This month, we wanted to showcase a valued member of the Boston Cares community, Meghana Prabhu Bantwal. Since first signing up as a volunteer while a freshman in college, Meghana has gone on to become a Volunteer Leader and now, more recently, joined the Associate Board. Here is her story.

1. Can you tell us how you first got involved with Boston Cares as a volunteer and then a volunteer leader? What drew you to this work and this organization?
   • I found Boston Cares through a Google search as a freshman in college. I was new to the city, eager to spend my free time doing something meaningful, and was excited by the flexibility and variety of opportunities offered. As soon as I completed the orientation, it was easy to jump in, and I quickly felt part of an empowering, mission-driven community. Becoming a volunteer leader felt like a natural next step – I wanted to share with other volunteers the same welcoming experience that I had received. I have always believed in the power of people coming together to make a difference, and Boston Cares creates spaces where that belief becomes reality.
2. What was most meaningful to you about serving as a volunteer? Did any particular project or moment stand out?
   • The most meaningful aspect of being a volunteer has been the relationships I have built with community members. These connections remind me of how much stronger we are when we support one another. While there have been many growth experiences during my time with Boston Cares, one that stands out is working with adult learners in ESOL programs through the Allies for Immigrant program. Many of my students are navigating life in a new country, balancing multiple jobs, supporting their families, and learning English – all while staying committed to their dream. Their strength, creativity, and determination continue to inspire and humble me every single day.
3. What inspired you to take the next step and join the Boston Cares Board of Directors?
   • As a volunteer, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community service and collective action. I was ready to take on a new challenge and contribute in a deeper way. Joining the Associate Board allowed me to combine my passion for service with leadership, helping shape the organization that has been such an important part of my life. It’s an opportunity to give back not only through participation in hands-on projects but also by supporting Boston Cares as it reaches even more people in our community. Being part of the board also allows me to contribute skills from my day-to-day work, along with those of my fellow board members, to strengthen Boston Cares’ impact.
4. How has your perspective on volunteering and community service changed since moving from volunteer leader to board member?
   • While serving as a volunteer leader gave me a close-up view of the needs in our community, transitioning to the Associate Board broadened my perspective. I now see the importance of strategy, resources, and partnerships in making frontline efforts possible. This experience has shown me that meaningful service is not only about showing up, but also about building structures that allow volunteer programs and partnerships to thrive. It’s also helped me appreciate how every role, from hands-on volunteering to strategic planning, is essential to creating a strong, sustainable community.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the board?
   • The most rewarding part of serving on the board has been seeing how our collective efforts shape Boston Cares’ growth and expand its impact. Supporting the organization as an Associate Board member has given me an insight into the thoughtful, intentional work happening behind the scenes and how essential these efforts are for volunteers, community partners, and the communities we serve. It’s inspiring to see how board members bring skills from their professional backgrounds to strengthen operations, create new opportunities, and ensure every initiative can succeed.
6. How has your experience with Boston Cares helped you grow personally or professionally?
   • My experience with Boston Cares has been invaluable both personally and professionally. Volunteering gave me practical skills such as teaching, cooking, project management, while also strengthening patience, empathy, and collaboration. The connections I made enriched my life in several ways. They served as references on my first job applications, showed me how to navigate the T so I didn’t have to rely on Ubers, introduced me to some of my favorite restaurants, and cheered me on along every step of the way. Most importantly, Boston Cares strengthened my connection to our community and showed me how leaning into service can shape who we are and how we show up.
7. Why does Boston Cares’ mission resonate with you, and why do you feel board service is an important way to support it?
   • Boston Cares’ mission resonates with me because it creates meaningful connections between volunteers and the community, turning individual efforts into collective impact. The organization shows how people coming together can address pressing needs and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. Serving on the Associate Board helps provide the guidance, resources, and planning needed to sustain and grow these efforts, ensuring the organization can continue to push its mission forward. By strengthening the foundation behind the work, board involvement helps make lasting, positive change possible.
8. What would you say to current Boston Cares volunteers who might be considering applying for the board?
   • I’d say absolutely go for it! Joining the board is a rewarding way to deepen your contribution and stay connected to a community you already care about. It’s an opportunity to develop new skills, work alongside passionate individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, and help shape the future of an organization that gives so much back. If you’ve enjoyed volunteering with Boston Cares, serving on the board is a meaningful next step that allows you to contribute in ways you may not have imagined. 
9. What excites you most about the future of Boston Cares and its impact in the community?
   • What excites me most about the future of Boston Cares is its potential to grow both in scale and depth by engaging many more individuals and expanding partnerships with community organizations. I’m inspired by how Boston Cares listens to the needs of the community and adapts its programs across multiple areas of need. The idea of helping build a more connected, inclusive, and empowered city through volunteerism feels incredibly powerful. I’m hopeful that as Boston Cares continues to evolve, it will inspire more people to discover the joy and purpose of giving back.
10. If you had to sum up your journey with Boston Cares in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
    • Connected – My journey with Boston Cares has been about community and connection. Volunteering and serving alongside others have shown me how much we can accomplish when individuals come together with care and purpose. It has been inspiring to witness the kindness and tenacity of both the volunteers and community members. This experience has strengthened my sense of belonging and reminded me that lasting impact comes from working together to uplift our community.