Are you looking for the CEO of Volunteering Orlando, an outfit that connects local businesses and organizations with those looking to volunteer time and talent?
You’ll find Alexa Perez walking the halls each day of Celebration High School.
She isn’t an educator, or an administrator. She is a senior International Baccalaureate student who, after struggling to find ways to get the service hours needed for that diploma — and hearing the same from friends and classmates — decided to fix that problem.
Enter Volunteering Orlando, which has grown into a regional organization serving the Orlando area.
“I saw it was hard to find volunteer opportunities,” she said. “I wanted to make others aware of this expansion and launch this into the public.
Last year, Perez was a leader with CHS’ newly-revived Key Club, a service organization at heart. Serving at Celebration also meant having a seat at on the club’s state-level board, which is where she heard about Volunteer Miami, which brings organizations and young volunteering-minded young people together in Dade County.
“I’m big on advocating for those who want to help others. And, I’m having fun doing it,” said Perez, who hopes to major in college in business or finance and eventually go work for a non-profit organization.
Volunteering Orlando (volunteeringorlando.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission, Perez says, to revolutionize the way area high school students engage with their community through volunteerism.
Its platform puts those volunteering opportunities in one place, and in the process has already connected with 2,500 volunteers and over 60 organizations.
“We are simplifying the process and encouraging a culture of service from a young age,” Perez said.
Its’ key objectives, per the website, are to unite passion and purpose, connect the community and amplify impact.
“Volunteering Orlando seeks to break down these barriers, and empower young individuals to be the change they wish to see,” Perez said. “Our story is not just about volunteering; it’s about cultivating a sense of responsibility, empathy, and engagement in the next generation.
“Each volunteer opportunity is a stepping stone, allowing students to develop skills, explore passions, and build connections that will serve them well in the future. It’s about building a brighter, more interconnected future.”
