Imagine letting an elementary school student loose in a room filled with brand new skateboards, scooters and all manner of tempting toys—and then telling him, “Go ahead, pick out the ones you want.”
In the case of Diego, a sixth grader enrolled in KidWorks’ programs, his toy choice was motivated by the kindness he saw in Jake Miknuk, our October 2020 “Volunteer of the Month.”
Diego had bonded with Jake, a 29-year-old sales development professional at Alteryx, an Irvine, California based leader in analytic process automation. Jake is also a co-chair of our Young Professionals for KidWorks group with Melissa Ley, Senior Associate Broker for the Net Lease Property Group at CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company.
Young Professionals for KidWorks is a volunteer group of almost two dozen individuals in their 20s and 30s who volunteer at our events and after school programs, recruit other volunteers and get the word out about KidWorks via social media and networking.
“Diego didn't seem at all interested in the skateboards, scooters or other toys,” Jake recalls. “He instead used the KidWorks incentive dollars he’d saved up all year for good behavior and academic success to pick out a doll for his sister”
Without a doubt, Diego’s generosity had been influenced by his interactions with Jake, whom he first met in 2019 during a KidWorks’ Spring Break Science Camp, a weeklong STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experience.
Jake worked with Diego on various STEM projects and lessons, encouraging him and other young students each step of the way.
When they met again several months later during the KidWorks incentive store event, Diego knew that Jake was his go-to person to help navigate the choices in front of him.
“His supreme act of kindness in selecting a doll for his sister instead of something for himself left a lasting impression on me,” Jake says. “I wish more people in the world were as selfless and full of love and joy as Diego.”
Jake’s own selflessness and giving nature are reflected in the various ways he’s volunteered at KidWorks. Since 2019, he’s helped with spring break science camp, the incentive store, holiday events, in our classrooms, youth outreach and more.
“Since the day I met him, Jake has stood out,” says SueLynn Kim, KidWorks’ Partnership & Donor Relations Coordinator. “He makes sure that every student feels special, validated and gifted. Through his leadership in Young Professionals for KidWorks, he has been instrumental in recruiting new members and ensuring that their time with KidWorks is meaningful and impactful. He’s an all-around stand-up volunteer whose desire to give back to the community is strong and consistent.”
SueLynn also expresses gratitude to Jake’s employer, Alteryx. “The company has partnered with KidWorks through their Alteryx for Good program, where Jake serves as an ambassador,” SueLynn says. “He’s invited a number of his colleagues to be part of our programs and events.”
“Jake is an amazing volunteer and mentor to KidWorks’ students,” says Jessica Ellis, Site Director at our Dan Donahue Center. “He’s always ready to serve and make a positive impact. Jake has created deep connections with our students, both in the classroom and at our youth-oriented events.”
Adds Jessica, “Whenever Jake volunteers, he does so with a caring heart and with the express purpose to make a lasting positive impression on a child or youth’s life. Jake is an ‘all-in’ kind of guy who jumps right in without having to be asked. That’s why he’s such a valued member of the KidWorks family. The kids love seeing Jake because they know he truly cares about them and enjoys spending time with them.”
Jake shared his recipe for success as a KidWorks volunteer.
“I get to know the students as well as I can,” he says. “They all have different backgrounds and cultures. It’s great when they all get together because there is no judgment between them and they get along so well. I have adopted my style with the students from the team at KidWorks. They put so much effort and care into the program and I try to emulate them. I would describe my approach as a mentor and friend to the students.”
Jake sees a significant role at KidWorks for young professionals.
“KidWorks is one of the best non-profit organizations that a young adult can be a part of and I invite others to join Young Professionals for KidWorks,” Jake says. “It’s a think-tank of ideas and projects that will benefit KidWorks and those they serve for years to come. Each member has a very different background and because of this, we have become a family of our own, sharing ideas freely. Because we are so close, it’s that much more fun when we all volunteer together.”
When he’s not at work or volunteering at KidWorks, Jake enjoys playing the guitar, saxophone and harmonica, reading and hiking . He also sees himself as having a long term relationship with KidWorks.
“KidWorks is very close to my heart and I plan on doing as much as I can moving forward,” Jake says. “I would love to have a more proactive role in the organization. Working with SueLynn Kim and Melissa Ley has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I want to continue helping students through mentoring. Eventually, I would love to join the KidWorks’ Board of Directors.”
We are grateful for the leadership Jake is providing today, and very confident in his future leadership roles with us and in his professional career.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
For virtual corporate volunteer opportunities or more information on Young Professionals for KidWorks, contact SueLynn at: suelynn.kim@kidworksoc.org