Rosa Velásquez wears many hats. As a volunteer for a dozen charities, events and organizations in the Lehigh Valley, she truly lives selflessly by giving her time to others in any way she can. “Volunteering is important because without the help of volunteers, a lot of these events wouldn't happen,” Velásquez says. “Any amount of help counts for these organizations, and I just enjoy being part of it.” Velásquez's spirit is clearly contagious, with all three of her children getting involved with volunteer work, helping her at any event they can. But the family affair is about more than just getting the kids together; for her, it's always been about how they can best serve their community. “Volunteering is vital to our community,” she says.
“I think what drives me to be a part of these events and to volunteer is that I'm a people person,” says Velásquez. “I love meeting people from different cultures, and it makes me happy that I'm able to contribute to the success of these events.” Her advice for anyone looking to make a positive impact in their community? “I would encourage someone to first find out what their interests are and then research what organizations or events have volunteer opportunities that they may want to sign up to do.” Finding a role model in today's world can be hard, but Rosa Velásquez reminds us as a community to practice true acceptance of those whom appear different than us—to extend a hand to your neighbor in the hope of connecting on a deeper level that our society seems to have forgotten: understanding.
