What was your experience working on a Taproot Foundation project?

Working with Taproot has been one of the most fulfilling professional experiences I’ve ever had. I volunteer with Taproot for two reasons:

I want to give my time to a good cause and I was enchanted immediately by the Taproot Foundation’s idea of linking professionals willing to give their time and experience to nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in their communities.

I wanted to work in New York and I wanted to work in the nonprofit sector, but I didn’t have professional experience in the United States and I didn’t have experience working for a nonprofit: quite a challenge to find the job of my dreams with that handicap. Taproot Foundation offered me the opportunity to gain experience in both.

My first project with Taproot Foundation was creating an Annual Report for SoBRO. The whole experience was fantastic! I was the Account Director of an amazing team of talented professionals, some of which have become friends. It was an honor having the opportunity to work with SoBRO, a wonderful organization who makes such a positive impact in the life of the community. And we finished the project in less than 5 months!

The experience was so rewarding that I asked for more (as did some other team members) and have gone on to lead a team of volunteers working on a website Service Grant for SoBRO.

How have you grown from your pro bono experience?

This experience has given me the opportunity to improve my resume and make it more attractive to potential employers. I owe Taproot Foundation part of my success in finding the job I wanted. In my resume I listed my Taproot pro bono experience as part of my professional experience.

During a recruitment interview, the interviewer asked me: “If this is pro bono work, why are you presenting it with your professional experience?” My answer was that my resume is not a salary history, it is about experience, skills, and talent. I did for SoBRO the same job I did for my clients in the agency; the team I directed was as competent, talented and motivated as the teams I used to direct at the agency. The only difference is that I did the work for free, with other professionals who worked for free, because it was a good cause. It feels really good.

What were the biggest challenges in your projects?

To be honest, everything has gone nicely and smoothly. The real surprise was the methodology and the Taproot Foundation’s support throughout the process. They make our work so easy. My Program Manager is fabulous, always there thinking what I may need even before I know I need it. And the blueprint is a precious tool that allows you to maximize the time you dedicate to the project. At the beginning it looks quite scary, but soon becomes your best support.

How do you think the business community and nonprofit sectors can strengthen one another?

We have so much to offer to each other, and so much to learn. The business community can be inspired and motivated by the energy and the impact the nonprofit organizations have in our society. At the same time, nonprofits can use the know-how and best practices of the business community.

What community issues are most important to you and what did you learn from the project?

I am particularly interested in sustainable economic development and serving underserved communities, which was only furthered by my experience working with SoBRO.

Other than volunteering with the Taproot Foundation, what do you like to do in your free time?

Photo and video editing, traveling and spending time with my family.