Volunteer Spotlight: Violeta Fiorino-Schwartz

Violeta donated her time and design skills to helping reimagine DRUM Healthy Families, creating conceptual designs of their new headquarters. She is our 2024 NDC Baltimore Volunteer of the Year!

Violeta even continued to provide support to this project after the design work was completed — attending meetings with engineers on site and helping to brainstorm the organization’s next steps in the building’s development.

Violeta was a new Baltimore resident when she got involved with NDC. “I felt I could not live here without trying to become a part of the solution in making this city more resilient, more beautiful and better for the community. Building relationships with inspiring individuals in both the Baltimore community and my peers at NDC has been truly rewarding.”

We ASKED HER A FEW QUESTIONS

What motivated you to get involved with your neighborhood, community, and/or the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC)?

I am new to Baltimore and felt I could not live here without trying to become a part of the solution in making this city more resiliant, more beautiful and better for the community. I was really excited when I was told about NDC!

How has your involvement with your neighborhood, community, or NDC impacted your life this past year?

The two projects I’ve worked on with the NDC have truly transformed my life this past year. I now feel equipped to speak about the social issues affecting our city with a deeper understanding, and it feels very meaningful. Building relationships with inspiring individuals in both the Baltimore community and my peers at NDC has been truly rewarding. It has been quite a ride!

What would you say to someone who wants to get more involved in their neighborhood or community through volunteering, advocacy, or leadership but doesn’t know where to get started?

Contact NDC!