“Everything is going digital. If we can help the older generation get comfortable and familiar in the digital world, they will be able to connect with the younger generation,” says CTN’s volunteer and program manager, Pat Jew.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Pat Jew has spent her life around San Francisco. After attending UC Davis to study international relations, she spent years working in retail inventory management positions at Gap and Charlotte Russe HQ. Pat enjoyed the people management and coordination aspects of the job. Eventually, though, she felt burnt out and ready to start something new.
That’s when Pat began looking for job opportunities with nonprofits. Motivated to help her community in some way, she spent time exploring a variety of causes. Eventually, a friend told Pat about an opening with CTN. When Pat read more about our work, she quickly resonated with our mission to increase digital literacy. “I thought, ‘oh, this is totally what I did with my aunt when she wanted to get an iPad.’ It just got me remembering all those times that she was asking questions about technology. She never had access to the internet before.”
Pat’s experience managing projects and coordinating logistics in the retail sector made her a great fit for the role of volunteer and program manager. Since starting last July, Pat has played an integral role in supporting CTN’s digital literacy programs — none of which would be possible without the help of our countless volunteers. Pat’s job is to ensure that our volunteer network is well organized and well suited to serve our senior learners. “If someone is a volunteer with us, we want them to be happy,” she reflects. “I make sure that they have a smooth and enjoyable process.”
For Pat, the most rewarding part of the job is hearing stories of impact from learners or volunteers. She’ll often receive feedback from learners raving about a volunteer’s patience and knowledge. She also hears how meaningful the digital coaching sessions are for younger volunteers.
“It’s amazing to see these college students be so proactive and interactive in these programs,” says Pat. “In addition to the volunteers helping the learners, I think the program provides them great experience. They get to interact with someone who has lived a life.”
Pat’s dedication and commitment to supporting our volunteers is an invaluable asset to CTN — and we are lucky to have her on our team!
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