson in extreme ownership, time management, effective communication, delegation, and the power of trusting my team members, both in academia and at work, for support.”
From Intern to Full-Time External Relations Manager
Portia’s exceptional skills and dedication did not go unnoticed, and we are thrilled to announce that she has now joined FCI full-time. As our new External Relations Manager, Portia will use her expertise to raise awareness and effectively communicate FCI’s initiatives. Her specialization in real estate investment and development is crucial to our mission of fostering strong and equitable communities.
Before joining our team full-time, Portia expressed her gratitude for her time as an intern at FCI and her excitement for the future. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partners and investors, continuing our impactful work in fostering strong and equitable communities,” she wrote. “This journey has taught me that pushing yourself beyond limits leads to unparalleled growth and opportunities, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me.”
A Multi-Faceted Talent
Outside of her professional endeavors, Portia enjoys a variety of interests that contribute to her well-rounded character. She loves traveling, outdoor recreation, community volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends. You can also hear Portia proudly and loudly cheering for her son at one of his many sporting events.
Portia is also passionate about delicious cuisine and fine arts, which includes the performing arts, live broadcast journalism with Sun Prairie’s KSUN channel and her local PBS station, and collaborating with local mural artists.
Bonus fun fact: Portia danced in the Bollywood film, Jaan-E-Mann!
Looking Ahead
FCI could not be more proud of Portia’s many accomplishments since joining us. Her journey from intern to full-time employee is a testament to her hard work, resilience, and dedication. We are confident that Portia’s work will continue to have a significant impact on our mission and the communities we serve.
“My goals as an External Relations Manager is to get everyone (or as close to everyone) in Wisconsin to know about FCI, what we do, the impact we bring, and how our products and services may be a great fit for them,”Portia said. “The more people know about CDFIs, then the more impactful work we can do.”
Portia’s dedication to creating a more equitable future in Wisconsin aligns perfectly with our mission at FCI. Stay tuned for more updates and success stories from our team, and join us in congratulating Portia Adney on her incredible journey and bright future with Forward Community Investments!
