Building a Better Community: My Journey in Serving Others

Like many recent college graduates starting their careers, I followed the path laid out for me—completing tasks, checking off boxes and spending all my free time on me. However, despite spending four years at James Madison University (JMU), I realized I didn’t know much about the Harrisonburg-Rockingham community I had decided to call home. So, I sought advice from a mentor in my office and asked how I could become more connected. She simply said, “Go give back to our community.”

At the time, I wasn’t sure what that meant. How could I contribute? What skills did I have to offer? How would I even begin?

In 2010, I took her advice and reached out to various local nonprofit organizations and explore ways they could use a 24-year old with an economics degree and little “real-world experience”. My first opportunity came through an advisory role with the United Way, where I helped organize service projects facilitated by local corporations. That was almost 15 years ago, and the relationships I built through that experience remain valuable to me today—many of them opened doors for future service opportunities.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving over 10 organizations in various capacities, including roles as Board Chair or President. Currently, I’m involved with:

• The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County (Board Chair)
• Rockingham County Planning Commission (Vice Chair)
• Rockingham County Economic Development Authority
• Town of Broadway Industrial Development Authority

In the past, I had the opportunity to serve the following organizations:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County
• Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services Advisory Board
• Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
• Harrisonburg Association of Young Professionals
• Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center

In addition to my community work, I also teach as an adjunct at JMU in the College of Business. One of the key messages I share with my students is how this journey of service has deeply enriched my career and personal life. I explain that contributing to the community goes beyond writing checks or attending events—it’s about embodying the spirit of “paying it forward.”  At this point in my service journey, one of my favorite things to do when I hear about an issue facing our community is to make connections and increase collaboration between organizations to go solve it.

This beautiful Valley has given me so much, and I feel a strong responsibility to give back by leading initiatives and organizations that strengthen our community. My goal is to ensure it remains a thriving, supportive environment where future generations can grow, develop, and then take their turn at paying it forward.