New Board Spotlight: Tracy Messineo

We are delighted to welcome Adult Volunteer Tracy Messineo as the newest Board Director for Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference! Tracy has already made a mark with her role as an Adult Mentor in Empty Bowls and School Supply Drive Committees, and now with her position on the Hands4Hope Board of Directors, she will also help steer the organization as a whole with an eye for strategy, metrics, and sustainability.

"I’m so excited to welcome Tracy to the Hands4Hope Board of Directors! Having already rolled up her sleeves to work side by side with our youth at events, Tracy has jumped in with both feet and is already making a wonderful impact. We are so fortunate to have Tracy bring her energy, experience, and heart to our board."

Heather Edwards, Chair, Hands4Hope Board of Directors

"My experience with Tracy began with her dedication as the adult mentor for the marketing subcommittee on our School Supply Drive. Her determination led to fantastic opportunities for our youth members and noticeable results in donations and families served. I look forward to working with her again on Empty Bowls as she once again shares her time and talent with Hands4Hope."

Kate Barba, Hands4Hope Special Events Program Coordinator

What drew you to give your time and talent to Hands4Hope?

What motivated me to volunteer for Hands4Hope was a desire to engage in meaningful purpose driven work that would allow me to give back to the community after retiring from the healthcare industry last year. Hands4Hope quickly stood out amongst other nonprofit organizations because it offered a wide range of opportunities to make a difference – from combating homelessness and food insecurity to supporting women escaping violence, veterans, and seniors. What truly differentiated Hands4Hope, however, was its focus on inspiring and empowering youth through leadership and service. It was a winning combination!

Tell us about your professional background and your position on the Hands4Hope Board of Directors.

Drawing on my background in healthcare administration, where I spent over three decades building collaborative teams and guiding leaders toward their full potential, I am eager to bring these experiences to my role on the Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the External Affairs committee, I am excited to contribute fresh ideas and support strategic initiatives that will strengthen Hands4Hope’s outreach and deepen our impact across the communities we serve. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with inspiring colleagues and dedicated youth, and I look forward to learning from their perspectives as we work together to advance the organization’s mission.

What are you looking forward to doing most while on the Board?

I am looking forward to the opportunity to help support the ongoing sustainability and future growth of this wonderful organization by actively engaging with the communities we serve and contributing to the development of strategic initiatives that will strengthen Hands4Hope’s outreach and advance the organization's mission. I also look forward to continuing to work with youth as an adult mentor to contribute to their leadership development.

What is a memorable experience or interaction during your time with Hands4Hope?

My most memorable experience was participating in the Empty Bowls Dinner Committee as an adult mentor. The event was a huge success and it was so inspiring to watch the youth leaders and volunteers organize, plan, promote and operationalize this important fund raiser to support food insecurity. From Google project plans, to securing ceramic bowls and sponsorships, to stepping up to be interviewed on Good Day Sacramento, the youth supported by adult volunteers did an amazing job while learning new skills and getting out of their comfort zones. It was rewarding to see the community be so supportive of this event and the youth leaders and volunteers grow exponentially from this experience.

What personal skills or experience do you get to flex as you volunteer with Hands4Hope?

In my healthcare career I thoroughly enjoyed building high performing teams and mentoring leaders to their full potential. As a Hands4Hope Adult Mentor, I get to apply those skills to help young people develop leadership abilities, leverage their strengths and increase their confidence in taking on new challenges.

How do you feel that your volunteer work with Hands4Hope has made a difference?

Volunteering for Hands4Hope has provided me with a sense of purpose following retirement. I enjoy the network of amazing adult volunteers, the impressive Hands4Hope staff and leadership are a joy to work with, and I am inspired by the youth who show up enthusiastically to meet each challenge with compassion, energy, curiosity and commitment to make a positive difference through service to their community.

What do you want other adults to know about getting involved with Hands4Hope?

Don’t hesitate to get involved, you won’t regret it! Hands4Hope offers so many different ways to volunteer and you can donate as much or as little of your time as you are able. You will be enriched by the experience many times over and gain a better understanding of the needs in our community and how you can make a difference. In addition to contributing to the development of our future leaders, you will find you learn from them as much as they learn from you. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact.

Tracy works side by side with youth participants in the Empty Bowls Committee in her role as a volunteer Adult Mentor