Meet the Volunteer - Katie Vieyra
This issue we would like to introduce you to Katie Vieyra, our new Treasurer.
I am an American, born and raised in Wisconsin; I moved from one land of cheese to another! Between Wisconsin and Switzerland, I lived in Sydney, where I met my husband, and San Francisco. My husband and I moved to Zurich in 2017, and we feel so lucky to live in an international city with such easy access to nature. On the weekends, you can find me hiking in the mountains, working on a new design project, or walking around the city in search of a good coffee.
What personal experiences drew you to charity work?
I first started volunteering as a member of the National Honor Society in high school. this turned into a passion that I continued pursuing throughout university as a Badger Volunteer. With that organization, I helped children in under-resourced schools learn how to read, served meals to seniors with the South Madison Coalition of the Elderly, helped with after school programs at the Boys and Girls Club, and tutored at local middle schools. Prior to moving to Zurich, I also worked as a caregiver to a young girl with special needs.
As an Anthropology major, I was taught to actively try to understand life from another's perspective. I believe my passion for volunteering drew me to anthropology, and my understanding of anthropology continues to draw me back to volunteering.
Volunteering allows us to teach, learn and practice empathy. It helps us feel a sense of belonging in our communities, and it creates lasting social impact. Now in Switzerland, I look forward to making an impact with Zharity!
How did you get involved with Zharity?
I decided to tag along with my husband to help pack Personal Care Kits with Zharity in the Google office. I really enjoyed working with the group, and I have been actively participating ever since!
What projects are you working on right now?
Currently, I am developing a financial planning and organization system for Zharity. I have also been coordinating a few clean-ups for Earth this summer and helping the Collections team.