Skilled Volunteer, Mary Beth Ledet has been involved with Apparo since 2022, finding her passion for helping others by using her skills through cohorts, trainings, and community impact projects.
Finding Passion Through Service
For Mary Beth Ledet, volunteering has always been a priority. While working at Bank of America, she was encouraged to give back to the community, but she wanted to find a way to use her professional skills to make a deeper impact.
“It was important to me to volunteer my time with something that would really be valuable to the nonprofit or to the community,” Mary Beth shared. “I can sort cans and clothes, and I know those missions are very important for our community, but there was something more that I wanted to provide.”
That “something more” came when she was introduced to Apparo through the Women in Technology and Operations (WIT&O) organization.
Discovering Apparo
Apparo’s mission to transform communities and improve lives by connecting nonprofits to technology expertise and resources that amplify their impact immediately resonated with Mary Beth.
“All of a sudden it just awoke something in me,” she recalled. “This might be where I could really pay it forward.”
She began volunteering on projects, from desktop administration to helping nonprofits set up computers. Over time, her involvement grew, and she became a leader in connecting Bank of America colleagues with Apparo’s opportunities.
Building Partnerships
In 2022, Mary Beth partnered with Tom Ellis, who was joining Apparo’s Board of Directors. Together, they worked to expand the bank’s engagement with Apparo. Not only did Mary Beth volunteer, but she also helped Apparo logistically with their corporate events that help fund the very projects for which she was involved in helping.
“I felt like if I didn’t participate in a community impact project, I didn’t understand how it could impact the nonprofit,” she explained. “So, I started to get involved in everything.”
Her leadership helped launch initiatives like the Bank of America cohorts. Mary Beth was instrumental in finding volunteers for the cohorts for which she also participated as a volunteer.
Meaningful Projects
When asked about her favorite project, Mary Beth couldn’t choose just one. She values the personal connections formed through community impact projects most, she said.
“I really like the community impact projects are the most meaningful because they’re more personal and one-on-one with the nonprofit,” she said.
She recalled working with organizations like Right Moves for Youth, Charlotte Family Housing, and BlazeSports America. Each project gave her the chance to listen, document needs, and recommend technology solutions that nonprofits could realistically implement.
“People like to volunteer. It makes them feel good, and they can always carve out just the small amount of time it takes to make an impact,” Mary Beth emphasized.
Inspired by Nonprofits
Mary Beth is continually inspired by the nonprofits she supports. From attending LAWA’s gala to volunteering with Dottie Rose Foundation, she sees firsthand the difference technology can make.
“I found my passion,” she said. “There’s so much here to help with. I just want everybody to volunteer and give their time if they have it to give.”
A Lasting Impact
Mary Beth’s story is a reminder of how professional skills can transform nonprofits and communities. Her dedication not only strengthens Apparo’s mission but also inspires others to get involved. Interested in volunteering with Apparo? Find out more here.
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