2024 HBCUI Intern
BIOGRAPHY
Cierra Slater, a graduate of Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, served as a Park Planning Fellow with the National Park Service’s National Capital Region through the HBCUI Internship Program in 2024.
During her time at Tennessee State University, Cierra was actively involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Society of Black Engineers, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Her academic and extracurricular experiences helped develop her interests in planning, sustainability, community engagement, and the built environment.
As a Park Planning Fellow, Cierra supported planning and community engagement initiatives throughout the National Capital Region. Her work included assisting with public meetings, gathering and analyzing stakeholder feedback, supporting planning projects in the District of Columbia, and helping develop outreach materials designed to increase community participation. She also contributed to project evaluations, data analysis, presentation development, and public comment review processes that informed park planning efforts.
Throughout her internship, Cierra gained valuable experience in public engagement, park planning, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration. She worked closely with National Park Service staff and community members to help ensure that planning decisions reflected both park needs and public input while supporting the preservation and interpretation of important cultural and historical resources.
The experience strengthened her professional skills and provided firsthand exposure to planning and development processes within one of the nation’s largest and most complex park systems.
Education & Experience
Education
Tennessee State University
NPS SITE
National Capital Region
POSITION
Park Planning Fellow
Poster Presentation – Career & Leadership Workshop
Pictured above, Cierra Slater presents her internship project during the 2024 HBCUI Career and Leadership Workshop at the Department of the Interior. Through an interactive poster presentation, she shared her work as a Park Planning Fellow with the National Capital Region, highlighting community engagement efforts, planning initiatives, stakeholder outreach, and the role public participation plays in shaping the future of National Park Service sites.
HBCUI Certificate of Completion
Pictured l-to-r Candice Price of SODAS Life Inc., Cierra Slater, Wayne Hubbard of SODAS Life Inc., and Ernestine M. White National Youth Employment Programs Coordinator, National Park Service (NPS).
Black in National Parks Week: Cierra Slater
Black in National Parks – Facebook | Instagram | Linktree
My name is Cierra Slater. I am a recent graduate of the illustrious Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering. I am a Park Planning Fellow in the National Capital Regional Office. After completing my fellowship, I plan to enter the field of construction project management.
What motivated you to choose an internship at a national park?
I was recruited by HBCUI to apply for the Park Planning Fellow position. As someone passionate about architecture and urban design, I was intrigued by the opportunity to explore these fields within the National Park Service. I hadn’t initially considered that such a role existed in this environment, but after researching more about park planning, I realized how important design and planning are in shaping and preserving these natural spaces.
What did you find most rewarding about your experience?
The most rewarding part of my experience was the opportunity to visit some incredible sites. I got to explore the North Parkway construction site, see the reconstruction of the Oxon Cove Trail, and even go underneath the Jefferson Memorial. These site visits gave me a unique, hands-on perspective that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
Were there any unexpected challenges you faced? How did you handle them?
During my internship, I experienced a shift in my career goals, which was unexpected. Initially, I planned to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning after my internship. However, I realized that I was more interested in jumping into the workforce, particularly in project management. The challenge was that my current role didn’t provide the hands-on project management experience l needed for an entry-level position. To address this, I proactively reached out to other departments within my office and sought opportunities to gain relevant experience.
What advice would you give to future interns at a national park?
My biggest advice is to network as much as possible! The National Park Service and other federal agencies offer numerous opportunities for interns to connect with professionals and fellow interns. If you’re uncertain about your career goals, don’t hesitate to reach out to people and set up informational interviews. Learning about others’ experiences can help you gain clarity and guide your career path.
Testimonial
“Excited to share that I recently attended the Internship Career and Leadership Workshop hosted by the National Park Service! It was an incredible experience to engage in panels on conservation and hear insights from both current and former NPS directors.
I also had the opportunity to showcase my work as a Park Planning Fellow at the National Capital Regional Office in Washington, D.C. this summer. A heartfelt thank you to HBCUI and the National Park Service for this invaluable opportunity!” – Cierra Slater
