Internship focus: Documenting the impact of the Diversity Market
Diversity market logo

The Diversity Market is a pop-up market that elevates underestimated entrepreneurs and shares the rich diversity within the South District Neighborhood with the greater Iowa City community. The three co-founders of the Diversity Market worked with local economic development city agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses sponsor to launch the market with the goal of empowering underserved and minority business owners to start, grow and sustain their businesses.

  visit Diversity Market FB Page

About the internship: 

The Diversity Market provides an accessible and consistent opportunity to shop local in a part of town that is currently revitalizing its commercial business district and residential neighborhood. Located in the Pepperwood Plaza parking lot on Saturdays from July 9 to August 19, the Third Annual Diversity Market will include more than 60 vendors selling food, art, jewelry, and other items. Markets also include live performances, children’s entertainment, and nonprofits.  

The intern will help draft an impact report describing how the Diversity Market contributes to efforts to revitalize the South District. The intern will survey or interview market attendees, vendors, and organizers. The intern will also research the history of neighborhood revitalization and community activism in the South District neighborhood.

Responsibilities will include: 

  • Attend weekly Diversity Market planning meetings  

  • Develop methods to collect information about market attendees and vendors, including interviews and questionnaires 

  • Conduct background research on the history, representation, changing demographics, and business development in the South District through market and archival research 

  • Develop a current list of South District nonprofits and grassroots organizations 

  • Draft an impact report  

  • Assist with promotion of the market, including social media 

  • Assist with set up and take down on market days

Qualifications & skills preferred:  

  • Working with diverse populations in a community setting 

  • Experience with archival and historical research 

  • Strong writing and communication skills  

  • Experience with interviewing and questionnaire design, or willingness to learn  

  • Willingness to pitch in with all aspects of the Diversity Market 

  • Ability to speak Spanish preferred but not required

Supervisors: Marlén Mendoza, Co-Founder, Emprendimiento Latino 5M; Angie Jorden, Executive Director, South District Self-Sustaining Municipal Improvement District; Tasha Lard, owner, JD Beauty Supply  

Location: Dream City, 611 Southgate Ave # B, Iowa City, IA 52240

Hours: Weekday business hours and Saturday hours when the Diversity Market is open

Apply!