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: Jeniffer Conrad
Program: Finance team
Why did you decide to volunteer with MEDA?
My husband and I were looking for advice on how to apply for a low- and moderate-income home and we went to a free workshop at MEDA. It was there that I was attracted to the work that MEDA does and I decided to be a volunteer where I can help, apply my knowledge and also learn from MEDA’s team.
What projects have you worked on as a volunteer?
I have been working with the Accounting/Finance department. I have been involved in such different projects as bank statement reconciliations, helping to clear up deposits, cleaning up the general journal, assessing depreciation and supporting the team with the external auditor.
What do you like best about volunteering at MEDA?
Working with people that are open to helping other people and also the way the staff makes me feel: I am not just a volunteer, I am also part of the MEDA team.
What have you learned from your volunteer experience?
This is my first volunteer experience and I have learned and earned a lot of knowledge connected to my field, but I think the most important thing I’ve learned is how important it is to have the support of organizations like MEDA that help people with low and moderate incomes to get free financial services. In my case, I went to get advice about how to get a house and I stayed to volunteer.
Tell us something we may not know about you. Any interesting facts you’d like to share about your life?
I am from Nicaragua. I came to the USA three years ago and it has been really hard to re-enter my career here because of the language, adapting to a new culture, needing to meet new people and having new friends, but nothing is impossible and step by step I will reach my goals. I got married a year and a half ago. I am still studying the language and learning more about this country, and being with an organization like MEDA has been such a good experience; I keep learning from the Accounting/Finance department. I am glad about the choice that I made, and proud to be part of MEDA.
Looking to join a great cause, too? Find out how to volunteer at MEDA. We hope you can join us!
