Volunteer Spotlight: Nadia Hecker-O'Brien

Amidst tutoring, soccer and the otherwise busy life of an active teen, Nadia Hecker-O'Brien also manages to find time to be the regional president of Seattle's BBYO organization—and a volunteer at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Currently a senior at Garfield High School, Nadia lives with her family in the Leschi/Madrona area.

Every year, members of BBYO volunteer at the Jewish Federation's Super Sunday or other phone-a-thons. Nadia so enjoyed doing this, she decided that instead of volunteering for the Jewish Federation once a year, she would do so every week! She thought of it as just one way to thank the Jewish Federation for a grant in 2008 that allowed her to participate in a five-week program in Israel called Machane Bogrim B'Israel.

For the past six months, Nadia has worked mostly with the Marketing & Communications staff, pitching in wherever she’s needed. “Her energy, enthusiasm for any project, and great writing ability makes it a particular pleasure to work with Nadia,” explains Tana Senn, the Marketing and Communications Director.

Nadia values the social and professional experience that working in an office setting offers her. One of Nadia’s favorite tasks to date has been scanning the multitude of cards and letters received by the Jewish Federation a few years ago after the tragic shooting at our offices that killed one staff member and injured 5 others. “It was really cool to see how many different kinds of people were in support of the Federation. There were letters from people across the world, from politicians, people in prison, little kids... everyone!" observed Nadia.

After graduation, Nadia looks forward to what promises to be yet another valuable life experience: going to Israel--again. When she returns, Nadia intends to continue contributing her time as a Jewish Federation volunteer.

Find out more about volunteer opportunities at the Jewish Federation or contact Blair at 206 774-2251 or BlairF [at] JewishInSeattle [dot] org.