Volunteer Spotlight: Larissa Hawkins

Larissa recently helped design new neighborhood banners for Sharp Leadenhall — a historic black community in south Baltimore.

Knowing how valuable the co-design process is, Larissa’s concepts were informed by input from a signage committee the neighborhood formed Larissa shared, “Working with NDC has been one of the biggest bright spots in my life this year.”

We asked her a few questions

What motivated you to get involved with your neighborhood, community, and/or the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC)?

I was introduced to NDC after working on a couple small projects in grad school. I really enjoyed the mission and community. After graduate school I decided to reach out and see if I could continue to help in anyway.

How has your involvement with your neighborhood, community, or NDC impacted your life this past year?

I have learned so much and got to build relationships and community with people I would have other wise never met. Working with NDC has been one of the biggest bright spots in my life this year. I hope to continue to work with NDC for many years to come.

What would you say to someone who wants to get more involved in their neighborhood or community through volunteering, advocacy, or leadership but doesn’t know where to get started?

Just start reaching out to people. Volunteering is one of the best ways to network and meet others. Even if you don’t find a mission or group immediately you will through a friend of a friend or word of mouth.