Giselle has been a part of the San Rafael community since 2004. Although aware of Canal Alliance prior to 2021, it wasn’t until her daughter graduated from San Rafael High School that year that she felt inspired to get involved. Several graduation speakers mentioned Canal Alliance, and the organization’s mission resonated deeply with her, reflecting on her own family story. Giselle’s parents immigrated separately from Argentina and became naturalized citizens, after meeting each other in New York City.
Originally from New Jersey, Giselle spent years building her career in marketing, specializing in business-to-business work in the tech industry. After the passing of her mother earlier in 2021, Giselle says she felt a strong desire to give back to the immigrant community, leaving her full-time job to explore opportunities.
Now working as a marketing consultant, she says she has the flexibility to dedicate more time to volunteering. “I wanted to give my time to something that was very important and meaningful. That is why I chose to volunteer and why I am a volunteer at Canal Alliance,” she says.
Giselle’s volunteer work with Canal Alliance has been multifaceted. She currently serves as a University Prep (UP!) tutor and has previously volunteered as an English as a Second Language tutor and Citizenship Exam Preparation class aide.
She says she particularly enjoyed helping people prepare for their citizenship tests, noting, “I really enjoyed helping with the citizenship testing prep because my parents did it at one point and also, I was a political science major in college.”
Reflecting on her time helping out in the citizenship exam prep program she shares: “I remember vividly when people would get scheduled for their citizenship tests and then they would mention how that person was no longer in our class because they passed their exam. It made me so happy to hear that news, always.”
Giselle says she has also witnessed the dedication of the immigrant community firsthand. She remembers students attending classes in their cars because of late work schedules, a testament to their commitment. “Seeing people’s dedication and desire [has been] very inspirational,” she shares.
Giselle’s commitment to equity and Marin doesn’t end at Canal Alliance. She volunteers with Indivisible Marin, participating in election-related work from time to time.
Reflecting on the value of volunteering, Giselle encourages others to join: “I would tell anyone to come volunteer with us at Canal Alliance. Go for it, there are so many different ways to help support this wonderful organization. There is something for everyone to be able to get involved and figure out what they enjoy doing.”
Through her work, Giselle continues to honor her family’s immigrant roots, helping others find the support they need to settle and thrive in Marin County. “Canal Alliance brings the support many immigrants need in order to settle down here in Marin County and at all stages,” she says, emphasizing the profound impact volunteers can make.