DLCares: Spotlight on Diana

Kiesel
AUGUST 4, 2021
In June, we launched our new spotlight series, “DLCares,” to
highlight the selfless volunteerism of our employees. Each month,
we feature a
different employee discussing the organizations they’re passionate
about.
This month, we talked to Diana Kiesel, Regulatory Consumer Relations Associate, who
volunteers with Pennsylvania (PA) Women Work. Read below to learn more.
How long have you volunteered with PA Women Work?
I’ve been volunteering with the organization for about eleven years.
How did you become involved with PA Women Work?
When I started my career at DLC, I volunteered at the Circle of Hope annual function,
which is hosted by PA Women Work and was sponsored by DLC at the time. This was
both a great networking opportunity and a wonderful learning experience. I became very
passionate about the work they do at PA Women Work and wanted to give back to our
community. The program director of PA Women Work reached out to me and asked if
I would want to provide mentoring through their 3 Cups of Coffee Program; I was thrilled
to volunteer. Later, I was asked to be a volunteer advocate where I reach out to our
local legislators to secure yearly funds for non-profits like PA Women Work.

What is your role in the organization?

I have three roles at PA Women Work. I am a volunteer mentor, conduct mock
interviews and also participate in the advocacy group.
As a mentor, I listen to what the mentee is seeking to achieve and then try to find
creative solutions for them to accomplish their goals. I do research and provide
additional information at later sessions. Most sessions are only three meetings, but
I’ve sometimes worked with people for longer than that. I provide assignments and an
agenda as well as answer any questions.
The mock interviews, available to all people regardless of gender identity, help prepare
interviewees for commonly asked questions about their background, work or school
experience, tailored to the person’s experience level. I provide feedback on what they
did well and what they can improve on.
For the advocacy program, I fill out form letters to send to local
government representatives to encourage them to support funding for nonprofit
organizations, such as PA Women Work. This is quick and easy to complete!
What does volunteering with PA Women Work mean to you?
The volunteer work we do is so important, particularly this past year with the pandemic.
Many women were affected and lost their jobs. Some people were faced with looking for
a job for the first time in a while and had no idea where to start. There also were others
starting out in their careers that needed guidance on resume writing, interviewing skills,
networking and more. Also, some of the individuals we work with speak English as a
second language, so we help them work through communications challenges within the
hiring process.
It’s rewarding to help people succeed in job interviews. I conducted a mock interview
with a young woman and provided her feedback and some suggestions to work on. I
happened to interview her again at a later time and noticed her
improvement. She proudly told me she had incorporated the feedback I gave her,
which really meant a lot to me. I was so happy to have helped her prepare for future
interview opportunities.
What are some events and activities that you have participated in?
I’ve participated in the annual fundraising event, Circle of Hope. The event, which
honors award recipients, typically consists of a dinner, music and a silent auction.
What has been your favorite part of volunteering?
I love finding creative solutions for the person I am interviewing or mentoring. The best
feeling is when someone calls me to tell me they got the interview or the
job! It’s gratifying knowing in some small way I was able to help someone.
From your perspective, why would you encourage other people to volunteer with
this organization?
I remember a time when I relied on outplacement services for job hunting myself and
how hard it was. I appreciated the help so much and am happy to pass that on to
someone else to help them get where they want to be.
It’s also a wonderful networking opportunity because you meet some really
great people. Although I provide the services, I learn something new from each person I
work with.
Is there any advice you would give your colleagues about volunteering with PA Women
Work?
Don’t be afraid to try some of these opportunities. All you need is a kind heart and good
ear, and you will be successful in any of these roles.
DLC is a proud financial supporter of PA Women Work, and you can learn more
about the organization here. If you have questions about the organization, you
can also reach out to Diana at DKiesel@duqlight.com.

ABOUT “DLCARES”
“DLCares” is a monthly internal series designed to help employees learn more about
our fellow colleagues and the causes they care about, while highlighting volunteer
opportunities.
Interested in being featured? Please provide brief responses to all questions in
this form. Submit the form along with an appropriate photo of yourself volunteering
to jvelandia@duqlight.com for a chance to be featured on DLConnect. If chosen to be
highlighted, you will be contacted accordingly. Note that submission does not guarantee
you will be featured.

While being selfless is one of the core values that guides our work, we know our
employees embody this even outside of DLC. If you also volunteer in your personal
time, we encourage you to use our Volunteer Platform to log your volunteer hours here.
If you have any questions, refer to the Volunteer Platform Job Aid.