Shawna Levins recently began work as volunteer director at McLean's Spring Hill RECenter. In four months on the job, she has recruited a fleet of volunteers who spent 1,300 hours on the job in July. Spring Hill pride is important to Levins and the center, which currently uses a ‘Superman’ theme to spur members to community action. Levins would like everybody to stop in, especially to volunteer.
Number of years in the community.
I have been living in Northern Virginia since December 2005.
Family.
I'm the youngest of six children.
Education.
Degree in physical education from Florida A&M, 1992; also attended VCU.
Current job/primary occupation.
Volunteer director at Spring Hill RECenter; programming coordinator at Audrey Moore RECenter.
Achievements.
Since coming on board at Spring Hill mid-April, I have had the good fortune of working with an amazing staff that has helped to attract such a quality and diverse population of volunteers. That has contributed to the fact that Spring Hill REC has more than quadrupled our total monthly volunteer hours in such a short span of time. And that is exciting!
Activities/interests/hobbies.
I love Broadway (especially RENT), working with kids in sports as well as attending live professional sports games. On a more personal side, I'm probably the world's biggest Charlie Brown, Dr. Seuss, and Coca-Cola fan and collect anything relating to them.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community.
Without a doubt, it has to be Fuddrucker's of Vienna. They have the best food, atmosphere and they are located right down the road from us on Spring Hill Road. Their manager, John Norton, is so generous to support any function that we have at Spring Hill REC.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve the community?
As great as this area has been to come out and volunteer for our RECenter, I need our volunteer program to attract more people, clubs and companies (small and large) to get even more involved so that we can expand our amazing programs and facility to provide even more beneficial programs, equipment and services. I feel that the hopes of a better future depend upon the education of the youth of today. The earlier we can impress upon kids that dreams are possible and that every person can make a difference, the better off this world will be today and tomorrow for generations to come.
What brought you to the area?
I wanted to get my foot in the door with an organization that would allow me to grow and hopefully retire from one day and the FCPA has allowed me a pretty good start on that path ... and I really wanted to live closer to many of my friends that have migrated to the D.C. area.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about?
The atmosphere at Spring Hill REC … upon these grounds is a place of inclusion, a fun-filled place to nurture dreams and creativity, for all ages, all cultures, for all of humanity … I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty much like a treasure to me, so let's hope more venture out to find their own little piece of Spring Hill gold.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
As early of an age as I can remember, I always wanted to be a lawyer. My mother always said I had the ability to argue well. I considered it just being persuasive. I'm just glad some dreams change as we grow.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Personal goals?
Hopefully, continuing to make a difference, no matter the occupational title.