Each month, the Mission Economic Development Agency honors one of its dedicated volunteers—the people who are an integral part of MEDA’s ability to provide free services to low- and moderate-income Bay Area residents. Thanks to all of the selfless MEDA volunteers who choose Plaza Adelante as their second home.
Name: Agne Nugaraite
Program: Financial Capability
Why did you decide to volunteer with MEDA?
Having recently moved to the USA, I wanted to find ways of using my experience in working with financial (economic) Institutions. Back in Lithuania, I had worked in a government fund/finance department and having arrived in San Francisco could see that there were organizations, like MEDA, with which I could associate very well. It was really important for me to be part of an organization that is really giving back to the community and making a real change in people’s lives.
What projects have you worked on as a volunteer?
I have helped the Free Tax Preparation team with entering clients and their data into the Salesforce system. I am supporting the Financial Capability team on a number of projects and am currently supporting MEDA’s team with clients who are interested in benefit reviews.
What do you like best about volunteering at MEDA?
The ability to contribute not just to the community, but also to MEDA in making clients’ lives a little easier. It’s a great team culture and this makes being in the organization fun and exciting.
What have you learned from your volunteer experience?
I have definitely started to pick up a few Spanish words! It’s been an exciting time. I have learned a lot about the U.S. Financial System–in particular, details around the credit scoring structure. It has reconfirmed my belief in the importance of financial education for all people (especially the young) and how the lack of it can impact the lives of others.
Tell us something we may not know about you. Any interesting facts you’d like to share about your life?
Over the last 10 years, I have lived in five different countries (Lithuania, England, Scotland, Germany and the USA), eleven different cities/towns and visited more than 120 different cities/towns/locations.
Looking to join a great cause, too? Find out how to volunteer at MEDA. We hope you can join us!
