Meet Krisi Colburn, a Customer Service Associate, at our 4020 W Maple Street branch in west Wichita. Despite being a fairly new CapFed® employee, Krisi excelled in her role with the Bank and became involved with the local non-profit, Dress for Success Wichita. We asked Krisi to answer some questions about balancing her career with her passion for volunteering…
Tell us about Dress for Success Wichita and how you are involved with them.
I have been with Dress for Success Wichita for almost a year. Dress for Success Wichita is a non-profit that helps empower women by providing business network connections and professional business attire, as well as assisting them in finding jobs to help better themselves and their families. I am a personal shopper, which means I help clients find either one complete business outfit for an interview, or up to eight clothing items, if they have secured a job. This also includes personal care products, shoes, purses, makeup and even hair coloring products - which have all been donated by individuals or businesses.
Why did you volunteer with Dress for Success Wichita?
I worked in clothing retail before beginning my career at Capitol Federal. I love interacting with people and helping them pick out clothing. It is amazing how one outfit can really increase someone's self-esteem and confidence. At Dress for Success Wichita, I really get to see how a business outfit can bring out the best in a woman. The professional outfit helps them visualize their success, which can help a woman find a job. I feel I am making a difference in the lives of the women I help.
What’s the best moment you’ve had as a volunteer?
I think the best moment is when the women are leaving; many of them hug me and thank me for helping them. That really confirms what I am doing is very important and impacts their lives.
Why is volunteering important?
I think volunteering is important because everyone has a skill they can utilize to help others. I think if you are able to give back to the community, you should. Most organizations exist because of the help they receive from the community and from people who take time out of their day to make these programs run smoothly.
Talk a little bit about balancing your career at CapFed and volunteering your time.
I can't stress enough how much CapFed has influenced me to start volunteering. I love working for a company that is very community-orientated. I volunteer at Dress for Success Wichita on Monday mornings, and my Assistant Branch Manager Marlena Shockley really supports my involvement. She works with me, and my schedule, to ensure I am able to volunteer.
I also help the United Way through CapFed. The United Way is an organization that really benefits our city and I think CapFed’s commitment to the United Way speaks volumes about the Bank.
What makes a successful volunteer and what advice would you give someone who is thinking about volunteering?
To be a successful volunteer, I believe you should volunteer for programs that involve things you already enjoy. My advice to someone who is thinking about volunteering would be to make sure it is an organization with a cause you really support. I would also suggest not to overextend yourself and make sure you are still having fun while helping others.
Thank you, Krisi, and all the generous CapFed employees who make their communities and neighborhoods a better place by volunteering. You sincerely are True Blue®!
Categories:
CapFed® News
, Community and Events
, Hobbies and Travel
Tags:
About CapFed
, Wichita
