Volunteer Spotlight: Vanessa May
January 29, 2015 by
JPDS-NC’s strength is due, in part, to the dedication of a cadre of talented and energetic parent volunteers. To learn first-hand about what motivates and inspires our volunteers, read the interview with parent Vanessa May.
What is your volunteer role?
Vanessa: I currently co-chair People of the Book. I have co-chaired Share the Nachas Day. I’ve also helped with Purim Ball, birthday lunch, movie night, and have been a room parent several times.
Why volunteer at JPDS-NC?
Volunteering is a way to get to know other parents and teachers and administration. It is also a wonderful way to become a part of the JPDS community.
What have you gotten out of it?
I have made some great friends through volunteering. It has also been meaningful and a lot of fun. (I prefer volunteering at JPDS to being at work!)
Favorite or most memorable moment?
I recently went on a field trip with the 3rd Graders as a chaperone and had a great time with the kids at the National Museum of the American Indian.
How has it impacted your family?
I think it’s good to show your kids that volunteering and giving back in some way is important. They also get a sense of the amazing JPDS community since so many parents and families are a part of the school.
Tell us a little about your family.
We moved here from Texas about ten years ago and we learned that one of our new neighbors (Adina Kanefield) was Jewish. We asked her what Jewish day school options there were and she couldn’t stop bragging about this wonderful school called JPDS, and the rest is history. We have three kids: an alumnus of JPDS (Isabelle who is now in 7th grade), Hannah (3rd) and Evelyn (Pre-K). I work as an anesthesiologist at Medstar and my husband Ben is a lawyer.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
I was born in Colombia, South America, and both my parents are from South America. After college I backpacked through Europe for six weeks on my own. It was something completely out of my comfort zone but I had a fantastic time.
