See how a Tuck alum and empty nester jumped into volunteering with CCT and ended up on a client's board.
CCT role: Project Team Member
Volunteer since: 2017
MBA: Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
How did you discover CCT?
I’ve known about CCT for many years since I first moved to the Boston area in 2003 and because there were so many Tuck alumni involved in the organization. Initially, I lived near Worcester MA and the distance from Boston made it difficult to volunteer with CCT. My husband & I returned to Cambridge in the Fall of 2016, as “empty nesters”, and I thought it was the right time to join CCT.
Describe your CCT experience:
I have worked on four projects as a team member, as follows: 2017: Charles River Conservancy 2018: Boston City Singers 2019: Samaritans, Inc. 2020: Youth Build Boston
All projects have been interesting and challenging in different ways. I have enjoyed learning about various non-profit organizations and how they operate. I’ve enjoyed digging in and understanding customers, competitors and the industries in which they operate. 100% of the clients have been great to work with and receptive to the research and findings of the CCT teams. Also, it’s been great getting to meet and work with other CCT volunteers - networking and making friends. One of my favorite parts is the wrap-up event, usually held in June, where the clients give a report on the value and impact of CCT’s work.
What does CCT offer that all the other activities which vie for your limited free time do not?
Each CCT project is an experience which keeps me on my “business” toes, even 30 years after business school. CCT reminds me of the skills I can bring to the table, even though I’ve been away from the full-time corporate world for many years. I also like the fact that the project cycle has a well-defined beginning and end. The CCT organization is very well run!
What don’t we know about you?
I’ve been living in downtown Boston for 3 years and really enjoy it. My husband works for the City of Boston and I keep busy with volunteer commitments and as an election worker for the City of Cambridge. In my free time, I enjoy visiting with my daughter and her family, including my 4-year old granddaughter, and quilting. Following the CCT project, I was invited to join the Board of Boston City Singers in late 2018 and I am now serving as Vice Chair. It has been a good experience, a bit more challenging since the coronavirus shutdown required all our programs to go virtual. Since May, I’ve been participating in the City of Boston’s weekly COVID-19 check-in with the Arts & Culture community, learning about funding, legislation and other plans for re-opening.