You previously learned about then-student and now alumna Erin Wuertz, B.A.’18, who began working at Coburn Place as an intern after hearing about the domestic violence shelter’s work from fellow alumna Julia Kathary, M.A.’08.
Two and a half years later Wuertz continues her work at Coburn Place but now as a full-time employee. How did she earn her current position as community engagement manager, and what does she most enjoy about working at Coburn Place?
After finishing her internship, Wuertz applied for and received a part-time position as a front desk mentor, who serve as the front line workers at the domestic violence shelter. Then, she moved into a full-time role working second shift (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) while finishing her degree.
After graduating in December 2018, she earned the position of volunteer coordinator that following February. Only nine months later, she received another promotion to become the community engagement manager.
“I’ve been able to advance and grow tremendously with Coburn Place,” Wuertz said. “I went from volunteering to helping in pantries, then helping with events, to now planning those events and managing in-kind donations/items and volunteers in three years.
“It’s been an amazing and surreal journey. Coburn Place really values growing the talent it has and promoting from within.”
What does Wuertz enjoy the most about her current work?
“Helping domestic violence survivors is my passion, and I believe that Coburn Place is doing a top-notch job in this area. I am so fortunate and thankful to use my skills in philanthropy and events management in a way that not only makes a huge difference in general, but makes a difference in a cause that I am truly passionate about.”
She hopes to continue to learn all that she can and do all that she can to help Coburn Place, while also hoping to open her own transitional housing for domestic violence survivors somewhere it is truly needed. She also plans on finishing her graduate certificate in philanthropic studies and continue on one day to earn a master’s degree in philanthropic studies or social work.
“Growing up in the world of domestic violence started my dream of helping others, and now working in this world as an adult has only grown that dream even more,” Wuertz said.
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