This spring, SOAR365 was excited to welcome Rynan Garner as part of our Marketing & Communications team. Rynan is a recent graduate of the VCU Brandcenter and was connected to SOAR365 through the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI).
Rynan was born with optic nerve hypoplasia, which left him blind in one eye. “That has never stopped me from exploring the world around me,” he shares. His creativity, curiosity, and positive attitude have made him a wonderful addition to the SOAR365 team.
Rynan says his favorite part of the internship has been the people. “I have never worked in such an environment where everyone is so amazing and nice, as well as driven,” he shares. “The team leads with their hearts for a common cause.”
During his internship, Rynan has gained hands-on experience in copywriting, social media, photography, and digital media strategy. He says the opportunity has helped him grow his marketing skills while also showing him the impact nonprofit work can have.
“Working in a nonprofit setting has helped me see the true impact SOAR365 is making for people with disabilities like me across the Central Virginia region,” Rynan said. Rynan moved to Richmond in 2023 for graduate school and says he has loved getting to know the city’s music and food scene. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue building his marketing career and apply the skills he has learned at SOAR365 and the VCU Brandcenter to future opportunities.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know Rynan as a member of our team,” said his SOAR365 supervisor, Nate Wise, Communications & Public Relations Manager. “His creativity, positive attitude, and willingness to learn impressed me from day one and I know he’ll succeed wherever his career takes him next.”
Interested in volunteering with SOAR365? Learn more by exploring our website or contact Liz Harris Baker, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at (804) 665-1210 or [email protected]. SOAR365 offers fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals or groups to give back!
