This National Volunteer Month, Meet Our Volunteers
The passion and commitment of our volunteers makes a real difference to the families we serve. Get to know those who dedicate their time and talents to making our community stronger, from their favorite volunteer experiences to their reasons for getting involved.
Samantha Tran
“Seeing the impact of a safe, supportive environment on both children and families shows why this work matters so much, and I’m grateful to volunteer with an organization rooted in compassion and care.”
Favorite Volunteering Experience:
“Reading to children and helping educate them in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was incredibly inspiring to see how engaged and curious the kids were, and how much they already knew about Dr. King and his message. Their excitement and thoughtful questions made the experience feel truly special. Moments like that remind me how meaningful it is to support and educate children, who represent our future.”
Volunteering matters to me because…
“It allows me to give back in a meaningful way and feel genuinely connected to my community. [Volunteering with YWCA GP] is a way to live out the values I care about: showing up for others, strengthening our community, and contributing to something bigger than myself. I find purpose in supporting organizations like YWCA GP, whose mission to empower women and uplift children creates lasting, positive change. Volunteering reminds me that even small acts of service, offering time, care, or encouragement, can make a real difference, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help build a stronger, more supportive community for others.”
Melissa Lekh
“I’m all about creating environments where people can succeed. Volunteering with YWCA GP allows me to contribute to building a successful environment in my Pittsburgh community and strengthening relationships outside of the home and office.”
Favorite Volunteering Experience:
“My most memorable experience volunteering at YWCA GP was ‘All About the Persimmon!’ I was able to bring together my Allstate team to help prepare persimmons that kids had colored to help visualize donations at the Equity Awards. It was a full circle moment when I got to volunteer at the Equity Awards and could see our hard work help drive fundraising throughout the event.”
I volunteer with YWCA GP because…
“Their work aligns with what I care about—empowering women and creating more equitable communities. It feels good to support an organization that’s making a genuine impact.”
Julian McClain
“My most memorable experience volunteering at YWCA GP was the Trunk or Treat event. The energy, the creativity, and the excitement from the kids made the whole day unforgettable.
Watching families come together in such a fun, safe, and welcoming space reminded me why these community moments matter so much.”
Volunteering matters to me because…
“It’s one of the most direct ways to show up for community with intention. It’s a chance to create moments of joy, connection, and care — especially for families and young people who deserve to feel seen and supported. Service keeps me grounded in the values that guide my work every day.”
I volunteer with YWCA GP because…
“The organization consistently leads with purpose, equity, and care. The work you do strengthens our region, uplifts families, and creates opportunities for people to thrive. Being able to support that mission — even in small ways — is something I’m grateful for.”
Najah Magloire
“Volunteering matters to me because for many people, volunteers stand in the gap. Our impact can change lives.”
Favorite Volunteering Experience:
“The opportunity to participate in Holiday Family Fun Night in December. I loved seeing all the children engaging with the various programming available. The holidays are always a source of unbridled fun!”
I volunteer with YWCA GP because…
“I can’t help but feel genuine care and effort behind every communication, event, interaction, etc.”
Janey Clink
“Every contribution makes a difference whether it's an act of service, advocacy or support.
I've seen the power of volunteerism in action at YWCA Greater Pittsburgh — it connects people to resources, fosters greater understanding and lifts communities up.”
Favorite Volunteering Experience:
“Helping with the annual holiday event for families. My first year I hosted a station where kids "snow bowled" (I got my steps in chasing after bowling pins LOL). It was so much fun interacting with the kids and parents that I volunteered again. Another special memory was moderating a virtual conversation during the Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit. I always learn something at the Summit, and the session challenged me to listen to more points of view. These were two very different opportunities, and that's what I love about the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh volunteer experience — you can make a positive impact in many ways.”
I volunteer with YWCA GP because…
“I believe in the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Pittsburgh is my home away from home, and I want to be an active participant and see our communities thrive. At the YWCA, I always feel valued and that I'm contributing to something significant.”
Thank you to all of our volunteers for their heartfelt dedication to supporting the families we serve!