For Jessica Keck, community involvement is more than just a passion; it’s a way of life. As an Emerging Leaders United (ELU) Cabinet member, Jessica channels her enthusiasm for volunteerism into meaningful action. Beyond her work with ELU, she also serves on the Development Committee for Rock Hollow Woods, a role she discovered through her experience with the Leadership Berks program. “Participating in Leadership Berks helped introduce me to so many wonderful organizations,” Jessica shared. “Rock Hollow’s mission really stood out to me, and after visiting their facility, I was excited to get more involved.”
Jessica’s journey to her current roles with ELU and Rock Hollow Woods began during her time with Leadership Berks, where she collaborated with ELU for the Leadership Berks service project. It was during this project that she was invited to join the ELU Cabinet, a position she eagerly accepted. “I love how ELU provides service opportunities to young adults that will fit anyone’s schedule and interests, so my passion for what ELU does has continued to grow,” she explained. Her involvement with ELU has also been instrumental in preparing her for leadership. Jessica credits ELU’s professional development events with helping her feel more comfortable networking and connecting with others in the community. “When you go to ELU events, there are opportunities to both step up and take the lead or be a team player,” she said. “This has been so helpful in growing my leadership and interpersonal skills.”
Jessica encourages others to explore volunteer leadership, emphasizing that it can lead to both personal growth and a stronger community. “Volunteering has always been a part of my life, and I believe it’s important for community members to support each other,” she said. “The stronger of a community we have, the better place it will be to live.”
For ELU members looking to expand their involvement, Jessica offers practical advice: “Don’t be afraid to reach out. Whether it’s someone from ELU or United Way, you’ll be speaking with somebody passionate about community service who would love to guide you in finding more opportunities to share your talents and time.” She also encourages attending ELU-hosted events to get introduced to nonprofits and meet like-minded individuals in a casual setting. “At events, you’ll be surrounded by awesome and supportive people where you can talk about other volunteer opportunities.” Jessica knows that balancing life’s demands can make it hard to prioritize volunteerism, but she believes the rewards are worth it. “Prioritizing some time to give back can open so many doors for you,” she said. “From forming strong connections to feeling fulfilled by meaningful work, you’ll grow as a person while serving others, which is truly a win-win situation!”
Through her leadership and dedication, Jessica exemplifies what it means to lead by example, inspiring others to contribute their time, talents, and resources to build a thriving community. Want to learn more about joining ELU? Visit their website here.