bizMe

Twelve thousand runners crossed the finish line and raised over one million dollars in the 10th Annual Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure. Imagine planning and coordinating an event of this size. It’s an amazing accomplishment, especially when you meet the energetic and passionate director of the Race–Julie Kaiserling–she’s only 27! bizMe caught up with Julie recently and we chatted about her outstanding contribution of time and talent to her community and to breast cancer. Julie is quick to recognize the dedication and commitment of the 45 volunteers who worked tirelessly to put this Race together.

What sparked your interest about this cause at this time in your life?
Milwaukee’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is a great organization to be involved with because I believe in the mission and it provides the opportunity to help millions of women. I have been fortunate that no one in my family has been affected by breast cancer; however, I want to increase awareness and I feel that I have accomplished this in my two years as director of the Race.

Have you been this committed to volunteering previously?
I really began to volunteer after I graduated from college. I now currently volunteer at my alma mater Ripon College and the Race for the Cure, which keeps me very busy.

What do you gain from this on a personal and professional basis?
There is a huge sense of accomplishment knowing that I am helping such a great cause. Working for the Race of the Cure has given me the opportunity to meet great people, create friendships and build a network. This experience energizes me everyday–the teamwork involved is incredible as we all work together to accomplish our goal. Volunteering for the Race has helped me realize how blessed I really am–it adds a great perspective to your life as you celebrate with breast cancer survivors and co-survivors.

You’re a member of our so-called Generation Y–do you feel like there are lots of young people volunteering to share their time and talent with others, or do you often feel like a lone ranger?
There is a wide range of individuals that volunteer and I work with many young professionals. The key to volunteering is timing. Your schedule has to allow time for you to commit yourself to volunteering because it can be very time consuming.

How many hours do you volunteer on a weekly basis? Do you find yourself using vacation days at work to follow through on your volunteering promises?
My employer is great. They allow me to work around my volunteering meetings so that I am able to make all of them. They understand that this is important to me and to our community. I have taken vacation days to complete everything that needs to be done come Race time. On average I spend about 10 to 20 hours a week working on the Race for the Cure.

How do you balance your career commitments, social life, everyday life stuff and volunteering? Which aspect most overwhelms you? What do you give up to spend your time on this incredibly worthy cause?
My career and the Race are extremely important to me so the one aspect of my life that does suffer is my social life. I use my volunteer opportunities as my social network. I was overwhelmed my first year working as the director of the Race because I did not know what to expect and I was trying to juggle everything. This is my second year and things are running a lot smoother.

How does a young professional get started in volunteering?
Reach out to the local non-profits in your area that you feel passionate about. Volunteer for an organization that you can get behind and help drive the cause. Talk to the directors and find out what positions are available and the position might not be the best fit for you but once you are established within that organization you can move to the position that you want.