Interested in volunteering? Learn more through Mona’s journey.

Back to Blogs By Joaquin Suarez Posted: November 3, 2024

For every seminar, mentorship support, and yes, even puppy yoga, volunteers are as important as a coffee is for coffee chats. But there’s more to volunteering than providing value to IABC members. What do volunteers get out of volunteering, and what makes it so special at IABC?

Mona Lee, an inspiring IABC/BC volunteer, answers these questions. Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Mona made a bold leap from HR to communications amidst the pandemic.

She shares her journey as a communicator, and how volunteering granted her the skills and community needed to succeed.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

I love to travel and appreciate the arts – visual, literary, music, film, and theatre. I’m a fairweather recreational cyclist and softball player. By nature, I am a shy introvert who has adapted to an extroverted society.

What is your journey with the IABC?

In my first year of communications studies, an IABC/BC representative spoke to my class, but I didn’t become a member right away.

Instead, I worked in human resources for decades, and wrote for newsletters and a magazine on the side.

Fast forward to 2020-2021, the pandemic years. Soul-searching prompted my decision to consider a switch from HR to communications. It was my impetus to join the IABC/BC, and to return to school to upskill.

I knew the benefits of IABC membership: networking with industry professionals and gaining practical experience through volunteering would be advantageous. I participated in the IABC’s 1:1 mentorship program and the speed-mentoring event as a mentee. Through the IABC pen pal program, I was paired with a PR and communications professional from IABC Houston. I gained invaluable insights from each member who graciously gave me their time and advice. Navigating a mid-life career change is challenging and the current job market is competitive. I’ve been actively applying for jobs and going to interviews for one year plus. I believe that the writing and volunteering that I do for the IABC helps me get noticed by hiring managers.

What makes volunteering at IABC so special?

My favourite thing about volunteering is making new connections, gaining new skills, and using my skills to give back to the community. I grew my network and sharpened my event planning and coordination skills by volunteering with the social and professional development events team for 2 years. My time with the social media team has improved my technical skill set by leaps and bounds. Writing for IABC/BC’s blog has been a great source of joy and satisfaction, while also broadening my network.

What has been a highlight for you at IABC/BC?

I enjoy interviewing IABC/BC members and sharing their stories through the blog. Another highlight is the unexpected surprise of getting nominated for the 2024 New Navigator Award by Judy Swens, Director of Social Media. While the award went to someone else, it is still a big honour to be nominated. When volunteers (or employees) feel seen and appreciated for what we do, we are more likely to show up with pride. The sense of accomplishment is motivational and the resulting trust that develops between managers and volunteers is beneficial for building community, particularly in remote and hybrid work settings.

Why is IABC/BC important in today’s world?

When I moved from the small city of Victoria to Vancouver, I was extremely shy and terrified about talking to strangers, let alone professional communicators! With age and experience, I became more comfortable speaking to people through my HR role and grew to understand the value of networking.

Following the isolation of the pandemic years, I recognized the pivotal role that the IABC/BC could play in my career development and transition, and I wanted to start forging connections and leveraging my skills.

No person is an island. We are stronger and better with the power of community. The IABC/BC is where one can find a sense of belonging, connection, collaboration, mutual responsibility, support and respect.