Shavonya Washington has always had a big heart, and even before she started volunteering, she shared it with her community. From being her parents’ full-time caregiver to serving as a healthcare professional, she has a knack for taking care of others.
In 2009 Shavonya was looking for a life change and a community that shared her values. When she realized she could share her heart and skills with others in her Nashville community who felt similarly, she started volunteering.
“I do have a caregiver’s heart,” says Shavonya with a smile. “I love to take care of people. And I just wanted to be where people appreciated that. So, for me, it was just about creating an environment and community.”
Shavonya has served numerous organizations throughout the Nashville area, but the three she has spent the most time supporting are the YMCA Literacy Program of Middle Tennessee, Gilda’s Club, and No Man Left Behind.
Shavonya started serving with the YMCA Literacy Program and Gilda’s Club when she realized that her work schedule gave her extra time during the day. Although she was working night shifts, she still seized the opportunity to serve nonprofits during the day. At the YMCA, she chose to share her passion for reading by tutoring second graders in literacy once a week.
“Education. That’s one of my passions because young people are definitely the future, but they need the right information. And they need to know how to access that information. So being an advocate for that and helping them get to where they’re going, that’s definitely something that’s big on my heart.”
At that time, Shavonya was also volunteering with Gilda’s Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers support, services, and community to people and loved ones affected by cancer. With a caregiving heart and loving spirit, Shavonya contributed to Gilda’s Club’s mission to help anyone affected by cancer receive support.
More recently, Shavonya has been volunteering with No Man Left Behind, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps United States veterans transition from military service. There, she uses her talents in design to help them create websites that provide outreach and service. No Man Left Behind’s mission to help veterans successfully reacclimate to civilian life further speaks to Shavonya’s full heart and willingness to serve.
Although Shavonya has found many ways to serve communities across Nashville, she says that being outgoing and connecting with others has not always been easy for her. After years of service with different organizations, she’s realized that reaching out to serve others has taught her confidence and given her a sense of community.
“Volunteering is such a great way to put yourself out there because you’re automatically welcome in . . . So, I would say just be bold. Just take a chance. Put yourself out there!”
Doing Good had the privilege of speaking with Shavonya about her volunteer experience on the Doing Good podcast. Listen to the full interview on Spotify, Apple, Google, Amazon, or Red Circle.
