Since 2023, Rebecca DePasquale has used her technical skills to volunteer for multiple cohorts, increasing the capacity of numerous nonprofit organizations within the Carolinas.
Rebecca DePasquale first heard about Apparo through Mission Possible sponsored by Accenture. She shared, “I really wanted to use my technical skills in an impactful way with nonprofits. When I heard about this last year, I stepped into volunteer with the organization.”
Since 2023, Rebecca has lent her time and energy volunteering in the following capacity:
- FY23 Mission Possible Cohort Training
- FY23 Volunteer for Hope Renovations – Mission Possible Award Winner
- Arts Council of Greater Greensboro Cohort Orientation Training – Various Workshops
- Mentor for NC Brass Band in the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro for FY24
- FY24 Mission Possible volunteer for Healing Transitions
Rebecca used her technical skills to make big changes for nonprofits.
“With the NC Brass Band, we looked at some places where they had high needs within their organization. We identified three places where they needed additional research, created recommendations for them, and helped them decide based on their highest priority items whether they should move forward.”
“I really like working with nonprofits, where even $10s of dollars, $50s of dollars, $100s of dollars can be so impactful to organizations. We can help them save money and streamline, allowing them to focus on their mission, even with a small change.”
“Most recently, I led the team for Accenture support for Hope Renovations. We were selecting and implementing a learning management system. They were using a collection of Google calendars, piecing together different items to help their students as part of their program. Implementing a LMS would help them to scale up, allowing them to increase from 10 cohorts to 20 cohorts, something their current system would not have been able to do. They needed to be able to grow and increase their capacity, and this new learning management system would allow this to happen. Ultimately, they chose Canvas as their learning management system. Implementing this system will allow them to reach even more underemployed women and transform more lives.”
Rebecca has a passion for volunteering and has used her technical skills to help others before.
Rebecca not only volunteers with Apparo, but she also has experience with skilled volunteering at a Chapel Hill based nonprofit called Christmas House provided through the Chapel Service League. This nonprofit provides coats, books, and toys for over 900 kids a year through a personalized shopping experience for families at Christmas House. Previously, registration for this shopping day was manual, and Rebecca streamlined it into a 100% online registration system making it a much easier system for the attendees and the volunteers. This saved the nonprofit time and money as well!
Rebecca shares “I feel most energized when I’m able to bring the nonprofit and the technical worlds together. It’s where I get in a flow the most, in terms of feeling like I’m able to help.”
Rebecca recommends volunteering as a way to sharpen your skills and help others.
“I would recommend it to folks who have technical skills and want to volunteer because it doesn’t take a massive amount of time and effort on your part, but it can make meaningful changes for nonprofits who in many cases don’t even know where to start and what questions they need answered. You know most of the time what we see is that the team members at the nonprofit are exceptional at supporting their missions, but they don’t have a technical background. They need guidance and support, and that’s what you as a volunteer are there to do.”
“With Hope Renovations, there was a social work background. With NC Brass Band, a music background. I really like the ability to be able to come in and use my technical skills, so they don’t have to go out and use resources they don’t have to hire somebody to come out and do it. We can come in, do a quick project, and then they can take the next couple of steps to implement the technology that amplifies their mission.”
“I also strongly recommend that anyone who can get involved does. Especially with Mission Possible sponsored by Accenture. Even if your nonprofit isn’t selected as the grant winner – getting the expertise and having the thought leadership can help you figure out how to implement the next steps on your idea. This grant is truly invaluable for any nonprofit involved.”
“Volunteering with Apparo also helped me learn about new nonprofits I would never have known about previously. There are so many nonprofits in need, and it’s such a rewarding experience to be involved with them and to learn about them.”
Apparo depends on volunteers, like Rebecca, to help nonprofits sharpen their technical skills to amplify their missions.
Program and Volunteer Manager, Sarah Friday, runs the Mission Possible grant program for both the Charlotte and North Carolina Triangle Areas for Apparo. She has worked with Rebecca on several projects. She shared her thoughts on Rebecca’s commitment as a dedicated Apparo volunteer.
“At Apparo, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, and I am thrilled to highlight one of our shining stars, Rebecca DePasquale. Her dedication, passion, and incredible work ethic have made a profound impact on the nonprofits and communities we serve.”
“From the moment Rebecca joined our team, first volunteering for the Triangle Area Mission Possible Award program in 2023, her commitment was undeniable. Since then, she has provided technology guidance and support for Hope Renovations and Healing Transitions through their several-month Mission Possible Award journeys in 2023 and 2024 respectively, acted as a cohort mentor for the NC Brass Band, and lead Hope Renovations through a learning management system selection and implementation. Her support has been invaluable, and her contributions go above and beyond. Rebecca approaches every volunteer commitment with a positive attitude and an infectious enthusiasm, inspiring everyone around them.”
“It has been a joy to watch Rebecca grow and flourish as an Apparo volunteer. Her ability to support and guide nonprofits through technology challenges and solutions has been nothing short of extraordinary. Thank you, Rebecca, for your unwavering commitment and the lasting impact you’re making on our communities!”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have Rebecca as part of our volunteer family, and we look forward to all the amazing things she will continue to accomplish with us!”
