Jeanne Albrecht has been a cheerful presence at many of our events over the years. Here she tells us why she joined and why she continues to enjoy being a part of Impact San Antonio.
How long have you been a member of Impact San Antonio?
I joined in 2010.
How did you first hear about Impact SA?
My good friend Kathleen Doria invited me to an Impact SA Happy Hour, so I have her to thank for my journey with Impact SA. When I heard then-President Ann Parker speak, she won me over!
Who or what inspired you to join?
Ann Parker certainly did, as did all the board members I met at the Happy Hour. I loved the idea that my $1,000 donation would be pooled with others to really make a significant impact in a nonprofit’s mission. I especially liked the option that you didn’t have to commit to any volunteer obligations; you could just give your money and still have the right to vote for the grant winners. So much for that idea — I was so impressed with Impact SA that I joined the board within a year of becoming a member and served for six years!
What do you enjoy most about being a member?
It’s a toss-up between the women I have met, the organizations we have helped, Grant Award Nights and the education I received about worthy nonprofits in San Antonio. Being a native San Antonian, I thought I knew a lot about the agencies here, but I was so wrong. In fact, I now serve on the board of Camp CAMP (a summer camp and school-year program that offers fun experiences for individuals with disabilities) because of the presentation I heard them give at a Grant Award Night.
Have you volunteered in any roles for Impact SA, such as grant review, other committees, and helping with our public events?
Yes to all three! When I served on the board for six years, I did public relations for Impact SA for a few years, but I especially loved being the Special Events/Logistics chair. I continued to serve on that committee for two years after I rolled off the board. I served on two grant review committees, but work and travel obligations have kept me from serving as much as I’d like. I hope to jump back on a grant review committee next year.
What do you do for a living?
The R word (retirement) isn’t in my vocabulary yet! I am a public relations consultant with clients such as NIOSA, County Line, Tuesday Musical Club, Central Catholic Golf Classic and Clarity Child Guidance Center. For the past six years I have owned Cruise & Tour Center, a travel agency, to support my travel addiction. My husband and I have five grown children and four grandsons — three of whom are under age 4 — so I travel to see them as much as possible!
