Emily Lopez

Name and Title or Position: Emily Lopez, Heart of West Michigan United Way employee
What I do: I live in NE Grand Rapids and have volunteered in the community since I was 15. My first volunteer gig was painting fingernails of women who lived at a nursing home near my house. I saw it as a nice way to give my time and have something to put on my non-existent resume. Other volunteer work I have done is reading to elementary school children, working with refugees from Sudan and now being a block captain at my local neighborhood association. I love feeling close to my community and following the advice of Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” My full-time job is at the Heart of West Michigan United Way.