Volunteer Spotlight:
Judith Fullerton, PhD, CNM, FACNM
Lead Volunteer | Impact and Sustainability Project (WISE)
- Tell us a little about your involvement with WE and how long you’ve been involved.
I joined the WE Board in 2017 and served one 3-year term on the Board of Directors. I then transitioned to volunteer status, carrying on with the role of leader of the impact and sustainability project that I introduced during my term of Board service. - What drew you to WE?
Dr. Ruth Covell, with whom I had worked at UCSD, knew of my activities in the field of Monitoring and Evaluation. She suggested that I might explore ways in which I could introduce those quantitative skills to WE, to augment the qualitative measures that have been used by the Board over time to measure progress and effectiveness of WE project grant funding. - What has been the most rewarding part of volunteering with WE?
The opportunity to engage with individuals who are involved in WE at every level, from Board members through beneficiaries of project grant funds, are the reward. - Do you have any memorable experiences through your time with WE that you would like to share?
I have had the opportunity to work with two dynamic women as partners in the WISE project (Women’s Impact, Sustainability & Empowerment) project. Stefania Marcina and Luisa Veltmann Cano have been participants in the effort. - What is your favorite WE partner/project that we support, and why?
I have been very impressed with the work of Via International, and its dynamic leader Elisa Sabatini. They have produced huge results, working from a shoestring budget, and have maintained their efforts over many years. - When not volunteering with WE, how do you spend your time?
I closed my international consultant business in 2021, given that the pandemic did not offer any opportunity for country-based, on-the-ground, engagement in monitoring and evaluation activities. I sought new opportunities for local community service and have volunteered at the San Diego Food Bank since 2021. I also pursued a life-long interest in learning American Sign Language, and I am now in my 3rd year of study. I also do very complex needlework (counted cross-stitch, embroidery, needlepoint). - What has been a favorite book you’ve read recently?
My particular interest is in medieval mysteries, but I also enjoy contemporary works, particularly those that feature female authors and protagonists. Examples include the works of Margaret Frazer (The Dame Frevisse series) and Ellis Peters (The Brother Cadfael Chronicles). The works of Umberto Eco are also a favorite; particularly The Name of the Rose and Baudolino. - What is one of your favorite inspirational or motivational quotes?
I love the song by Lee Ann Womack “I Hope You Dance,” which is infused throughout with inspiration and hope….as example… “May you never take one single breath for granted…and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” - Anything else you would like to share?
A special thanks to my two children and my grandchild for making great personal life choices, and going bowling with me!
Thank you, Judith, for your service to WE with projects that create impact for our organization, our supporters, and our grant partners!