Summer Wilkins
2023-2024 Intern
Summer is wise beyond her years. Her eagerness to learn and her capacity for growth made her an immediate asset to the team.
Summer began interning with The Parnassus Group in May 2023. She is a senior at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama majoring in Business Marketing with a concentration in Professional Sales and minor in Psychology. She enjoys working in team-based environments and gaining experience through new challenges and opportunities. In addition to being an intern with the Parnassus Group, Summer works the front desk and manages the child care team at Burn Boot Camp Homewood. When she is not working or in class, Summer can be found running on Lakeshore or rewatching Gilmore Girls with friends.
The Parnassus Group is absolutely, 100%, truly unique. Little did I know 5 years ago that I would develop a friendship with John and the Parnassus Group. A brief call, which led to a short meeting, has turned into a meaningful relationship. I don’t think about the Parnassus team as a firm, I think of them as trusted advisors and friends. John has been a mentor to me, and someone that I think to call when I’m faced with difficult decisions, or I’m seeking an unbiased view. But it doesn’t stop with John, he’s developed a team that is bright, talented, and wants to provide a service that is unparalleled.
When I think about the time I’m with my family during the work-week, the amount of hours are precious. I’ve made a commitment (most of the time) to set my phone down when I walk in the house at the end of the day, and try not to pick it back up until the kids are in bed. While this may not sound like a lot, I’ve found it’s the little things that create the necessary boundaries.
What are some of the things that you have learned as a leader that involved your decision making process about coming to DaVita?
Over the years, I’ve heard the phrase, “life is a journey, not a destination”. This became true when I started working at Davita, and realized that the Village provided an opportunity to learn and grow, and be part of something bigger than an employee fulfilling a role in an organization.
Prior to DaVita, I spent a number of years in an organization wanting more, but unclear where I would find it, and how I would get there. When I learned about DaVita, I was intrigued by the concept of Teammates, and hearing stories about tenure and the ability to grow within the organization.
As I’ve experienced this journey first hand, I’ve found the experience to be more fulfilling than I could have imagined. Knowing that I can raise my hand to gain exposure to a project, be called on by Teammates outside my lane provides energy to continue to want to do more. This is an organization that encourages an entrepreneurial spirit, while never having to leave the organization.