When I volunteer, I not only get satisfaction from helping a person or community, it makes me appreciate things I take for granted. Perhaps most importantly, once I am aware of the societal issues, I can be a better advocate going forward.

​

Mission Trips

I volunteer during annual weeklong trips aiding historically disadvantaged communities, environmental justice, and environmental restoration. I also help fundraise for the trips throughout the year.

​

Pensacola, FL, 2024: I helped built natural water filtration oyster habitats from boulders and recycled oyster shells sourced from local restaurants, and cleared a park from invasive taro plants, all in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. I searched for and tabulated wild scallops off the gulf coast in support of University of Florida’s research on the shrinking scallop population. I cleaned and picked up trash/plastic at the beach through Keep Pensacola Beautiful, Inc. I housekept at Ronald McDonald House. And I painted at a local church as part of building upkeep. 

​​

Rocky Mountains National Park, CO, 2023: I partnered with the U.S. National Park Service to restore beaver dams, clear forest floor to prevent forest fires, and remove invasive plants from prairies.

​

Asheville, NC 2022: I harvested, sorted, prepared, and distributed produce from local farms for the farmer’s market, food banks, and free restaurants for the unhoused and low-income residents. I socialized and engaged with traumatic brain injury patients at Hinds’ Feet Farm (a TBI day center). All through the Asheville Youth Mission.

​

New Orleans, LA, 2021: I prepped and painted homes for disadvantaged community members in partnership with Camp RHINO (Rebuilding Hope In New Orleans).

​

Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church

Member, Musician, Volunteer & Fundraiser

LOGOS Member: I help build community and break down racial, religious, sexual identity, and socioeconomic prejudices, through weekly intergenerational fellowship, food, music, and local volunteering.  Examples include collecting for and helping local food pantries.

​

As a member-at-large, I prepared and served food for local unhoused Venezuelan migrants.