Wily recognizes all of the volunteers who have walked with us on the journey to 100 Scholars. Thank you for everything you do throughout the year to make Scholars feel special and cared for by the Wily Pack. Hear from a few of our longstanding volunteers and partners on the impact of their volunteer experiences.
Sharisse Cail Perry, Wily Board member since 2019, Care Package Event Chair since 2018, host of Wily’s Be the Light event in 2020, and professional advisor to Wily on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, government relations, and legal services.
“I choose to volunteer for The Wily Network because it’s such an important organization that helps a large group of individuals in our society who generally go unnoticed and face huge challenges within a college environment. I’m happy to volunteer and give what I have in an effort to help Wily in assisting Scholars to feel supported and be able to reach their goals.”
Erin Epker, Wily volunteer since 2018, Chair of eight care package events, Gift Giver since 2019, host of Wily’s Be the Light event in 2020, and featured in Wily’s “Hulken Ad video” in 2024.
“I continue to volunteer with Wily because of how they have always provided the Scholars with the basic needs that are so often taken for granted. Things like gift cards, toiletries, snacks, school supplies, and clothing. Wily even goes the extra mile to provide gifts for Scholars on their birthdays and holidays, which seems so easy but it can be even more meaningful. It’s everything I’d do for my own kids in college. Wily is finding a way to bridge the gap between surviving and thriving. I am so happy to contribute however I can to help bridge that gap for Scholars.”
Ellen Volpe, Wily ambassador and volunteer since 2018, Chair of eight Care Package events, spearheaded the 100 Women of Needham fundraiser for Wily in 2019, and host of Wily’s Be the Light event in 2020.
“I volunteer for Wily because I truly believe in the comprehensive program that Judi and her team have built to support the Wily Scholars. It is my privilege to support these impressive Scholars who have managed to get themselves into college and just need some support as they navigate college with the goal of reaching graduation. By volunteering I am able to introduce other people to The Wily Network and inspire them to join me in supporting this superb organization.”
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with Wily, contact Scholar Engagement Coordinator Gabrielle Emerson: gabrielle@thewilynetwork.org.
