The Volunteer Appreciation Event is an annual gathering hosted by Comm Lead’s Consultancy to recognize and celebrate the work of volunteers who have supported client projects throughout the year.
On April 18th, students from Comm Lead — whether current volunteers, past project participants, or those curious about future consultancy opportunities — came together on a sunny Friday afternoon to congratulate each other and hear an inspiring keynote speech by guest speaker Dr. Kiana Scott.
The event opened with a dynamic introduction by Jacquline Dacres, the Consultancy’s community manager. She highlighted the breadth of the consultancy’s work, from paid projects and faculty-advised initiatives to volunteer projects and mentorship programs. She also celebrated a major milestone: in 2024, the Consultancy supported 89 mission-driven organizations through 92 projects with the contributions of over 80 volunteers.
The afternoon’s highlight was an inspiring talk by Dr. Kiana Scott — a strategic and collaborative leader helping organizations drive action, investment, and change. To inspire students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences without fear of judgment or failure, Dr. Scott shared personal stories—from taking adult beginner ballet classes and confronting her fear of SCUBA diving to making a professional transition into consulting. Students resonated deeply with her advice: “Don’t be afraid to say YES, but also don’t be afraid to say NO” — a powerful reminder to embrace opportunities while honoring personal boundaries. Her talk sparked enthusiastic engagement, leading to a lively Q&A session with the audience.
Students also heard from Sheifaly Saksena – a former volunteer who shared honest reflections about their journeys working with real clients. They spoke candidly about the initial fears of their first client meetings, the excitement of applying their skills to real-world projects, the doubts they navigated along the way, and the pride they felt upon completing their assignments. Their stories inspired and encouraged many students who are considering future projects with the Consultancy.
The Consultancy team and attending students were deeply moved and inspired by Ryan Quigtar’s speech. As one of the original members of the Consultancy, Ryan shared the story of how it was founded—with a mission to support small Seattle-based organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic while giving students hands-on experience beyond the classroom. Now returning as a mentor, Ryan brings his extensive nonprofit experience and is committed to guiding students in their projects.
The event culminated in a heartfelt volunteer recognition ceremony. Volunteers who had completed projects were invited to the stage to receive a certificate of appreciation and a special gift, celebrating their contributions.
It was a warm, inspiring afternoon filled with meaningful stories, community building, and new connections. If you’re interested in volunteering or participating in a paid project with Comm Lead’s Consultancy, we invite you to reach out and join us on this rewarding journey!
University of Washington