At Empower Work, volunteer peer counselors are at the core of our organization. They are all working professionals who generously give their time to support people through their toughest challenges at work—whether it’s navigating a job transition, managing imposter syndrome, exploring a values question, or asking for a raise. Often, texters express concern about their financial vulnerability.

The space and support volunteers provide has a significant impact.

Over 90 percent of people say they not only feel better after talking to a peer counselor, they’re also able to take an action that addresses their issue. Volunteer support ties in to both emotional and economic well-being.

One of our volunteers, Rondi, who is part of the Customer Success Group at Salesforce, joined Empower Work in the summer of 2018. After completing the peer counselor training program, Rondi now dedicates two hours a week helping texters navigate their toughest work issues.

As part of Salesforce’s Global Volunteer Month, Rondi won $5,000 from Salesforce.org (the philanthropic arm of Salesforce) to give to the non-profit of her choice! We’re honored to share that she generously chose to give her donation to Empower Work. Thank you to Salesforce.org for your commitment to social impact, and finger snaps to Rondi for paying it forward in so many ways!

We caught up with Rondi about why she decided to volunteer and what Empower Work means to her:

Why does Empower Work’s mission resonate with you?

I know what it's like to have someone at work say or do something that doesn't sit right, strikes a nerve or even brings me to tears. Those times can feel so lonely and confusing — am I overreacting, too sensitive or just not ‘enough’? I'm passionate about helping employees work through the process of feeling “valued, supported and empowered” (Empower Work's mission) because I know just how important that is in life.

How has your peer counseling training and experience benefited you at work?

I grew up thinking that asking for help meant weakness. Through my experience at Empower Work, I've learned that seeking help takes vulnerability and courage. It's completely changed the way that I interact with my co-workers.

What does a healthy, supportive, and inclusive workplace look like to you?

For me, this comes down to one word ...Trust.

Trust in the company, the leadership, my team and my manager to do good things—for employees, the community and the world. I'm grateful to work for a CEO whose mantra is, “The business of business is improving the state of the world”.

Thank you Rondi for paying it forward in the workplace! Learn more about peer counselors and apply to volunteer today!