Meet Henry Attivor, a Master of Public Administration student at Old Dominion University and an NEL interns with CivicLab.
This summer, Henry is diving into data-driven projects that support innovation and meaningful change across the City.
Learn more about him with this Q&A:
What's your internship project? I am assisting in several exciting initiatives: designing dashboards for the Grants Division and Civic Leagues and developing performance measurement tools to support data-informed decisions.
Can you share something you've learned about working in local government? Local government is where data meets compassion. I have learned how intentional use of data can improve services in real, measurable ways — and, more importantly, how that data can be used with empathy to uplift communities and improve everyday lives.
What’s the best part of your internship so far? The freedom to think critically on the job — and the trust to take initiative — all within a space where mentorship and encouragement are always present. That balance has helped me grow both professionally and personally.
How do you like to unwind after a day at work? I volunteer at a natural garden project. It is grounding, joyful work that lets me connect with others, learn about natural farming and build community through shared purpose and small, meaningful conversations.
Stay tuned for more NEL intern spotlights this summer!