KATHLEEN PORCELLO

What brought you to ninety-nine girlfriends?

I was volunteering as a grant writer for NAMI Clackamas when I first discovered ninety-nine girlfriends and the annual Impact Awards program. Months later, I saw a LinkedIn post about the young adult Fellows program, and I immediately applied for an interview! I was drawn to the opportunity to learn firsthand about trust-based philanthropy, grantmaking, and the diverse nonprofits doing incredible work in our region. Plus, I wanted to get to know the many amazing members of ninety-nine girlfriends!

Why do you volunteer?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community I grew up in, while also gaining new skills and experiences related to my career. In 2021, I volunteered on the Health & Wellness grant review team and the Financial Review Team. This year, I’m excited to co-lead a grant review team. I’ve also contributed to the Voters’ Guide, and introduced more gender-inclusive language and resources on the Fellows’ webpage. I look forward to continuing my volunteer work, and invite other members to volunteer their time and talents, too!

Anything else that you would like to share?

The Fellows program is an amazing professional development and networking opportunity for young adults in the Portland metro area, ages 20-35. It’s especially great for those interested in social impact careers, such as careers in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Members of ninety-nine girlfriends can also volunteer as formal mentors to the Fellows; I’ve been fortunate to be paired with Gina Riley! Please help spread the word about this awesome program to more prospective Fellows and mentors!