(Posted 2024 January)
Meet Katrina Hush, Community Ambassador
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your professional background?
I'm a DMV native, grew up in Maryland, and am now a long-time resident of Northern Virginia. I work for a large IT company, where I've held roles in corporate sales and communications. I've also been fortunate enough to take extended career breaks to care for my family and focus on my own well-being.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
After I had children, I picked up running. I've completed seven half-marathons and several 10-milers, including two this past spring, but my knees have since decided it's time to downshift. And that's OK. I love long walks, especially in fall weather. Indoors (or poolside), my happy place is a good story—in a podcast, book, or on screen. I also write children's fiction.
How long have you been volunteering? What led to your initial desire to volunteer and serve others?
I started volunteering in high school through the Student Government Association. There were definitely assignments I didn’t care for, but others I truly enjoyed; the more I could choose which groups to serve and how, the more I started to look forward to them. I saw how much impact could be made when effort was so small relative to need. It created a mindset that says, Of course I’m going to help!
What interested you in volunteering with Fairfax County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Services?
Most of the volunteer work I've done over the past 20 years has been related to my kids' activities and schools. I still do some of that, but now that the kids are older, I have time to devote to other causes where I feel a stronger pull. Being close to survivors of sexual violence, I have the greatest admiration for their fight to reclaim health and peace. DSVS allows me to be part of a system that aids them in restoring power over their lives.
What is the most challenging part of volunteering? How did you overcome this challenge?
The most challenging part of volunteering is knowing the need is always greater than my ability to contribute. I am mindful of how I’m processing, course correct, and keep going.
What’s the best part of volunteering? Share your most memorable experience.
I helped staff an after-school fun fair for teens last winter. Going in, I wasn't sure how or what to communicate, considering the age group. Our table games encouraged a steady flow of visitors who weren't at all shy about discussing signs and types of abuse. It was surprising they knew so much about hard truths. That was tough to hear. But their sense of right and wrong and their expectation of universal fairness make me hopeful for their generation. These kids are developing tools to set and respect boundaries. With guidance, they will help us all be better for one another.
What has been your favorite training? What did you like about it? What did you learn?
When I signed up to volunteer for DSVS, I was excited to help but also nervous about my ability to serve. Did I know enough about what victims/survivors go through? Could I offend someone by using the wrong language? What if I don't know the right resources someone needs at that moment? The Tier One training provided a good foundation where learning came from the curriculum and from others in the class.
What are your three greatest strengths? How have you been able to display and use these strengths when serving others?
The primary goal of community ambassadors is to share information with people who need it or may be in a position to pass it along to others. I try to be approachable, make people feel at ease, and follow cues about what and how much to share.
What advice do you have for people who may be thinking about becoming a DSVS volunteer?
Be clear about your intentions. Take an honest inventory of your preparedness, especially if a personal experience drives your desire to help. The realities of the people we serve can be triggering or difficult to digest, even when you don't work with them directly.
What do you wish you could do more of as a volunteer?
This is my first year with DSVS. I’m doing community outreach primarily because that’s what my schedule will accommodate. I look forward to volunteering more when I can consistently devote more time.
This article posting is part of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services' Volunteer Voices monthly newsletter for current and potential volunteers. If you're not already a volunteer, learn how to get involved. Find out about upcoming trainings, volunteer trainings, happenings around the DSVS office and information about articles, books, media recommendations and more.
Learn more about the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS).