Love Our Team – Amanda Ramirez

As an organization that is 99% volunteer run our Program Leaders are a big part of our team.

Today we’d like you to meet Amanda Ramirez. Amanda has been volunteering here at GiGi’s since the beginning of 2020. That spring she began tutoring literacy and she didn’t let COVID or virtual programs scare her off. She took on virtual tutoring with a smile on her face. In 2021, she broadened her horizon and started tutoring in math too. Most recently she has become a program leader!

On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month you will find Amanda co-leading our Teen Tastic & Fantastic Friends programs along with the other leader Liz. The next blog you’ll see will be more about Liz.

Amanda is a student at Wheaton College. She is studying to be a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. Amanda heard about GiGi’s on social media. (Yay, for social media!)

Since Amanda has been involved for a few years we asked her if she had any advice for others. She said “Don’t stress about being perfect. Just be there!” We LOVE that outlook!

Amanda has a very personal WHY. Why is she involved?

“My sister! I have a sister who was born with a genetic mutation that resulted in multiple mental and physical handicaps. I always loved helping her and her friends. I wanted to use this experience to be a part of the community at GiGi’s!” We have LOVED getting to know Amanda’s sister!

When asked to share one thing about GiGi’s she said “GiGi’s helps me remember what is important to me!”

Would she encourage others to get involved? “Absolutely! I love the friends I have made along the way and seeing the positive impact the playhouse makes in the community. I am proud to be a part of this impact.”

Amanda shared the following as her fun fact:

“I play the piano and I love the move Shrek so much, I have a cat named Princess Fiona!”

Sounds like we need a movie night with our friends to watch Shrek sometime soon. Thank you, Amanda, for being an important part of our team.