the people who make us
OCTOBER 24, 2023
At All Hands and Hearts (AHAH), we know it takes a village to make lasting, impactful change. As a volunteer-powered organization, we recognize the importance of our passionate and inspiring volunteers. But, we also want to highlight that behind every successful program, hidden in make-shift offices, airport lounges and coffee shops all around the world, are the dedicated staff members who coordinate and orchestrate these relief programs and make our impact as an organization possible.
The People Who Make Us series will introduce staff members who have and continue to make the gears of AHAH turn. Through insight into individual experiences, both personal and professional, we hope to share with you the magic of the changemakers at work and even inspire you to join them.
The All Hands and Hearts staff team comprises seven functional areas, each represented by a member of the Leadership Team. As the key organizational decision-makers, these leaders commit to representing the ideas, objectives and efforts of their respective areas as AHAH navigates its impact in a world with no shortage of disasters. Working around the world are AHAH’s committed staff members who passionately and creatively do their part to create a positive impact in disaster-affected communities every day.
In this article, we want to shine a light on one of our many incredible staff members:
KASIA, VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
How did you get started with All Hands and Hearts?
“I first found AHAH when I was backpacking in the Philippines in 2015. I had just turned 20 years old, and I went on that trip to learn more about myself and the world.
When I started to look for volunteering opportunities on the web, I came across All Hands and Heart’s Philippines Typhoon Relief program in Leyte and decided to join. The first few days were exhausting due to the physical labor! My very first task on site was carrying cement bags weighing 40kg (88 lbs) from storage to the concrete pour site. My experience was also incredibly inspiring and fulfilling.
So, the initial three-week volunteer commitment turned into three months.”
How has your role in the organization changed since you started?
“Each time I came back to AHAH, I took on new responsibilities. On my first project in the Philippines, I was a volunteer. I returned to AHAH two years later, in 2017 and volunteered in Nepal. I instantly became a Team Leader on one of the work sites and eventually took on more responsibilities by becoming a Site Supervisor – still a volunteer role. I returned to Nepal again in January 2018, this time in my first staff role as a Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (VEC) and was responsible for facilitating volunteer fundraising and advocacy on the program. I helped raise over $38,000 for the program between January and April. In 2021, I was hired as a Volunteer Engagement Manager, an off-program position overseeing Volunteer Relations Coordinators (VRCs) and fundraising on all AHAH programs.”
Why did you choose to work for All Hands and Hearts?
“After volunteering twice with AHAH, it became my dream to one day work for this organization. My values and interests align with AHAH’s mission and work ethic, so I wanted to be a part of it. I also believe working in the non-profit sector would be much more rewarding than working in the private sector, where I started my career.
Eight years after I joined the first project, I still believe in our work, and I continue to be amazed by the incredible dedication our volunteers and staff members have for our work, which makes me proud to be a part of it.“
What have you worked on within your time at All Hands and Hearts that you are most proud of?
“Every person who joins our organization leaves an impact and contributes to the overall success of our work. Therefore, I am equally proud of my time spent on the work site in the Philippines and Nepal as a volunteer, the fundraising I facilitated as a Volunteer Engagement Coordinator and the support I now provide for VRCs across our programs as a manager.
However, one project that was especially exciting to work on was the 10km (6 mi) Holi race I organized with my team in Nepal in 2018. Through it, we raised $10,000 and created beautiful and unique memories for volunteers, staff members and the local community. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll always remember fondly.
As a Volunteer Engagement Manager, I think I’m the most proud of the improvement we have made with volunteer fundraising since I took on this role in June 2021. I joined the organization during adversity as we dealt with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuilt the momentum we once had. We’ve come a long way since then, and in fiscal year 2023, we increased volunteer fundraising by 146% compared with the previous year. In the same period, the number of unique residential volunteers rose by 48%, showing that we have engaged volunteers more meaningfully over the last twelve months. It’s a result of the systematic hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and I’m proud that I also played a part in it.“
Like Kasia, are you interested in a rewarding career that helps to make a positive impact in the world? Check out our current vacancies here.
