Meet Our Summer Intern: Kai Napper

My name is Kai Napper, and I’m a rising sophomore at Duke University studying Math and Philosophy. I was born in London, England and I hold both British and American passports, which has let me spend my life moving between different places and meeting people with very different experiences from my own. Boston has always been familiar to me because much of my family lives there. Growing up, I spent many summers visiting relatives around the area, so I have always felt connected to Boston even though I was raised elsewhere. Some of my favourite memories are going to the beaches here and finally seeing the duck statues in the Public Gardens after hearing the story so much when I was young. 

Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to understand the communities around me, and I love learning about how relationships are formed and how human connections allow communities to thrive. I’ve learnt that listening to those around me helps me broaden my understanding because I know that everyone has such rich life stories that I can learn from. Through my work with Union Capital Boston, I’m eager to keep learning from others while contributing in a meaningful way.

I am drawn to community-focused work because I believe strong relationships can bring people together and create lasting change. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning about the experiences that have shaped their lives. Growing up between British and American cultures has shown me that people can tackle the same challenges in different ways. 

At Duke, I have enjoyed meeting people whose backgrounds are completely different from my own. Studying Mathematics has taught me to break problems down carefully, while Philosophy has taught me to ask better questions and pay attention to perspectives that I might otherwise overlook. Even just from walking around outside of class, I have learnt that some of the most interesting conversations happen when people have had completely different experiences but are willing to share them openly.

I am excited to join Union Capital because its mission is focused on bringing people together and strengthening communities. I really value the organisation’s emphasis on recognising community involvement and creating opportunities for people to support each other. I look forward to getting to know Union Capital's members, hearing their stories, and seeing how small acts of connection can make a real difference.

As I start my internship with Union Capital, I hope to build relationships, learn from new experiences, and become more involved in my surrounding communities. I’m excited to meet new people, hear their viewpoints, and contribute to an organization that believes in the power of connection, community, and shared experiences. I can’t wait to get started!