At Culture Spark, we believe leadership development starts long before someone earns a management title. It begins with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the courage to step into new experiences. That’s why our internship program is designed to provide meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals to contribute, grow, and discover their strengths. Over the past year, Gemma Rabo has embodied each of those qualities.
Gemma joined the Culture Spark team as our HR Intern while completing her Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a minor in Leadership Development at Louisiana State University. Throughout her internship, she quickly became a valued contributor across a wide range of client and internal initiatives.
From recruiting and talent acquisition to compensation research, employee engagement, and HR process development, Gemma approached every project with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn. She supported candidate screening and recruiting efforts, conducted market research and compensation benchmarking, evaluated HR technology solutions, and helped build practical resources designed to strengthen organizations and support employees.
Her work extended beyond traditional HR responsibilities. Gemma immersed herself in leadership development by studying books such as Dare to Lead and Crucial Conversations, creating presentations, facilitating discussions, and exploring how leadership practices shape organizational culture. She consistently looked for ways to connect people-focused HR strategies with real business outcomes.
One of the qualities that stood out most was Gemma’s ability to remain positive through every challenge. She balanced multiple priorities, adapted to varying client expectations, presented her work to experienced leaders, and received feedback that challenged her to grow. Even during the toughest moments, her positive outlook never wavered. She listened, reflected, and returned ready to apply what she had learned. Through that combination of optimism, initiative, and persistence, Gemma developed stronger communication skills, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of both Human Resources and consulting.
Reflecting on her experience, Gemma shared that the internship reinforced her passion for people-focused HR and confirmed her interest in talent acquisition and leadership development. She also expressed her gratitude for the guidance, support, mentorship, and opportunities she received throughout the year, crediting the experience with helping her grow both personally and professionally.
From Culture Spark Intern to HR Professional
After graduating from Louisiana State University this spring, Gemma accepted a position as HR Coordinator with Aldridge and began her new role on June 30.
Aldridge is a valued member of Culture Spark’s client network, making Gemma’s next chapter especially meaningful to our team. Through an introduction made during her internship, Gemma had the opportunity to connect with the Aldridge team and earn a role where she can continue developing her HR experience. We are thrilled to see her talent recognized within a community we know and value.
“Gemma approached every project with enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to learn. She consistently looked for ways to add value, asked insightful questions, and embraced every opportunity to grow. Even when she received tough feedback or faced a difficult challenge, I never saw her positive outlook waver. She listened, learned, and kept moving forward. Watching her confidence and capabilities expand over the past year has been one of the greatest joys of our internship program. I know she will make a meaningful impact as she begins her career with Aldridge.”
Sheryl Lyons, Founder and CEO of Culture Spark
Gemma, thank you for your contributions, your curiosity, and your commitment to learning. We are grateful for the impact you’ve made on our team and our clients, and we are excited to see you carry that experience into this next chapter.
Congratulations, Gemma. Your future is bright, and we’re cheering you on every step of the way.
