A life dedicated to service: Tiffany Quang's volunteering journey
In a bustling environment like Stanford, it's easy to have a full schedule and limited time. Tiffany Quang, a talent acquisition manager in University Human Resources, makes time for her lifelong commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism. Her journey offers an inspiring glimpse into how one person can make a meaningful difference.
Cardinal at Work Cares team experience
Many people want to give back, but their busy schedules and family obligations make it challenging. That's why she appreciated Cardinal at Work Cares, Stanford’s employee volunteer program, which offers team experience opportunities in partnership with HandsOn Bay Area (HOBA).
Quang’s introduction to HOBA came about when she was looking for ways for her team to bond and give back to the community. She was drawn to the idea of making a difference in the lives of others, and HOBA’s community service mission deeply resonated with her. After securing a Team Experience grant, her team crafted blankets for the homeless. “I’ve always been inspired by collective action, where individuals come together to achieve a common goal,” she explained.
The blanket-making process, guided by HOBA’s clear, easy-to-follow instructions, proved both fulfilling and relaxing. With all materials—from fabric to scissors—provided, Quang’s 15-member team collaborated to create something meaningful. The project brought them closer together and gave them a sense of accomplishment. As they worked, Quang couldn't help but think about the people who would eventually receive the blankets. She said, “I imagined the smiles on their faces and the warmth they would feel, knowing that someone took the time to create something just for them.”
As Quang reflected on the experience, she realized that it was the small, collective efforts that made a significant impact. “I’m grateful for the volunteer program at Stanford, which makes it possible for people to give back in meaningful ways,” she said. And I’m proud to be a part of a community at Stanford that values kindness, compassion, and service.”
Early childhood experiences
Quang’s dedication to community service stems from her early life experiences. Growing up in East San Jose as a refugee, she was exposed to the harsh realities of inequality, yet was also inspired by the kindness of strangers. “I felt a sense of awe and admiration for those who selflessly gave their time and energy to help others,” she said. She was a firsthand recipient of aid from nonprofit organizations and dedicated individuals growing up.
"Knowing that there are really good people out there who dedicate their lives to nonprofits to help out the community, I think that really had a big impact on me as a child," Quang reflected. These formative experiences planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Academic foundations and current engagement
As a student at the University of California, Berkeley, Quang’s passion for service led her to minor in global poverty and practice, seeking to address systemic inequities. “I wanted to understand poverty’s complexities and how to alleviate it,” she said, noting Berkeley’s community-driven culture deepened her commitment to civic engagement. Her academic foundation now informs her extensive volunteer work: she serves on Stanford’s Asian Staff Forum, champions UC Berkeley alumni as a district chair, and mentors graduates at the University of San Francisco, where she earned her master’s. “Bringing community together and giving back is core to who I am,” she emphasized, framing these efforts as reflections of lifelong values and not occasional interests.
Advice to those starting out
Quang is aware of the challenges that prevent many from engaging in service activities and recognizes the barriers of time, distance, and competing responsibilities that can make regular volunteering difficult.
Her advice? “Look into two-to-three-hour weekend events that align with your interests where you can volunteer without making a long-term commitment. These opportunities still allow you to make meaningful contributions and tap into a sense of purpose and fulfillment,” Quang said.
As Quang contemplates her next steps in volunteering, she embodies the idea that civic engagement is a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Her progression from motivated youth to aspiring nonprofit board member demonstrates how individuals can continually find new ways to serve their communities as their skills, interests, and capacity evolve.
For the Stanford community and beyond, Quang’s journey from motivated youth to tapping into expansive networks to recruit talent to Stanford, offers an inspiring example that civic engagement is a lifelong pursuit.
Has Quang’s story inspired you to volunteer? Be sure to explore the Cardinal at Work Cares Volunteer Platform, a tool that makes it easy to find and connect with organizations that greatly need your help. You can also use the platform to recruit volunteers for organizations you are already engaged with.
