Charitable giving and in particular, volunteering, can be a rewarding part of any woman’s career. AFCEA Bethesda Chapter “A Night for the Children” gala participants, Shannon Hagy, president of AFCEA Bethesda and Winifred Wilson, executive director of House of Ruth, joined Women of Washington hosts Aileen Black and Gigi Schumm in studio to discuss how giving back to the community through public and private service has made their careers more rewarding.

When asked if charitable involvement was part of her growing up, Wilson said, “Yes, this is definitely something valued in my family. … I saw very early on that I had a passion for social justice.”

When asked how her current role as executive director is making a difference here in Washington D.C., Wilson said, “At the House of Ruth, I am bringing together public and private service in one place with a specific group of women and children and families to resolve issues of domestic violence and homelessness and services to children so there can be long term independence.”

Charitable giving and volunteering is a fulfilling part of a woman’s career, and Hagy realized this when she got involved with AFCEA Bethesda’s “A Night for the Children” gala.

“Finding charities that are meaningful to me and to the community around me, and being able to see the impact immediately for the children and the parents is something that is ingrained in me for life,” she said. “It was when I got involved with the gala I realized it was going to be a long-term commitment.”

Through the gala, Hagy went on to talk about the bonds she has formed with members of the government community that have grown into professional and personal relationships she will cherish for the rest of her life.

“AFCEA Bethesda has a mission to bring government and industry together, but also of giving back,” she said. “Giving back is something to bond over as a mission we can all move forward.”

Busy, involved women who take the time to include charitable activity in their lives definitely seem fulfilled as exemplified in these two women. When asked if their personal lives are merged with their business lives, Wilson said “Definitely,” but didn’t seem to mind, and responded “To the extent that you enjoy what you are doing, then you are able to do better at the work.”

When asked what advice she would give to young women, Hagy said, “Fight for your passions and make sure you don’t take anything for granted.”

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