Thank You Connie for Many Years of Service to Mitrata!
Connie (left) and Jackie (right), Administrative Coordinator, at the 2022 Holiday Bazaar
This week, we would like to celebrate the retirement of Connie Colvis from Mitrata and honor her for her service through the years. Connie has known about Mitrata since its conception because Dr. Christine Schutz, Mitrata’s Founder and Executive Director, is Connie’s sister. Connie became deeply involved with Mitrata in 2010, when she first began volunteering at events. She had recently retired from her job in Information Technology, and “wanted to get more involved in this wonderful organization that my sister, Chris and her friend Nancy had started.”
In 2015, Connie began volunteering with administrative work. She assisted Alexis with mailings and began using the database software. Connie remained a faithful volunteer until 2016 when she officially became a part-time Mitrata employee. At this point, Mitrata had grown and Alexis and Christine needed help with event organization and database management, so they could remain focused on development and sponsorships. Connie graciously took on the role of the very necessary Administrative Assistant. Christine says, “Connie’s role evolved greatly through the years into the Database Manager, an important job allowing Mitrata to grow to what it is today. I am eternally grateful to her for her loving support, devotion to our mission and hard work for Mitrata. I will especially miss her kind spirit and her expertise in our day to day Mitrata work. “
Connie and her husband, Steve, who has also been a dedicated Mitrata volunteer for years
“Connie has been a constant savior and friend. When she joined, Christine and I were stretched to say the least. Her calm, kind and attentive nature was the balm we needed. Connie supported every sponsor, board member, and committee. She was instrumental in our complicated two-year migration to a new enormous database and deftly took on the task management of several of our annual fundraising events. She has my deepest gratitude for the last seven years and her offer to volunteer at future events!”
Alexis Mead
Director of Development and Operations
Connie and Christine making sure everything is good-to-go for the Holiday Bazaar.
Connie wonderfully modeling one of the hats for sale at the Holiday Bazaar!
In her work, Connie was able to connect with many different members and roles throughout Mitrata. She interacted with the staff, Board members, sponsors, and volunteers on a regular basis. As any of those individuals will tell you, Connie is a joy to work with.
“It's hard to encapsulate all of my thoughts and feelings about Connie into just a few sentences. Her expertise, encyclopedic institutional knowledge, indefatigable spirit, constant positivity and her pure kindness are stamped on every aspect of my work with Mitrata, and for that matter on Mitrata itself. She has been a constant presence in every aspect of what we do. If you needed information, ask Connie. If you needed to know how to do something, ask Connie. If you needed something done, even if you needed it done yesterday, ask Connie. It's fair to say that Mitrata would not be what it is today if it weren't for Connie's steady presence. Thank you, Connie, for everything you have done for all of us, and for how your efforts have helped the kids we serve.”
Danny Williger
Current Sponsorship Committee Chair
When asked about her experience with Mitrata, Connie said, “I just want to say that I have enjoyed working with everyone at Mitrata. The board members are such dedicated people and the sponsors are so loyal and easy to work with. Leena and Yogesh and the staff in Nepal are amazing and dedicated so much to the children. I have enjoyed just watching the kids grow and develop and reach their potential. Many come from such difficult circumstances that it is extra rewarding when they become independent citizens and are able to contribute to the future of Nepal. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience and has allowed me to really see how fortunate we are in the U.S. and realize how other parts of the world have to struggle to just exist. I have made many new wonderful friends and hope to continue to help by volunteering for the events.”
Connie and Steve loading up the van for the Trivia Night event!
“Connie was the behind the scenes hero. She made sure that the database, bios, sponsor child lists etc. were up to date and available. She even made house calls to pick up and deliver materials, Always positive, helpful and willing to do whatever was needed!”
Pam Hughes
Longtime Sponsor & Former Sponsorship Committee Chair
