April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are excited to take this opportunity to highlight OCF (Otsego Community Foundation) Scholarship Committee member Pamm Quinn. Scholarship decisions are out this month. Pamm and her fellow committee members have worked hard to help Otsego County high school seniors fund their educational dreams. We are grateful for dedicated community members like Pamm, who help the OCF fulfill our mission to activate generosity for a stronger community.
Pamm grew up in Southeast Michigan but has deep roots in Otsego County. She spent all her summer vacations in Gaylord on her family’s property since she was young. Her first job as a Sales Representative with M&M/Mars relocated her to Gaylord, where she met her husband, Ken. Pamm and Ken enjoyed raising their four children, Brendan, Anna, Lauren, and Conner, here in Northern Michigan. Their husky/shepherd mix, Skye, is also a family member. Pamm is an avid volleyball player and enjoys going to MSU basketball games with her youngest child, especially because one of her daughters is a graduate student there. Pamm works at the Otsego County United Way as their Operations Manager. In this role, she handles all the behind-the-scenes operations for the staff, volunteers, and management of the OCUW community building.
Here is what Pamm has to say about Otsego County and the OCF in her own words:
What do you love about Otsego County?
We love all the different activities that each season offers here in Northern Michigan. I applied for my job at the Otsego County United Way to be more involved in our community. Our work with the recovery from the tornado was inspiring. It was amazing to watch our community come together. The OCUW & OCF continue to work with the START Navigator, aiding with coordinating services and programs in Otsego County.
What are your hopes for Otsego County?
The mission of the Otsego County United Way is to “Unite resources to build a stronger community.” I believe in the pursuit of the United Way–that in Otsego County, all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives.
What are you looking forward to working with the OCF? I have been on the Scholarship Committee for three years now. My older children have received scholarships from the OCF, and I wanted to be able to give back with my time to support the young adults in our community. I am participating in the Learning Leadership Lab sponsored by the OCF. This year-long training program teaches adaptive leadership by providing insight into a suite of practical tools and resources for nonprofit and cross-sector leaders. The OCF and OCUW often collaborate on community programs and efforts. I love the energy and passion our organizations have for the prosperity of our community. One goal I have this year is facilitating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging training for other nonprofits in Otsego County in collaboration with the OCUW and OCF.