Q & A: 

Name, state department or agency.

Silvia Marwick, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)

What do you enjoy most about working as a Loaned Executive on the OP campaign? 

I get to work with some very talented and intelligent people.  It is also very enjoyable to meet the people who work in the other state departments.

How long have you been involved in or volunteered with the campaign?

I have worked as a Key Connector for the past three years.  This is my first year as a LU.  I am also the first LU that has come from CDTFA and/or the Board of Equalization

What inspires you to give through the campaign?

I want to give money and not think about it.  It makes me feel good when I see the “Our Promise” line item on my pay warrant and know that I am actively giving back.

 What nonprofits do you donate time or funds to, and why?

I dedicate a LOT of my time to Girl Scouts.  I have been involved with Girl Scouts for 11 years with my daughter, Isabel.  Seven of those years I have served as the leader of Troop 3890 and will continue to do so until they graduate from high school in 2020.  I have also served as an official trainer for the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California Council.  But the biggest chunk of my time goes to being the Coordinator for the Girl Scouts Land Park Service Unit.  In this capacity, I provide leadership and support to the Girl Scout troop leaders from 91 troops and 900+ girls in the Land Park/Pocket Area of Sacramento.  I am also involved with Boy Scouts’ Venture Crew as a Crew Advisor.  My involvement with the Boy Scouts’ Wood Badge program inspired my desire to join the Our Promise Leaders United program. Every once in a while, I also help the American Heart Association and Canine Companions for Independence.

I do this work because it makes the best use of my God-given talents and knowledge.  I like being able to give back to my community and help make it a better place. My Our Promise monthly donation goes to my daughter’s high school.

What has been your favorite part of this experience so far? 

Visiting and getting to know the other nonprofit organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

What are you looking forward to gaining as part of Leaders United? 

I volunteered to be an LU because I wanted to meet new people and network with other nonprofit organizations.

What skills or knowledge have you gained while a part of this program and how do you think it will apply to your professional or personal life? 

So far, I am learning a lot about online organizational presence and the best use of social media to further a non-profit’s goals.  Not sure how this will apply to my professional or personal life right now, but I am storing it for future retrieval and use.

What advice can you give to your fellow state employees who want to get involved? 

I think that anyone who has the desire to get involved should be allowed to participate.  Just be warned that you must be highly organized, be able to speak comfortably in front of large groups of people and enjoy meeting new people.