Stories
Jul 17, 2024
Meet the Interns: Q&A with the newest members of the Downtown Arlington team
Working for Downtown Arlington includes a fun, collaborative atmosphere with the chance to build and develop projects from the ground up in addition to balancing Downtown’s ongoing efforts. This is the perfect environment for self-starters and big thinkers who are willing to extend past their comfort zones to craft a unique experience for Downtown enthusiasts. We encourage and provide ample opportunities for interns to leave the program with something personal that they can call their own, from ideation to execution.
Many of the programming, designs, and events around the downtown district were crafted by interns from previous summers. Their work and impact have reached all corners of the community. Meet this summer's interns, Rebecca and Ayushi!
Rebecca Lopez
Marketing & Events Intern
May 2024 UTA graduate
BFA in Graphic Design
1. How did you hear about this internship?
I discovered the Downtown Arlington Internship through my involvement on campus. Learning about Downtown Arlington and its vibrant community inspired me to get more involved. I wanted to connect with fellow students, enhance their campus experience, and also foster a stronger relationship with the Arlington community. During my time on campus, I served as the President of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA UTA) and was an active member of the Marketing Committee for EXCEL Campus Activities.
2. Why did you want to work for Downtown Arlington?
Downtown Arlington is dedicated to cultivating a rich, vibrant, and engaged community, a mission that resonates deeply with me as a graphic designer. This commitment inspired me to eagerly join the Downtown Arlington team. As a Graphic Designer my goal is to resonate with everyday people throughout my designs. I strive to create purposeful designs to enrich people’s lives by combining creativity and strategy into design. I am happy to be part of the Downtown Arlington team!
3. What is your favorite part of your role at Downtown?
My favorite aspect of my role at Downtown Arlington is the opportunity to immerse myself in my passion for design and share my creative perspective with the community and with my team. Working here has given me invaluable real-world experience, enabling me to broaden my skills and grow as an effective designer. I've really enjoyed collaborating with my team on our Summer Survival Kit. It's given me the chance to explore my creative freedom, explore new design techniques, and create something fun for the community!
4. What is your favorite spot in Downtown Arlington?
My favorite spot in Downtown Arlington is Los Molcas Tacos Bar and Grill, I highly recommend trying their Barbacoa burritos! They are absolutely chef’s kiss and filled with so much love. I always enjoy grabbing dinner at Los Molcas with my boyfriend!
5. What do you like to do in your free time/hobbies?
In my free time, I cherish the moments I spend with my friends, family, and my loving boyfriend. One of my favorite activities is exploring vintage antique stores and I love visiting funky record shops! For 13 years, I have always loved oil painting in my free time; it's where my passion for design began.
6. What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to be an effective designer, continually expanding my knowledge and skills to thrive in this field. I am committed to growing as a Graphic Designer, carrying my experiences forward as I progress. I aim to achieve this here in Downtown Arlington.
Find more about Rebecca's design skills below!
Ayushi Mavuduru
Downtown Operations Intern
Spring 2026 UTA graduate
Architecture graduate student
1. How did you hear about this internship?
I heard about Downtown Arlington's projects through research I did for some of my planning and landscape architecture electives, but I heard about the internship opportunity through Handshake.
2. Why did you want to work for Downtown Arlington?
I wanted to work for Downtown Arlington because I've personally encountered their work in beautifying this part of Arlington because of the proximity of Downtown to the UTA campus. I also value the work Downtown Arlington does in creating opportunities for small business owners to grow their businesses through design improvements.
3. What is your favorite part of your role at Downtown?
My favorite part of my role at Downtown is being able to integrate data and research from platforms like Placer.ai with design-based solutions for bringing in new businesses or programming to the area.
4. What is your favorite spot in Downtown Arlington?
My favorite spot in Downtown Arlington is Inclusion Coffee!
5. What do you like to do in your free time/hobbies?
I love doing DIY crafts and experiment with new baking recipes in my free time. Beyond work and school, I recently started learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
6. What are your goals for the future?
Short term, I hope to continue to make a positive impact in my position as Downtown Operations Intern. I also hope to be more outgoing within CAPPA, my academic college at UTA, and build meaningful friendships with like-minded architecture and planning students. Long term, I aspire to work in education design, landscape architecture, or adaptive reuse and historical preservation of buildings.