Vienna Resident Honored as NWFCU Volunteer of the Year

Vienna resident Barbara d'Andrade was recently recognized by the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation as its 2013 Volunteer of the Year.

She has remained an active volunteer since retiring from her post as the Foundation's executive director in 2007. d'Andrade was honored by the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation in a ceremony last month. 

“Did they surprise me? They really did, but I am so honored to be recognized” d’Andrade said in a statement. “It’s so rewarding to volunteer and see the difference you can make in the community. I get such satisfaction in helping others through the Foundation.”

While d’Andrade assists with many Foundation programs, she has two favorites: serving on the Scholarship Committee and helping with its Realty Store, which gives high school a glimpse of life and responsibilities 10 years in the future.

"We try to teach them what they might face in the future with a career, salary, family and budgeting issues,” d’Andrade said. “We help them make decisions based on their given life scenario. It’s a real eye opener for them, and it’s wonderful to help focus them in the right direction.” 

About 25 volunteers assist during each session of the Realty Store, and nearly 10,000 students have participated in the program during the past 4 years.    

d'Andrade also enjoys volunteering with the Foundation's scholarship program, which has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships for 2013.

“I enjoy volunteering with the scholarship program – it’s a phenomenal recognition of students’ leadership and dedication to their communities,” d’Andrade said. “It seems there are many awards available for students with the highest academic achievements, but not as many for those exhibiting great leadership qualities but not ranked at the top in their class. These scholarships acknowledge this group.” 

At the Foundation’s awards ceremony, several others were honored for their contributions, including:

The NWFCU Foundation’s 2013 Educator Partner of the Year: Julie Pickering, Marketing Teacher/Coordinator at Herndon High School

The NWFCU Foundation’s 2013 Leadership Award: Juri Valdov, Round Hill, VA

The NWFCU Foundation’s 2013 Business Partner of the Year: gam graphics and marketing, Sterling, VA 

The NWFCU Foundation’s 2013 Financial Education Partner of the Year: The Financial Awareness Network (FAN), Herndon, VA