Advancing Community Support
“Serving those in poverty has helped me become a more empathetic person, understanding the obstacles that people face."
As the Development Coordinator at The Reeb Center, Hira Siddiqui’s role focuses on strengthening fundraising and donor relations in support of her site and its key programming. Hira also participates in grant writing and securing organizational sponsorship, equipping The Reeb Center to increase community access to emergency services and resources.
During her service, one of Hira’s most significant professional accomplishments has been creating a donor stewardship tracking tool to organize donor records and guide strategies for donor appreciation and retention. She believes this tool will be a powerful way to strengthen donor communication and relationships. These projects have also provided Hira with the opportunity to develop important skills that she will use in future public health and community development roles.
Working in a fast-paced environment this year, one of Hira’s largest professional challenges has been managing her many tasks surrounding donor communications, grant work, and reporting. However, through her experience as a VISTA member, she has learned new ways of staying calm under pressure, organizing her work, and managing her time effectively.
Looking to the future, she is excited to continue for another year of VISTA service at The Reeb Center! Alongside these plans, she also hopes to pursue a degree or certificate related to research. Hira looks forward to utilizing her Segal Education Award to further both her education and research skills.
Reflecting on her service, Hira has been grateful to make a lasting contribution to her host site and the community by creating systems that will continue to support Reeb Center programming long into the future.
“I feel that these tools will be able to help The Reeb Center sustain itself in serving the community,” she says.
Her service has also presented her with the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
“Serving those in poverty has helped me become a more empathetic person, understanding the obstacles that people face,” she says. “From a professional standpoint, it has only further solidified my commitment to this type of work, recognizing the need for sustainable funding and programs that prioritize communities. Yes, I would recommend national service to others. It provides meaningful hands-on experience, builds professional skills, and offers the opportunity to make a real impact in the community while learning about equity, leadership, and service.”
Thanks for your service, Hira!
