“Family dinners are my favorite part of the day! This is a time when we have a chance to unwind and discuss some moments from the week.” -Kim Demjanenko
Kim Demjanenko grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania and attended Gannon University where she earned a degree in Business Administration. At Gannon, she devoted much of her time to Students Against Violence Everywhere, where she was secretary. She served as teacher at the St. Jude’s School and Villa Maria Elementary. Additionally, Kim was a Para Educator at the Barber National Institute, where she aided children with disabilities and was an intern at the Erie County Courthouse. Kim was also a Change Fellowship Student Leader at the Martin Luther King Center, a student leader of Community Corps, and a member of Gannon’s cross country team. In her free time, Kim enjoys running, yoga, reading, and spending time with friends and family. She is a part of the East End cohort, and is serving at Jeremiah’s Place.
Molly Campbell: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Kim Demjanenko: I enjoy gaining experience serving with a nonprofit while also living with other fellows. It has been a great learning more about the nonprofit world, while also living in a community and serving with others who are going through a similar experience as I am.
Molly: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Kim: Living and learning with people from different backgrounds has broadened my horizon.
Molly: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Kim: I am definitely learning more about my strengths and weaknesses while working in a nonprofit. PULSE is a great way to get a foot in the door and gain experience while also learning more about my own interests.
Molly: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Kim: I really enjoy the variety of work I do. My main focus is on communication, outreach, and development while also working hands-on with the children at Jeremiah’s place. It is very impactful working with children and families in need!
Molly: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Kim: Family dinners are my favorite part of the day! This is a time when we have a chance to unwind and discuss some moments from the week.
Molly: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Kim: Every day is different- some days I have a chance to work with the kids, and other days I work on social media and community outreach for children and families or just do daily administrative tasks.
Molly: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Kim: Light up the night was great! We went downtown to celebrate Christmas and everything was decorated!
Molly: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Kim: The best part of my PULSE experience is serving with a nonprofit while also living with others going through a similar experience. It is nice PULSE supporting us along the way.
Story by PULSE Fellow Molly Campbell.
Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.
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