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Featuring Volunteer of the Year: Muge ‘Maggie’ Pekersoy
This article is about:
Maggie Pekersoy's volunteer work and helping others receive an education
Dominion Energy's Volunteer of the Year awards
Growing up in Turkey with a family of educators, Muge “Maggie” Pekersoy, a gas projects manager in Akron, Ohio, gained an appreciation for education at a young age.
“Both of my parents are teachers,” said Maggie. “They believe education is the solution to many problems.”
Maggie displays her instilled passion for education through volunteer work with over a dozen organizations in Northeast Ohio. Her focus on the essential nature of schooling was sparked by a childhood occurrence that she will never forget.
One summer, Maggie learned that one of her mother’s students wouldn’t be returning to class the following year. The student was arranged to be married at just 12 years old, putting an end to the girl’s schooling and the chance at a better life.
From that moment on, Maggie committed herself to advocating for the access to and prioritization of education in the world around her.
After moving to Ohio to attend the University of Akron for a master’s degree in civil engineering, Maggie joined Dominion Energy where she actively engages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives for young students.
For her commitments, Maggie’s peers nominated her for Volunteer of the Year. This nomination came with a $5,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation to be donated in Maggie’s name to her organization of choice.
Naturally, Maggie chose a nonprofit: College Now Greater Cleveland.
“I chose this nonprofit because it helps students from middle schoolers to adult learners receive an education,” said Maggie. “Many of their students are from low-income families. Their mentorship program creates a bridge between students and the community.”
Receiving the funds came at a critical time for College Now Greater Cleveland, allowing the school to continue their mentorship program throughout the pandemic virtually so guidance and support for their students never stopped.
“Our pairs, more than 1,700 of them, have placed about a thousand video calls, and it was all possible due to this support,” said Madeline Rife, Director of Mentoring Program, College Now Greater Cleveland. “We are so grateful to Dominion Energy and Maggie Pekersoy for their support of our Mentoring Program, especially during such an unprecedented school year.”
Maggie says her greatest joy in volunteering is getting to meet and learn from those around her. She hopes to inspire others to do the same thing.
“I brag about Dominion Energy’s dedication to volunteering and how much they give back to our communities,” said Maggie. “I am very proud.”
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