Vivi Velasquez has joined Waunakee Neighborhood Connection as our bilingual client services specialist. She is currently a senior at Edgewood College studying Criminal Justice with a Human Services concentration. She was born in Honduras and arrived in the U.S. when she was about a year old. She has two siblings, ages 17 and 13.
Her interest in helping people and making a difference started when she volunteered at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection where she initially translated and advocated for the needs of Spanish-speaking families and assisted with monthly shopping events at the age of 10.
Vivi gained experience working with refugee and asylum seekers when she interned for Jewish Social Services of Madison. She also has experience working with undocumented youth, college students and DACAmented individuals, creating safe spaces to foster community, mentorship, and advocating for change in policies, both locally and nationally.
She is very excited to be working for Waunakee Neighborhood Connection and be involved with a community that has the potential to empower, generate a sense of belonging, and create an everlasting change for generations to come.
In her free time, she loves to watch movies/shows, listen to music, and play soccer. She also loves trying new foods with her partner. Her two favorite things in the world are bubble tea and ramen!
Vivi will be in the office on Wednesdays from 2:00-7:30 PM and Fridays from 8:30 AM-1:00 PM. She will be available via phone and email to work with clients throughout the week. She can be reached starting September 8th at vvelasquez@waunakeenc.org and (608)849-5740.