April is National Volunteer month and a great time for employers to encourage volunteerism and celebrate the employees who participate in giving back. Supporting employee volunteerism is not just about giving back to the community; it’s an investment in the overall well-being and success of both employees and the organization. By encouraging and facilitating volunteer opportunities, employers can foster a culture of social responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth among their team. Studies have also shown that volunteering provides employees the opportunity to develop valuable skills, expand their networks, and gain a deeper understanding of societal issues, all of which contribute to their professional development and effectiveness in the workplace.
For our team at ALTRES, volunteerism is deeply rooted in our company culture and our passion to make Hawaiʻi a better place to live and work. Throughout the year, our employees are provided company-sponsored opportunities to volunteer with various Hawaii-based non-profit community programs and are also encouraged to volunteer on their own. We asked three of our employees to share their stories for National Volunteer month.
Joshua Laguana, Senior Solutions Engineer
President at Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor – RotaryHPH.org | Facebook, Instagram: @rotaryHPH
What inspired you to start volunteering?
My inspiration to start volunteering came from a deep-seated belief in the principle of “service above self.” Witnessing the profound impact that collective community efforts could have and understanding the role of leadership in spearheading such initiatives, propelled me to take action. The Rotary’s global network of professionals and community leaders provided the perfect platform to translate this inspiration into meaningful contributions.
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I volunteer because I believe in the power of collective action to create positive change. It’s a way to directly contribute to the betterment of our community, to help those in need, and to drive forward initiatives that can have a lasting impact. Giving back is crucial not only for the tangible improvements we make but also for the sense of unity and purpose it fosters within the community. It reminds us that we are all part of something larger than ourselves and that we have the power to make a difference.
If someone was thinking of volunteering what would you say to them?
I would say, “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.” Volunteering doesn’t require you to change the world overnight; it’s about contributing what you can to make a difference. Find a cause that resonates with you and take that first step. The rewards—personal growth, community connections, and the joy of helping others—are immensely fulfilling.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
One of my favorite volunteering memories was early in my rotary career serving pizza for dinner at the Next Step Shelter. One of the residents was a young boy, maybe aged seven or eight, he smiled at me and said, “thank you, pizza is my favorite food.” His smile was unable to contain the excitement he had for this meal. I then asked him if he wanted a second piece and his eyes grew so large and they started to fill with tears, he replied, “I want one, but I want to make sure there’s enough for others.” I had to fight back my own tears and tell him that there would be enough. After serving him that additional piece, I became overwhelmed with emotion.
The time I spent at the Next Step Shelter over the next few years until its closure would be a testament to how that memory affected me. Since then, I’ve been volunteering with my Rotary club at Keauhou Shelter once a quarter to serve dinner.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
ALTRES has been incredibly supportive of my volunteering journey. Not only do they provide employees with sixteen hours of volunteer time off each year, but they also match our donations to nonprofits like the Rotary Foundation. The culture at ALTRES encourages us to ask, “If not me, then who?”—motivating us to take personal initiative in community service. I look forward to continuing this work and am thankful for the support of ALTRES.
Michelle Conrey, Regional Manager
Volunteer and Board Member at Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue – Alohailiorescue.com | Facebook, Instagram: @AlohaIlioRescue
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I have always volunteered throughout my life. For many years I volunteered with Innovation Public Charter School to help build it for my daughters and the Kona community. As my daughters grew up, I found my passion for animal rescue. I now volunteer at Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue following the passing of one of my older dogs. His name was Bubba and he was the king of our castle.
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I believe that everyone should find what is important to them and then help those organizations by lending a helping hand. Currently, especially on the Big Island, we have some of the worst animal cruelty, overpopulation and abandonment of dogs. Knowing and seeing this is why I volunteer.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
One of my favorite memories was rescuing a large French mastiff after losing my mastiff unexpectedly. Within two days of losing Fiona, Sophie Bear came on my feed. I called the founder of Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue and said I would take her. Sophie was in rough shape. She had been in a kennel for 7 years forced to breed repeatedly. She was terrified of the world. We worked with Sophie to earn her trust and give her lots of love. One day, after having her for a year, I could not find her and when I went outside, she was lying on her back with her stomach for the world to see, snoring away in the sun. It gave me pure joy. We only had her for 2.5 years before she succumbed to breast cancer, but she knew she was loved, safe and had a loving home. With the help of my family, we now have five rescue dogs that are happy, loved and cared for. I am now also on the Board of Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue and we are working towards building a new facility on 9 acres in Hilo.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
I am so lucky that ALTRES provides their employees with volunteer opportunities, volunteer time off, donation matching up to $500 in addition to donating to nonprofits across the islands.
Tami Holschuh, Senior Benefits Specialist
Secretary/Treasurer at Life 360 Network, Inc. – Life360network.org | Facebook, Instagram: @life360network
What inspired you to start volunteering?
My inspiration and love for helping people and making a positive difference comes from my parents. I was raised in a home that adopted 7 children, we also had lots of foster children. My father did volunteer work on the Navajo Indian reservation as a doctor. My sophomore year of High School, I was given the opportunity to participate in a Mission Trip to Costa Rica, it was there that I learned my love for volunteering and helping young people “from tough backgrounds” find and reach their full potential. When moving to Oʻahu, I began volunteering with my local church. In 2011, Life 360 Network, a youth outreach non-profit started to have a greater reach into the schools and communities of Oʻahu!
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I believe that as adults we have the responsibility to help the next generation. True success is not measured by your accomplishments or possessions but by whether you have made a positive difference in a person’s life. At Life 360, we believe that every young person, no matter what challenges they face, is valuable, full of potential and deserves opportunities and support.
If someone was thinking of volunteering what would you say to them?
Get involved! It is one of the most valuable and rewarding, sometimes challenging, things you can do.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
I have been volunteering for 35+ years so I have many amazing memories, but most recently I volunteered with my co-workers to serve our Life 360 communities through ALTRES’ Back to School Drive. Together we supplied hundreds of kids from over 30 schools with school supplies. Seeing the joy and smiles on the kids’ faces, and seeing the ALTRES staff put passion to work really made me proud.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
ALTRES is a true example of a company that loves to give back. Our owner, Barron Guss, is one of the most amazing examples of giving. ALTRES gives us so many opportunities to be involved in the great work that many non-profits and organizations are doing here in Hawai’i. ALTRES’ genuine heart, compassion, and love for “community” gives me an enormous sense of pride.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
April is National Volunteer month and a great time for employers to encourage volunteerism and celebrate the employees who participate in giving back. Supporting employee volunteerism is not just about giving back to the community; it’s an investment in the overall well-being and success of both employees and the organization. By encouraging and facilitating volunteer opportunities, employers can foster a culture of social responsibility, teamwork, and personal growth among their team. Studies have also shown that volunteering provides employees the opportunity to develop valuable skills, expand their networks, and gain a deeper understanding of societal issues, all of which contribute to their professional development and effectiveness in the workplace.
For our team at ALTRES, volunteerism is deeply rooted in our company culture and our passion to make Hawaiʻi a better place to live and work. Throughout the year, our employees are provided company-sponsored opportunities to volunteer with various Hawaii-based non-profit community programs and are also encouraged to volunteer on their own. We asked three of our employees to share their stories for National Volunteer month.
Joshua Laguana, Senior Solutions Engineer
President at Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor – RotaryHPH.org | Facebook, Instagram: @rotaryHPH
What inspired you to start volunteering?
My inspiration to start volunteering came from a deep-seated belief in the principle of “service above self.” Witnessing the profound impact that collective community efforts could have and understanding the role of leadership in spearheading such initiatives, propelled me to take action. The Rotary’s global network of professionals and community leaders provided the perfect platform to translate this inspiration into meaningful contributions.
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I volunteer because I believe in the power of collective action to create positive change. It’s a way to directly contribute to the betterment of our community, to help those in need, and to drive forward initiatives that can have a lasting impact. Giving back is crucial not only for the tangible improvements we make but also for the sense of unity and purpose it fosters within the community. It reminds us that we are all part of something larger than ourselves and that we have the power to make a difference.
If someone was thinking of volunteering what would you say to them?
I would say, “start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.” Volunteering doesn’t require you to change the world overnight; it’s about contributing what you can to make a difference. Find a cause that resonates with you and take that first step. The rewards—personal growth, community connections, and the joy of helping others—are immensely fulfilling.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
One of my favorite volunteering memories was early in my rotary career serving pizza for dinner at the Next Step Shelter. One of the residents was a young boy, maybe aged seven or eight, he smiled at me and said, “thank you, pizza is my favorite food.” His smile was unable to contain the excitement he had for this meal. I then asked him if he wanted a second piece and his eyes grew so large and they started to fill with tears, he replied, “I want one, but I want to make sure there’s enough for others.” I had to fight back my own tears and tell him that there would be enough. After serving him that additional piece, I became overwhelmed with emotion.
The time I spent at the Next Step Shelter over the next few years until its closure would be a testament to how that memory affected me. Since then, I’ve been volunteering with my Rotary club at Keauhou Shelter once a quarter to serve dinner.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
ALTRES has been incredibly supportive of my volunteering journey. Not only do they provide employees with sixteen hours of volunteer time off each year, but they also match our donations to nonprofits like the Rotary Foundation. The culture at ALTRES encourages us to ask, “If not me, then who?”—motivating us to take personal initiative in community service. I look forward to continuing this work and am thankful for the support of ALTRES.
Michelle Conrey, Regional Manager
Volunteer and Board Member at Aloha ‘Īlio Rescue – Alohailiorescue.com | Facebook, Instagram: @AlohaIlioRescue
What inspired you to start volunteering?
I have always volunteered throughout my life. For many years I volunteered with Innovation Public Charter School to help build it for my daughters and the Kona community. As my daughters grew up, I found my passion for animal rescue. I now volunteer at Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue following the passing of one of my older dogs. His name was Bubba and he was the king of our castle.
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I believe that everyone should find what is important to them and then help those organizations by lending a helping hand. Currently, especially on the Big Island, we have some of the worst animal cruelty, overpopulation and abandonment of dogs. Knowing and seeing this is why I volunteer.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
One of my favorite memories was rescuing a large French mastiff after losing my mastiff unexpectedly. Within two days of losing Fiona, Sophie Bear came on my feed. I called the founder of Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue and said I would take her. Sophie was in rough shape. She had been in a kennel for 7 years forced to breed repeatedly. She was terrified of the world. We worked with Sophie to earn her trust and give her lots of love. One day, after having her for a year, I could not find her and when I went outside, she was lying on her back with her stomach for the world to see, snoring away in the sun. It gave me pure joy. We only had her for 2.5 years before she succumbed to breast cancer, but she knew she was loved, safe and had a loving home. With the help of my family, we now have five rescue dogs that are happy, loved and cared for. I am now also on the Board of Aloha ʻĪlio Rescue and we are working towards building a new facility on 9 acres in Hilo.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
I am so lucky that ALTRES provides their employees with volunteer opportunities, volunteer time off, donation matching up to $500 in addition to donating to nonprofits across the islands.
Tami Holschuh, Senior Benefits Specialist
Secretary/Treasurer at Life 360 Network, Inc. – Life360network.org | Facebook, Instagram: @life360network
What inspired you to start volunteering?
My inspiration and love for helping people and making a positive difference comes from my parents. I was raised in a home that adopted 7 children, we also had lots of foster children. My father did volunteer work on the Navajo Indian reservation as a doctor. My sophomore year of High School, I was given the opportunity to participate in a Mission Trip to Costa Rica, it was there that I learned my love for volunteering and helping young people “from tough backgrounds” find and reach their full potential. When moving to Oʻahu, I began volunteering with my local church. In 2011, Life 360 Network, a youth outreach non-profit started to have a greater reach into the schools and communities of Oʻahu!
Why do you volunteer and why do you think it’s important for people to give back to their community?
I believe that as adults we have the responsibility to help the next generation. True success is not measured by your accomplishments or possessions but by whether you have made a positive difference in a person’s life. At Life 360, we believe that every young person, no matter what challenges they face, is valuable, full of potential and deserves opportunities and support.
If someone was thinking of volunteering what would you say to them?
Get involved! It is one of the most valuable and rewarding, sometimes challenging, things you can do.
What is your favorite volunteering memory?
I have been volunteering for 35+ years so I have many amazing memories, but most recently I volunteered with my co-workers to serve our Life 360 communities through ALTRES’ Back to School Drive. Together we supplied hundreds of kids from over 30 schools with school supplies. Seeing the joy and smiles on the kids’ faces, and seeing the ALTRES staff put passion to work really made me proud.
How has ALTRES supported you in your volunteering journey?
ALTRES is a true example of a company that loves to give back. Our owner, Barron Guss, is one of the most amazing examples of giving. ALTRES gives us so many opportunities to be involved in the great work that many non-profits and organizations are doing here in Hawai’i. ALTRES’ genuine heart, compassion, and love for “community” gives me an enormous sense of pride.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.