This program will examine ethical questions surrounding how museums can build sustainable and equitable volunteer programs. We will unpack systemic barriers and power dynamics of privilege within volunteering. Through practical examples that improve the accessibility and impact of volunteerism, we can reflect on meaningful steps forward in our own institutions to deepen community engagement. 

Meet the Panelists

Jessica Chao is passionate about working with youth volunteers, supporting their growth and building meaningful connections. Born and raised in San Francisco’s Richmond District, Jessica spent a lot of her childhood with her grandmother and the family cat, Paiwaiki. A lover of animals and languages, Jessica lived abroad for 10 years in Mexico and in Barcelona where she also received her Master’s in Intercultural Communication. Jessica is currently the Volunteer Program Coordinator at the Oakland Museum of California. 

Crystal Lee Stone is the Volunteer Program Manager at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park. Her passion for nature, the arts, and people is reflected in her work both at the Gardens and as an artist. As part of the Programs and Partnerships team at the Gardens, she draws upon over a decade of experience in museums and public spaces such as the Exploratorium, Maud Morgan Arts Center, White House Historical Association, Nantucket Historical Association, and the Smithsonian Institution’s Freer and Sackler Galleries to lead a vast community of committed and passionate volunteers.

Judah Godoy started his journey in community building and volunteerism in 2009 with The Alameda County Community Food Bank. Judah worked side by side with Volunteers and community members to help serve those in need in Oakland and Alameda County. In 2018 Judah Joined the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in development of a “One Community” project that would serve thousands of individuals in the Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Judah then joined the Museum of Oakland in 2020, and set his sights to  develop a volunteer program that has since welcomed in hundreds of individuals from the surrounding community. Judah’s passion to serve is only rivaled by his determination and persistence to building communities, and developing a more just pathway to volunteering.