Celebrating the Heart of Women’s Empowerment: Our Volunteers
This past April, Women’s Empowerment International proudly celebrated National Volunteer Week—a time to recognize the incredible individuals who generously give their time, talents, and passion to strengthen communities and help tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges.
At WE, volunteers are not simply supporters of our mission—they are the heart of it.
As a volunteer-driven organization, our impact is only possible because of the dedicated people who believe in the power of economic empowerment to help women work their way out of poverty. From board leadership and partner liaisons to committee members, giving circle leaders, event volunteers, and advocates, our volunteers help turn compassion into action.
A Community Creating Change
Every volunteer’s journey with WE is unique, but a shared belief unites them: when women have access to opportunity, training, and financial tools, entire families and communities thrive.
For longtime WE Board member José (Co-President), volunteering has been deeply meaningful because of the opportunity to witness impact firsthand. Our Board members play a vital role in guiding WE’s mission—helping keep us accountable, providing strategic leadership and advisory support, and serving as ambassadors for our work in the community. As a volunteer-driven organization, we truly could not operate without their dedication and commitment.
“When I first became involved, I wasn’t fully convinced that microfinance was an effective tool to fight poverty. But through site visits and seeing the women WE supports through our partners, I became convinced. WE is doing good work. WE is making a positive difference.”
For Meg, a longtime volunteer and Partner Liaison, working with local San Diego partners has reinforced just how complex—and important—economic empowerment can be. Partner Liaisons play a unique volunteer role at WE, serving as a direct connection between our organization and our grantee partners. They help maintain relationships, support progress reporting, facilitate communication, and stay closely connected to the programs and women our grants support. It’s one of the most meaningful ways volunteers can be directly involved in our mission.
Through WE’s partnerships with organizations like Dreams for Change and Urban Corps, Meg has seen firsthand how barriers like unreliable transportation can prevent women from accessing jobs and opportunities.
“I have been privileged to know these young women who, with deep commitment and self-determination, complete their educational goals, obtain driver’s licenses, and job certificates. It is truly an honor to be a WE Partner Liaison and watch firsthand how these remarkable young women achieve their goals, and I believe WE is helping develop contributing members to our community in the future.”
For Nancy, who leads WE’s Julian Giving Circle, volunteering is as much about community as it is impact. Giving Circles are a powerful way to magnify your impact by bringing together a community of people with a shared passion for women’s empowerment. By pooling resources, individuals can make a greater collective impact while building meaningful connections, learning about important issues related to poverty alleviation and economic opportunity, and directly supporting women working to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
“Being part of a giving circle has shown me that giving is more powerful—and more meaningful—when it’s shared. Together, we can accomplish far more than any of us could alone.”
And for newer volunteers like Carla, getting involved has been an opportunity to use her professional skills in service of something meaningful. Carla currently serves on our Fall Fundraiser Committee, where volunteers work alongside Board members and staff to help bring WE’s largest annual event to life. From event planning and marketing to fundraising outreach and logistics, committees offer a meaningful way to contribute while building community—and making new friends along the way.
“The most meaningful part has been knowing that all the behind-the-scenes efforts are going toward something that truly makes an impact.”
Looking Ahead: Join Us for Our Fall Fundraiser
As we celebrate our incredible volunteer community, we’re also looking ahead to our largest event of the year—our annual Fall Fundraiser.
This signature event brings together supporters from across San Diego to raise critical funds for women’s economic empowerment programs locally and globally—and it takes a village to bring it to life.
We are currently seeking volunteers to support:
- Fall Fundraiser planning committee participation
- Silent and live auction item procurement
- Sponsorship outreach
- Event logistics and planning support
- Day-of volunteer roles
Whether you have a few hours to give or want to play a larger role, there’s a place for you.
Thank You
To every WE volunteer—past and present—thank you.
Thank you for your time, your energy, your belief in this mission, and your commitment to creating opportunity for women around the world.
Because of you, women are building businesses, supporting their families, and creating brighter futures.
Interested in getting involved? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch HERE
