Meet the Intern: Q&A with Stephanie

At Downtown Arlington, interns play an active role in shaping how our community experiences the neighborhood.

For the past seven years, Downtown Arlington has welcomed more than 25 students from The University of Texas at Arlington through its internship program, providing hands-on experience in marketing, events, and community engagement. Originally known as the MOD Squad (Mavericks of Downtown), the internship has become an important part of the organization's success. In fact, two of Downtown Arlington's staff members first joined the team as interns, and have since grown into full-time roles within the organization.

Meet Stephanie Flores, Downtown Arlington's newest Marketing & Events Intern! As a graphic design student at The University of Texas at Arlington, Stephanie has brought her creativity to the team through designing marketing materials, creating social media content, and helping tell the stories of the local businesses, events, and community that make downtown unique.

Get to know Stephanie as she shares what inspired her to join Downtown Arlington, her favorite part of the internship, and a little about herself beyond the office!

 1. Why did you want to work for Downtown Arlington? 

I was naturally drawn to the opportunity to work with Downtown Arlington because of its mission to support and promote local businesses. Growing up in a family that owned several small businesses, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and community involvement that go into helping a business succeed. That experience made this internship feel personal and aligned with my values. Beyond gaining marketing experience, I wanted to build a stronger connection with the Arlington community and play a role in showcasing everything the city has to offer.

Through this internship, I have been able to highlight local restaurants, shops, events, and attractions while contributing to efforts that encourage both residents and visitors to explore Downtown Arlington. Knowing that my work helps strengthen the local business community has made this experience especially meaningful. 

2. What is your favorite part of your role at Downtown? 

One of my favorite things about my role was the variety of experiences it offered. Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to contribute in several areas, from designing marketing materials and creating social media content to assisting with event planning and community initiatives. 

Some of my favorite projects included helping bring the Kick It in Downtown campaign to life through postcards, A-frames, and social media reels, designing maps and materials for Touch-A-Truck, and creating business highlight reels that showcased local businesses like Growl Records, Mi Tesoro, Deep Dive, Commodities, and Stash VHS.

While I enjoyed the creative side of marketing, my favorite part was working outreach during events. Staffing at the Downtown Arlington table gave me the chance to interact directly with community members and visitors in a way that social media alone couldn't. I loved answering questions, sharing recommendations about local businesses, and helping people discover everything Downtown Arlington has to offer.

Seeing familiar faces return to First Thursdays and hearing how much they enjoyed it made the work especially rewarding. Those interactions showed me that community engagement is at the heart of successful marketing and reinforced the importance of building genuine relationships.

3. What is your favorite spot in Downtown? 

My favorite spot in Downtown Arlington is Inclusion Coffee. I'm always up for an iced latte at any hour of the day! I love places with a welcoming atmosphere where I can relax, focus, and get work done, and Inclusion Coffee offers exactly that. Whether I'm catching up on work, meeting with friends, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee, it's always a comfortable place to spend time. Beyond the coffee itself, I really admire the sense of community it creates. It's a place where people naturally gather, connect, and support a local business, which reflects what I appreciate most about Downtown Arlington. 

4. What do you like to do in your free time? 

In my free time, I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family because I'm very family-oriented. Whether we're sharing a meal, celebrating special occasions, or simply spending time together, those moments mean the most to me. I'm also a big foodie, so I love exploring new restaurants with friends, discovering hidden gems, and trying different cuisines. It's one of my favorite ways to experience new communities and cultures. 

5. What are your goals for the future? 

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue growing both personally and professionally in the marketing industry. I hope to strengthen my graphic design skills, expand my creativity, and continue learning new strategies that help me become a more well-rounded marketer. More importantly, I want my work to make a meaningful impact. Whether it's supporting local businesses, promoting community initiatives, or helping organizations connect with the people they serve, I hope to contribute to something bigger than myself. One of the things I've enjoyed most during my Downtown Arlington internship is seeing how thoughtful marketing can bring people together. 

6. We heard you just saw Kanye in San Antonio, how was it?

IT WAS AMAZING! Listening on my headphones won't be the same anymore after hearing it live LOL.