Volunteer Spotlight: Sharon McKinney
ACR would seriously not be possible without our amazing team of Core Volunteers! They bring their dedication and expertise to our organization every day and help make ACR the fun and welcoming place it is.
This April, we are putting a spotlight on one of those amazing core volunteers - Sharon McKinney. Sharon has been volunteering with ACR for over a year, always ready to jump in and tackle whatever we need — from take-home projects to in-center tasks. Her passion for sustainability and love of sewing shine through in everything she does. Sharon especially appreciates the flexibility to volunteer on her own schedule. Outside of ACR, she leads a global team at a software company, gardens, cooks, and plays just about every racket sport. Her latest creative win? A dog bed made from fabric samples — reuse at its finest! Check it out next time you’re in the fabric section, along with two zipper pouches she also made from samples to help inspire others!
Read on to learn more about her and why she loves to volunteer at ACR.
What motivates you to volunteer?
Always wanting to give back and contribute. ACR is the perfect fit for me.
Why ACR?
I always loved to sew, garden, and craft. Thus to help drive sustainability and build awareness is a match.
How long have you volunteered with ACR?
Over a year now.
Are you more into the arts aspect of ACR or the conservation aspect?
More in conservation. To see all the waste in the world and it makes me crazy to see good materials or items just go to landfill.
What do you enjoy the most out of volunteering at ACR?
That I can come and go as my schedule allows. The coordinators are great and so helpful. I am able to take a project on and drive it. Love the take home projects and overall like the organization.
Do you volunteer elsewhere?
Yes many places but ACR the most.
What do you do for work?
I’m in a Sr. Leadership role at a software company. I own global field sales enablement.
Tell us about your most recent creative project!
The dog bed I made out of fabric samples. I see so many uses for these samples and wish we could find a way to use them as we get so much of it.
What other hobbies or interests do you like to spend time on?
I play tennis and most all racket sports, love gardening, cooking and being active.
Are you from Austin? If not, where are you from?
Austin since college. Go Horns.
Do you have any pets?
Cat - Harley and Dog - Bolt
Do you like to do creative projects with your kids or grandkids?
Somethings….
What creative projects are you more proud of?
Can’t name one but I’m most proud that I have learned to sew again but much better this time around. I take the time to really learn the craft and not rush it. I get excited when something turns out right and looks good. Keep it simple.