Date: November 24, 2007
About: Sharon Tweedell - Class of 1988

The Stay-At-Home Volunteer

Source: Quincy Herald-Whig
Author: Jamie Busen

The Stay-At-Home Volunteer
A little more than a year ago, Sharon Tweedell left her position at the Great River Economic Development Foundation to be a full-time mother.

Feeling pulled in a lot of directions, she wanted to focus on her three girls ‹ all under the age of 8 ‹ and her husband.

This decision also allowed her to give more to her community by volunteering.

Her days are a whirlwind of errands and taking care of her family. She allows windows of opportunity where she can attend committee and board meetings. Being so involved is something she'd never think twice about.

Tweedell has a deep love for her community and calls it a gift to stay in Quincy. The legacy she'd like to leave, Tweedell says, is that she wants to be known for her profound love for God. It's something she strives to be reflected through her actions for others.

Web Q&A

What do you do in your job?
I've been a stay-at-home mom for more than a year now. Words like negotiation, conflict resolution and crisis management have taken on whole new meanings for me.

What has been your biggest accomplishment?
I'm fortunate to have been involved in starting up some wonderful initiatives that have improved the quality of life in Quincy.

Who has influenced you the most and why?
Jesus Christ. I try to use His life here on earth as a guideline for my own.
I usually fail miserably, but His example gives me something to strive for.

What motivates you in your job?
The happiness of my husband and children and the people I serve as a volunteer.

What career advice would you give?
Pursue your passion, regardless of salary. Sometimes it's not feasible to do this, so have a plan for how you will make it happen.

What do you still hope to accomplish?
I'd like to continue to contribute to quality of life efforts that will improve the lives of future generations of Quincyans. And I'd like to bake the perfect pumpkin pie just once.

What was your first job?
I worked part-time at Foxmoor (a clothing store in the Quincy Mall) when I was 16.

If you weren't a stay-at-home mom, what would you be doing?
Begging Jim Mentesti to hire me back at GREDF.

Leisure time diversions and/or favorite stress buster:
Cardio tennis, golf, going for coffee/lunch with friends, getting a massage.

What is the biggest need in your community?
Helping/mentoring families in poverty.

What is the ringtone on your cell phone?
Because I'm over 30, it's one of the preset options.

Nominated by Connie Hoyt and Kathy Anastas, Great River Economic Development
Foundation: "Sharon is a joy to know and to work with. She is the definition of an exemplary community leader."