Q&A with CHC’s Volunteer of the Year

Ellen Lafargue, Au.D., CCC-A (l) and Cecile Nipal (r)

The Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) chose Cécile Nipal for the Volunteer of the Year award at CHC’s 104th Annual Meeting December 2, 2014 in New York City.

Cécile is a seasoned marketing professional with 30 years’ experience in the advertising world. We’re lucky that she’s chosen to give so much herself to our mission by volunteering at CHC. Her years at Saatchi and Saatchi and other leading ad agencies have made her an incredible asset. We’re grateful for all that she does and delighted that that we could present her with this award.

Here’s a Q&A with our Volunteer of the Year.

How is it that you began volunteering at CHC?

I was recruited in 2008 by CHC’s Marketing Manager, John Cochary, a close friend and former colleague at Saatchi & Saatchi who asked if I could volunteer as a greeter at The Feast where I was also his guest that evening. Every year since then, I’ve helped set up the venue for The Feast at Chelsea Piers, in addition to other special events – all of which I enjoyed.

What kinds of projects have you worked on?

I’ve been volunteering at CHC on a regular basis for the past two years, primarily with the marketing and development team. Most of the projects I work on are outreach programs directed at engaging consumers and spreading the word about the services available at CHC. This includes database management, statistical analyses, referral source research, and keeping marketing materials up to date.

What has the experience volunteering at CHC been like? What is satisfying with the work I do at CHC is that I see immediate results and it’s quite exhilarating when an outreach program is successful. Additionally, I feel really proud to contribute to the successes of CHC – a great team of smart, rather spirited and passionate individuals who are all drawn together by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Meeting people whose lives have been transformed by CHC – especially the children – is my greatest reward. It is truly magical!

How does this compare with your experiences in the corporate world?

Volunteering at the CHC where everything counts and everyone matters helped open my eyes to the non-profit world. CHC is a work of love and commitment; indeed where I have gained so much more by giving.

What advice would you have for someone thinking about volunteering at CHC, or anywhere else?

If you’re looking to help others and give back to the community, I strongly encourage you to give volunteering a try–either at CHC or somewhere you could be happy making a difference. It is specially gratifying to volunteer at CHC where one is deeply appreciated!

Inquire about volunteering at CHC »

#inspiration #volunteer