Isabel Garcia was named as a 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the Justice Gala on September 6, 2024. Isabel has excelled in her role as Senior Housing Developer at the Office of Rural & Farmworker Housing, successfully housing hundreds of low-income families in affordable, accommodating living spaces. Despite her busy schedule—balancing her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and grandmother to four beautiful, active girls—Isabel still finds time to volunteer.
Her selfless contributions have been invaluable in bridging the language barrier for CWLA clients. Over the past four years, Isabel has interpreted dozens of letters and other CWLA materials. Her generosity has enabled our small office to focus on providing direct customer service to our growing number of clients. As you all know, we are a small team of nine dedicated women managing over 180 clients simultaneously. Thanks to Isabel’s countless hours of interpretation, we have been able to concentrate on the direct services and the well-being of our clients.
We deeply rely on community partners like Isabel and other organizations to make CWLA a success. Thank you, Isabel, for your countless hours of pro bono interpretation and content translation. We are immensely grateful for your dedication and passion for the community!
When we asked Isabel to tell us more about herself and her motivation to make an impact at CWLA, she said:
It is a HUGE HONOR to volunteer at CWLA and privilege to work with a team of hard working super wonder women of CWLA. Following are my answers, let me know if you need anything else. Thank you!
What does professional responsibility mean to you?
Sharing skills and knowledge to benefit our community and serving to improve the lives of people. To continue to learn at every opportunity and be the voice of the unheard.
What inspires you to volunteer?
Jessy makes me!!, JK – CWLA’s work, mission and impact inspires me to volunteer. People in need and social injustice and disparities inspire me to help and contribute to our community.
In what ways has volunteering for CWLA benefited you?
Volunteering at CWLA has expanded my legal terminology vocabulary in both languages, I have also gained awareness of CWLA’s services and rapid growth. I have also had the honor and privilege to work with a super talented and committed team of super wonder women.
What do you appreciate about your community?
I am grateful for our giving community that keeps giving. For every need, there is a non-profit ready to step up, with programs and services to improve the lives of people. I am very proud of what we can accomplish together!
What advice can you give to those who are interested in volunteering for CWLA?
Share your time and talent for a great cause, no experience necessary.
Side question: How do you like to spend your day off?
Cooking, eating, and having drinks with family and friends. When alone, I like to garden, read, or binge on a Netflix series.
