Australia native Caitie McNamara is an Intern at Home of the Sparrow, where her goals and roles are to help and learn.

McNamara, whose first job was at Ben & Jerry’s at 16 years old, recalls it being a great — and delicious — experience to glimpse how a business is run behind the scenes and to learn responsibility on a new scale.

“As I recently graduated with my master’s degree in December of 2023, I was eager to apply the knowledge gained throughout my last six years of schooling into a work setting,” said McNamara. “I worked with all members of Home of the Sparrow and learned skills, new databases, and a deeper desire to help make change. Learning from the fantastic women who work there was an honor, and it’s beyond rewarding to know that my contribution made it easier for the staff to change lives and give hope.”

McNamara attended Nambour Christian College in the Sunshine Coast of Australia before moving to the U.S. in 2017 to play field hockey at West Chester University. At WCU, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, complemented by a minor in Applied Statistics and Digital Marketing. Subsequently, she pursued her master’s degree in Public Administration, specializing in Nonprofit Management.

Over the course of her career so far, McNamara is proud to be named a VISTA Millennial Superstar.

“As a recent college graduate, I haven’t had much work experience yet, and to know that my work at Home of the Sparrow was acknowledged and appreciated through this accomplishment is a very proud moment,” she said.

McNamara’s favorite Chester County restaurant is Dolce Zola.

“With fresh pasta made daily you really can’t go wrong,” she said. “There are so many fantastic spots in Chester County, it truly is a dream to live — and eat — here.”

McNamara and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley, Malvern.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.