Carlton Koonce has been a member of NCAVA for over five years - since his introduction to the organization, Koonce says that NCAVA has been “a great way to network with like minded volunteer managers but also to build relationships for my line of work.” He is now the Workforce Manager at Durham Children’s Initiative, where he “level(s) the playing field for disadvantaged youth via soft skills workforce training, internships and financial literacy.” Koonce has also served previously on NCAVA’s board as Publications Chair.

Carlton Koonce recently provided us with more information about his NCAVA story, which we are excited to share with you all:

Q: What inspired you to begin working with volunteers?

A: I started working with volunteers when local business owners offered up their establishments as a place for adolescents to learn how to work professionally. It became a win/win/win for everyone involved.

Q: What is an exciting project that you are currently working on?

A: The Durham VOICE -- a community newspaper staffed by my adolescents and college journalism/communications students from UNC-CH and NCCU. The college students and professionals from the industry all volunteer in an attempt to provide needed diversification into news rooms and media at large.

Q: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment in your career thus far?

A: I would say that my biggest accomplishment would have to be moving children -- who otherwise might not have had the chance -- out of cyclical familial poverty.

Q: What advice would you give to other volunteer managers, especially those beginning their career?

A: Being open to at least meeting anyone and everyone no matter what -- you never know who might be able to push you over the finish line. Also, when working with disadvantaged populations, it’s important to come in confident (not cocky) but also with a sense of humility.

To connect with Carlton Koonce about any topics mentioned in this interview, please email him at ckoonce17@gmail.com.