Volunteer Spotlight – Impactful Youth Board Member Ruby

It’s hard to not boast about our incredible Generation G Youth Board here at GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego. They have become active pillars of support and advocacy for participants and their fellow peers in the Playhouse as well as in their communities.

What better way to share the amazing work they do than to spotlight their dedication and outlook with all to see. So without further ado meet Ruby, one of our incredible Youth Board members.

We asked Ruby to share her experience and thoughts as a volunteer and this is what she had to say:

How did you find GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego?
“I found GiGi’s playhouse through researching online. At my school, La Costa Canyon, I help promote inclusion in the Stampede Squad. I was trying to find organizations where I could best use my skills I gained from the inclusion cheerleading squad and I found GiGi’s.”

What made you want to volunteer at GiGi’s? “At first I was interested in tutoring at GiGi’s because I thought it would be fun to help my community in a new way, but I found out about the youth board and quickly became involved. “

Do you think it is important for teens and high schoolers to seek out volunteer opportunities and why? “I think it is important for teens to seek out volunteer opportunities because it allows them to become involved in their community and build important skills. By volunteering, teens are able to better advocate for positive change and grow their ability to be socially responsible. I learned and am still learning many important skills by volunteering, especially within GiGi’s.”

How do you think GiGi’s could make a bigger impact on your generation? “I think GiGi’s could make a bigger impact on my generation by continuing to expand their social media presence. Phones are such a large part of today’s communication, so by sharing information online it will be seen by more teens. I also think having Youth Board members create GiGi’s Playhouse clubs at their schools allows them to build even more community and grow GiGi’s reach. Many people my age want to volunteer but don’t know where to start, so by making information even more accessible it will help GiGi’s make an even bigger impact.”

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer at GiGi’s? “What I enjoy most about GiGi’s is the people I have met. Ever since my first day at GiGi’s Playhouse I have only met kind and welcoming individuals that I’ve had amazing conversations with. I enjoy talking to GiGi’s participants and volunteers every time I come to the Playhouse because of the amazing community GiGi’s Playhouse has built.”

What do you like least about GiGi’s? “I think GiGi’s has it all figured out, I honestly cannot think of one thing that I don’t like about the Playhouse.“

Is there anything you would like to see us improve on or incorporate? “I think GiGi’s does a great job at achieving your mission and goals. The only recommendations I can think of are implementing more GiGi’s Playhouse clubs at teen’s schools and continuing to improve your social media presence.”

Is there anything you would like to add? “I just want to say how grateful I am for the San Diego Playhouse community for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it. I have learned so many important skills from volunteering and I hope to learn more while I continue my journey here.”

Ruby has had the opportunity to work closely with the Youth Board facilitator, Board Member Laura Bellizzi. Laura had this to offer:

“Since assuming the role of Social Media and Communications Chair last month, Ruby has dove right in to developing creative and informative flyers and social media posts to raise awareness for Youth Board events. This is the first time the Youth Board has had this role and we are excited for the work Ruby will continue to do to spread awareness not only for Youth Board events, but the important advocacy work they are doing in the community.”

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego is so incredibly proud of the work the Youth Board are doing and couldn’t be happier that Ruby is a part of. We have no doubt she will continue to serve as a vital volunteer in this community!

If you are a high school student and are interested in making a positive impact in your community like Ruby, please visit: