For Operations Analyst Cintia Luna-Villasana, volunteering is more than a checkmark off a feel-good list; it’s about helping those in need overcome the struggles she experienced first-hand. “My parents worked in the fields, which didn’t provide much money,” Cintia shared. “It wasn’t a shock that my family was poor and depended on affordable government housing. That is my biggest motivator to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity – not all support is monetary, and if I’m available to lend a helping hand, why not?”
That attitude (and a tip from Chief Operating Officer Michelle Vargo) sparked her participation in Women Build, a national program with Habitat for Humanity that empowers women to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Cintia has volunteered with Women Build for the past two years.
“I help build affordable homes for marginalized/underrepresented communities and families in the Seattle area,” Cintia said. “What’s neat and inspiring about Women Build is that you’re working alongside women. We also use power tools – a big accomplishment for me!”
Though Cintia recently began her volunteer efforts with Habitat for Humanity, community service has always surrounded her. From distributing food to agriculture workers to tutoring first-graders and migrant students in Spanish, math, and computer literacy, Cintia’s volunteer experience started at the age of five – and hasn’t skipped a beat.
“I’m personally connected to all of my volunteering,” Cintia shared. “I help with affordable housing because my family struggled with it. Tutoring students is close to my heart because English is my second language, and when I was growing up, I needed help since my parents didn’t speak English. I help organize our Toys for Tots drive because it brings a smile to a child’s face (and I have been on the receiving end as a young kid).”
When looking for a cause to get involved with, she encourages people to find something they are passionate about and participate or contribute because they genuinely want to.
“I’m proud to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity; to be part of a process in helping someone get a home. It could be their first home or forever home. Sometimes, you work with the people who will live in the house you’re building! It warms my heart to put a face to the future homeowner.”
To learn more about Women Build with Habitat for Humanity, visit this webpage.