What was your experience working on a Taproot Foundation project?

The nonprofit client is always enthusiastic about the project, but is not always prepared to see it to completion in a time-efficient manner. My team members have been invariably capable and professional.

How have you grown from your pro bono experience?

Making connections is always beneficial. Becoming aware of other people’s realities is always good karma - this is particularly apt in regards to my current project: a website for a food pantry.

What were the biggest challenges in your project?

It’s sometimes surprising how long it takes to do simple things when there is no money involved - it can be frustrating, but also rewarding once the work gets done.

How do you think the business community and nonprofit sector can strengthen one another?

I think there should be a more integrated approach to philanthropy in that businesses should be encouraged to sponsor one or more nonprofits in a long-term, ongoing commitment.

What community issues are most important to you and what did you learn from the project?

I’m interested in breaking the cycle of poverty and ignorance. I’m concerned that children of people who are destitute in the self-sufficiency sense do not learn the basic life coping skills that will prevent them from being equally helpless. I’m learning that for the most part band-aids are used to address society’s problems, but the underlying causes would require some more fundamental changes in approach.

Other than volunteering with the Taproot Foundation, what do you like to do in your free time?

Cycling. Volunteering for the Obama 2008 presidential campaign.