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The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Meet Nadia Salett '18

There are few places around Cleveland more fun than the Metroparks Zoo. It’s a must visit for any tourist on their first journey into the CLE. It’s not only fun for those of us who take it in as a guest, but each day is exciting, new, and fun for those that work there too.

Nadia Salett is a very active senior at Saint Martin de Porres, who loves the arts. She has acted in several plays at the school, including the most recent, The Curious Savage. She also wrote a play based on her favorite song, Twin Size Mattress, which was performed at the Dobama Film Festival! Nadia runs track, is involved with campus ministry and is a youth representative at Saint Agnes-Our Lady of Fatima. And 5 times a month, she is proud to call the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo her home. “I can honestly say this has been my favorite job. My supervisors are awesome, I love it! They give me variety and treat me well.”

Nadia never finds a time that she is not busy, which is exactly the way she likes it. She is trusted with many roles because those she works with find her to be responsible and trustworthy. “Nadia is extremely professional, outgoing, helpful, friendly and creative,” said Chriss Kmiecik, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Education Manager. “She fits in well with the team, has good judgement, is very respectful and has been great!” Nadia can be referred to as the “keeper of the signs” as each day she takes an inventory of the signs around the zoo, and reprints new signs when they are needed or missing. “The signs are heavy!” she says with a laugh. “Sign making is a big process because of the font layout--so you always have to pick the right computer.”

When she is not making sure all visitors are well-informed, Nadia makes sure the zoo is kept meticulous, cleaning up various areas like the Wolf Lodge, the Primate and Cat area and the Circle of Wildlife. She has also been tasked by her co-workers with her very own conservation project and she chose Lions because it’s the Saint Martin mascot. For this project, Nadia will research and come up with an idea for a social media challenge that will help raise awareness for the protection of lions and get people to donate to her cause.

The staff has made Nadia feel like a part of their Zoo family, and she has returned the favor ten-fold. “I value Nadia’s enthusiasm and the way she includes all of us in her life. It’s nice and makes us feel a part of her community. She’s great to have around, I am so going to miss Nadia after she leaves us this year.” says Whitney Gleason, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Education Specialist.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of over 130 Cleveland area businesses and partners that we are so proud to collaborate with and provide meaningful opportunities for our students like Nadia. “We are so happy and impressed with the students at Saint Martin and their professionalism,” said Kmiecik. You can learn more about how to get engaged with our unique Corporate Work Study Program here.