Note: Part of fighting for positive change in our communities means getting to work with outstanding, like-minded volunteer partners who share our goal of expanding justice and opportunity in Nebraska. Periodically, we will feature individuals and organizations with whom we have been fortunate to work to build a brighter future in our state.
This is a guest post by Appleseed intern Matt Lenz.
Claudia Pech
This week’s volunteer spotlight is on Claudia Pech. Claudia graduated from Union College in 2008, where she majored in journalism and graphic design, and she currently works as a graphic designer, although she’s held down some odd jobs in the past (like milking goats)!
A consistent theme in her life, however, is a commitment to helping people. In the past, she’s worked at Union College’s Teaching and Learning Center, assisting students with disabilities and providing academic support.
Claudia herself feels very strongly about several topics that are core to Appleseed’s mission. She is a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient, originally from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico. Immigration reform and improving opportunities for immigrant Nebraskans are some of the pillars of Appleseed’s work, and Claudia felt a personal connection to that mission.
Claudia’s own relevant and unique experiences give her important perspective from which to advocate for updated immigration policies, and her passion for the cause is refreshing and inspiring. As often happens, her charitable work ignited passions for other causes – she strongly supports the LGBTQ community and Get Out the Vote efforts around Lincoln.
Claudia feels like her volunteer work has been a gratifying experience. She enjoys corresponding with our members of Congress as much as she enjoys working within her own community. She enjoys phone banking, particularly the moment when the person on the other line realizes she isn’t trying to sell them something! When she’s not volunteering within her community or working, she enjoys traveling, particularly road trips! She is the kindest, warmest person you’ll ever meet, and Appleseed is glad to get to work with her.
Thank you, Claudia!