Recapping the 2026 Summer Internship Program: Q&A with the Interns

Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV) hosted four summer interns in the summer of 2026. We asked each of them a few questions to reflect on their time at FCV and how their internship experience will be beneficial in their future career endeavors.
Meet the Interns:
•    Connor Davis: Credit & Lending Intern based at the Verona Operations Center
•    Virginia “Genny” Hwang: Credit & Lending Intern based at the Verona Operations Center
•    Ciara Lazaro Blas: Marketing & Knowledge Center Intern based at the Verona Operations Center
•    Sofia Silverglate: Information Technology (IT) Intern based at the Roanoke branch

What was your favorite experience during your internship this summer?

Connor: My favorite experience was touring so many unique agricultural operations across Virginia and West Virginia. Touring Perk Farm Organic Dairy in Frankford, W. Va. really stood out because of their ability to operate a large-scale dairy on a high level while still staying true to their organic and diversified approach.
Genny: Although it's hard to choose because every experience has been amazing, I would have to say my top two favorite experiences were visiting AgFirst in Columbia, S.C. and attending the Loudoun County Fair to support the kids showing the animals they raised. Visiting AgFirst gave me a better understanding of how the Farm Credit System supports agriculture and rural communities while playing an important role in the broader economy. Attending the Loudoun County Fair allowed me to experience the ag community firsthand and see both the current state of the industry and its future through the kids.
Ciara: I had such a great experience at Farm Credit this summer, which makes it hard to have just one favorite experience, so here’s my top three! First, I enjoyed working on my project, which consisted of filming videos to support the marketing department and the Knowledge Center. I had so much fun throughout the process of developing scripts and working through the details, but especially recording them! Second, would have to be the group trip with all of the interns to South Carolina for the AgFirst Farm Credit Basics for Interns. It was such a fun trip where we got to learn so much about Farm Credit and each other. My third favorite experience was going to Richmond to meet Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Katie Frazier, and her team. 
Sofia: Some of my favorite experiences from this summer were the trip down to South Carolina for intern training and the farm visits! Not only did the training give us insight into how Farm Credit has evolved and show us amazing artifacts, but it also gave us interns the opportunity to bond. In addition to learning about the organization’s past, we learned about the current state and future of Farm Credit through our visits to farms in our footprint.

Share your key takeaway(s) from your internship experience.

Connor: One of my biggest takeaways from this internship was getting to experience Farm Credit’s welcoming and supportive culture firsthand. Everyone was more than willing to share their knowledge and help me learn, which made this opportunity both fulfilling and enjoyable.
Genny: My biggest takeaway as a credit and lending intern is that FCV's mission is more than just a statement. It actively guides the organization's financial decisions, long-term strategy and commitment to serving ag and rural communities. Personally, I have also gained a greater appreciation for the ag community and learned how hardworking, resilient and supportive its members are.
Ciara: I think one big takeaway from my internship experience is the importance of community. The relationship that Farm Credit has with its members is truly amazing to see, and it is evident that Farm Credit wants their members to succeed. The sense of community within Farm Credit was also inspiring and I loved getting to experience the collaboration within this organization. Even though I was an intern, I never felt less than or little. I felt like I was genuinely wanted here.
Sofia: Two of my biggest takeaways would be using and growing my problem-solving skills through my summer project, in addition to learning how vital trust and strong connections are when serving farms and farmers.

How will the knowledge you gained from this internship serve you in the future?

Connor: This internship not only equipped me with practical skills relevant to the loan making process, but also provided valuable mentorship that helped me grow as a leader and communicator.
Genny: I hope to apply the analytical skills I developed working with the credit team and the relationship-building skills I gained working with lending team members in the future. I also plan to carry forward the agricultural knowledge I gained during this internship, which has given me a greater appreciation for the important role agriculture plays in supporting our daily lives and communities across the country.

Ciara: The knowledge and new skills I gained throughout this internship will help me greatly in the future. In working on my video project, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of people across the Association, and staying organized became a key aspect of managing my project. My mentors were really great about guiding me while also allowing me to lead the project, which will definitely be beneficial in the future. 

Sofia: The hands-on technical and analytical skills I developed, along with learning how to adapt when priorities shift, have helped me grow professionally and will help me in my future endeavors. It showed me how to apply classroom concepts directly to real business needs.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Connor: I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in Farm Credit’s exceptional internship program this summer. The experience has allowed me to build meaningful relationships, expand my professional network and gain valuable insights from a group of knowledgeable individuals.
Genny: Everyone at FCV has been such a joy to work with, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Not only did this internship allow me to apply the economics knowledge I gained from college in a professional setting, but it also introduced me to an industry I had little exposure to before. Beyond that, I have also had the privilege of working alongside kind, genuine and motivated people who made every day such a joy. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to mentor and support me throughout this internship. And a special thank you to Casey Northrop (manager of human resources) for making this internship such a meaningful, memorable and rewarding experience.
Ciara: I truly had so much fun this summer, and I am very grateful to Farm Credit for allowing me to be a part of their community this summer. I felt like this internship helped guide me closer to the career path I am meant to be in. 
Sofia: I’m so thankful to everyone at FCV for being so welcoming and supportive throughout the summer!