Jasleen Mahindru

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

I was a part of the NPBI program as a board intern, and I was paired with the Alberta Native Plant Council (ANPC). I attended their monthly board meetings and Government of Alberta's non-profit operation workshops. Based on my skills and observations, I chose to put together a Merchandise Sales and Marketing Strategy Report for my project.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

While building a sustainable roadmap for growth for the council through my project, I aimed to align the organisation’s operational needs with professional sales tactics to increase their visibility and funding. The biggest takeaway from a project like this was to grasp governance and adaptability. I moved beyond theory to see how a non-profit operates in real-time — balancing a mission with the practicalities of revenue generation and board dynamics.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

The skills I gained — strategic reporting, stakeholder communication, and non-profit literacy — are universal. Whether I enter the corporate, public, or volunteer sector, I now understand how to analyse an organisation's "gaps" and present professional, data-driven solutions to leadership.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

CSL challenges students to move beyond surface-level volunteering to explore the social and political root causes of local issues. Participation in CSL also leads to a long-term commitment to community action. Moreover, I've also built direct connections with environmental professionals and provincial government mentors through my program. It has also bridged the gap between classroom learning and community needs, making my education feel more purposeful.