Volunteer Spotlight Series: Michelle Hawes
Changing the lives of students as a JA volunteer.
Author: Ashlyn Lower
Community Involvement
Published:
Tuesday, 31 Jan 2023
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Image caption: Thank You letters from JA Students
Hear from Michelle Hawes, Vice President, Business Banking- CT Market Manager, about her JA volunteer experience.
Q: Where do you currently work and what do you do there?
Currently I work at Citizens Bank and I am the Vice President, Business Banking- CT Market Manager. My team and I work with small business owners, small being relative since we work with customers with $500,000 to $5 million in annual revenue. I have spent the last 15 years with Citizens Bank, and for those of you who do not know the banking industry that is almost unheard of. The support and opportunities Citizens has given me has kept me extremely loyal. In my role I strive to develop strong leaders on my team and to support them as they expand their reach to bring new business and strong, consistent growth for themselves and to the company.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Easy, travel! I have spent a lot of time traveling with my family for my kid’s sports games and recreation. We have gotten to see many places and learn about different areas of the country. It has been such a rewarding experience watching my boys grow up and become masters of their chosen sport. My oldest is continuing to play baseball at Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall and we couldn’t be more proud!
Q: What is your connection to Junior Achievement?
In my past life I was a teacher, I started off teaching an 8th grade business class. It was the first class of its kind at my school and I was able to create the entire curriculum from scratch. My class was Consumer Awareness and it taught basic principles of business and how to be a financially responsible person, and consumer. I continued on to teach high school students until I had my kids. Then when my boys got older their school reached out to me to volunteer for my son’s class. When I got the Junior Achievement Curriculum I knew it was meant to be. JA was teaching what I was when I was a teacher. Not only did my boys love having me in their classroom, I loved teaching something I was already so passionate about.
As my boys grew up a bit I started my career at Citizens Bank where I was able to volunteer through work to still be involved with JA!
Q: How long have you been involved with JA?
Between personal and work volunteering I have been involved with JA for 7 years and I plan to make that many more!
Q: Tell us more about your JA Volunteer experience – what was your favorite part?
The JA experience is unlike any other. Not only did I get to teach my children, and their classes, something I am personally passionate about I also got to see firsthand the impact I had on these students. I still have the letters from one of my classes over 7 years later.
Q: Has JA helped you grow professionally?
Absolutely. JA has been a huge source of personal and professional connections. When I was a parent it gave me a chance to interact with other parents and professionals in the community and feel more connected to my kids’ education. In my current role, JA is a source of team banding and great business networking for me and my team.
Q: Why should others volunteer with JA?
JA provides a curriculum that is missing from today’s education. It teaches students practical life skills they need to be successful. It offers schools a way to teach their students these things even if they don’t have a developed business or career department. It is so meaningful to help pass on your knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Q: What advice do you have for current JA students?
Students should follow their passions. You will feel and be successful when you are passionate about what you are doing. I never thought I would be in banking but I have found I am so passionate about helping our not so small, small businesses get the financial help and advice they need to run a thriving business. There is nothing better than helping someone when they need it.
Update! We are so proud to announce that Michelle is joining the JA Board!
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