OtterCares Ambassador Spotlight: Melissa N.

May 04, 2015

As an Otter Relations Specialist in our San Diego office, Melissa N. is an integral part of the OtterCares Ambassador team. Her enthusiasm for giving back and her passion for helping others have set an amazing example for other Otters who can’t help but want to get involved too! Read more below about Melissa!

11096427_10153931473418561_1871926593082831808_nWhy did you become an OtterCares Ambassador: Being active in the community has led to some of the best experiences and relationships in my life. Making a difference, having fun outside of the office, meeting new friends, and building leadership skills is just too great an opportunity to pass up!

Who or what has influenced your volunteer work? Seeing friends’ and family’s lives saved by blood, bone marrow, and other bio-donations first hand is what initially drew me in many years ago. Today I am still very passionate about BeTheMatch.org while having expanded my interests into animal rescues and youth art/music education.

???????????????????????????????Describe a recent volunteer activity you have been involved in: Through OtterCares I have developed a strong relationship with Reach Out & Read San Diego, a nonprofit that promotes the “prescription” of books to young children seeking medical attention. Doctors “prescribe” donated books to families to promote literacy and emotional connection at every age of development. Last year our office collected 42 books in a matter of weeks!

Why do you think the OtterCares purpose is important?: The mission narrows the focus on innovative education and philanthropy for children. This intent focus gives OtterCares direction so it can have a deep, meaningful impact with its resources. The mission and vision of OtterCares is to promote entrepreneurship and philanthropy in children’s lives, to expose young people to think differently, and practice the things they are passionate about in a way that is creative and caring, and to know they are capable of real, impactful change in the world we share.