Happy Anniversary to our Executive Director, Michele Huntzinger, who has spent the last 10 years dedicated to serving our youth, our mission and making a difference in her community. Ten years ago, she came to StandUp for Kids – Silicon Valley to donate her hand knit beanies and scarves. Little did she know she would be staying with us, 10 years later, as a volunteer, our executive director and one of our major donors and supporters.
She has spent thousands and thousands of volunteer hours, received various recognitions and awards from other non-profits, the city of San Jose, and various leaders within the community. She has been essential in the growth of the SV chapter ensure they have funds to run their programs, donors and supporters who are not only her personal friends, colleagues and community members, but heroes to the mission of ending youth homelessness.
We are grateful to have Michele in our corner, fighting the good fight, removing obstacles to not only ensure the SV chapter thrives but also our kids, who live on the streets, living in one of the most expensive cities in America with one of the highest populations of homelessness. Her and her team are growing their reach to not only San Jose, but the Bay Area, where together they can make the community stronger, together. We can’t wait to see what the next 10 years look like.
“I’m proud of the last 10 years, it isn’t always easy, we are volunteers dedicating our time away from our friends and family and it’s important to me that we are celebrated for our work and all that we have accomplished. I’m grateful for all the volunteers I have met over the years, trusted me, determined to not give up regardless of the obstacles we face, and for the youth that have opened up their hearts and allowed me in their life.”
Read more from Michele about her anniversary here.