Volunteer Spotlight: Astrid - Becoming My Best Self

Becoming My Best Self
Story by Janine Duncan

Astrid Kelly, Marketing Administrator for Volunteering Northland, has found volunteering instrumental in gaining paid employment and growing personally to become “the best version of myself.”

Following a career in events and marketing in the Philippines, Astrid moved to Whangarei in 2015 with her New Zealand born husband. With a passion for photography, Astrid began her volunteering journey in her new home as a voluntary event photographer and Board Secretary for Multicultural Whangarei.

Her ongoing involvement in the not for profit sector eventually led to paid employment, where Astrid conducted workshops for Multicultural Whangārei in smartphone photography, digital design and various software applications. Later, her passion and strong interest in digital media design provided paid opportunities in various community organisations.

Joining the Volunteering Northland team as Marketing Administrator in 2022, she is responsible for all social media content and digital marketing including creating flyers, brochures, posters, advertising material and curating the content and layout of the organisation’s bi-monthly newsletter.

Astrid continues to contribute her talents and skills as a voluntary event photographer. Initially commencing with the Ethnic Football Festival in 2016, she has since widened her involvement with Multicultural Whangārei to include International Day of Families and Multicultural Day. She is also involved in this capacity for Volunteering Northland, Alzheimer’s Northland, and in the last two years; Whangarei Fringe and Sandbox Fandom Festivals. Astrid relishes being part of the festival and event atmosphere, enjoys developing her photographic skills and benefitting the not for profit sector by enhancing their visual profile.

Finally, Astrid says both working and volunteering in community organisations has benefitted her in numerous ways “by building connections, confidence and the opportunity to meet a wide range of people while “enjoying every single minute.”