Ed has a fast-paced career as a consultant for MarkLogic, an unstructured database software company. As a refurbisher, he is mainly responsible for creating images and “ghosting” them onto similar model machines. He also helps with troubleshooting and configuring machines after they have been imaged. Ed appreciates the flexibility of his role and the fact that it allows him to share what he knows with others. He wants to continue volunteering and has been recruiting his wife to be a CORE volunteer as well. One of his favorite aspects of volunteering is working to reach CORE’s results-based goals. “We are helping people obtain valued skills and start a career,” he says. “It is truly something that you can say changes lives.”

Justin Darkoch, Computer Training Instructor

Justin moved to the DC area in 2005 after graduating from Duke University and found CORE on Volunteer Match. He had previously volunteered as assistant coordinator for a program where he developed and taught computer lessons for after school programs at a middle school a community center. He wanted to volunteer in a similar capacity, so he attended a CORE information session. Justin started as a volunteer tutor on Saturday mornings, then decided to become a Success Strategies instructor teaching job skills. After several semesters, he became a computer training instructor, a role that suited technology background. He now volunteers as needed as a substitute instructor, Saturday tutor and information session leader. He describes CORE students as very eager to learn and notes that most students work full-time, often in multiple jobs, and still come to CORE each day, excited to gain the skills that will change their lives. “Computer CORE has a ton of great success stories,” Justin says. “I am always encouraged when I see former students who come back to help celebrate the next semester’s graduation.”

Victoria Sauers, Lead Classroom Instructor

Victoria has a Master’s in finance and a dynamic career as a Senior Grants Accountant for National Public Radio. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to volunteer and feels very strongly about giving back. Victoria first volunteered with CORE in 2008 as a teaching assistant and computer instructor, and is now a lead classroom instructor in Alexandria. She has a strong interest in helping new computer users learn and understand the computer and develop new skills. Victoria believes that in today’s economy with extreme competition for jobs, computer knowledge and skills are vital tools in getting our students better jobs or promotions. She describes CORE students as “zealous about learning new things on computers and software programs and applying them at their jobs. They exhibit enthusiasm and take on difficult challenges each lesson brings, and are always excited to learn.”

Saunji Fyffe, Tutor Coordinator

Saunji has worn many hats at Computer CORE. She learned about CORE through Volunteer Match while searching for an opportunity to learn grant writing. In 2007, she began volunteering with the grant writing team. She later helped with admissions and has also conducted practice interviews and tutored students. She manages to volunteer regularly even though she has a demanding schedule as a doctoral candidate at Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy and a research associate at the Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy’s Urban Institute. Saunji gladly took over as tutor coordinator this past spring. One of her favorite aspects of volunteering with CORE is the interaction with other volunteers and students. “The volunteers at CORE share a sincere concern for the students and the organization,” she says. “Each time I work with someone, I am inspired by their passion and commitment to help the students succeed, as well as to help CORE continue to thrive.”