Meet the AHSC Interns: Julian Cabadas at Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery

At Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery, creativity meets community — and intern Julian Cabadas is helping bridge the two through his passion for marketing and design. As a Social Media Marketing Manager Intern, Julian plays a key role in shaping the café’s digital presence, crafting engaging posts that reflect the brand’s warm, local spirit.

Julian’s interests in marketing, graphic design, and 3D modeling have found a perfect outlet in this role. “What I basically do is create creative content for our social media accounts while learning the ins and outs of the business,” he explains. His work goes beyond posting — he studies analytics to understand what resonates most with followers, experimenting with tone, visuals, and storytelling to capture Mission Hill’s unique energy.

The experience has taught Julian valuable lessons about both creativity and collaboration. “I’ve learned to be more patient with my process,” he says, noting how the fast-paced world of social media demands adaptability. He’s also grown more confident in expressing his ideas and collaborating with co-workers to produce skits and dynamic content that highlight Mission Hill’s personality and community ties.

Mission Hill Coffee & Creamery itself is a beloved Santa Cruz staple, known for its all-day coffee, artisan ice cream, and freshly baked pastries. Led by Chef and Owner Dave Kumec, who has been recognized as one of America’s Top 5 Artisan Ice Cream Makers, the shop prides itself on crafting everything in-house with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s gourmet bakery items or locally roasted 11th Hour Coffee, Mission Hill is dedicated to serving “REAL food by REALLY NICE PEOPLE.”

Julian’s internship is part of the AHSC Internship Program, which connects local youth with paid, six-month placements at community-focused businesses. Supported by $10,000 in funding for each intern, the program empowers young professionals to gain meaningful experience while supporting local enterprises.

Through his time at Mission Hill, Julian has learned that marketing is as much about authenticity and connection as it is about creativity. His journey illustrates how passion, teamwork, and local engagement can come together to craft stories that truly resonate — both online and in the community.