Fighting for Education Equity with Malan Hess

Malan Hess spends his 9-5 as a Senior Financial Analyst at Capstone Logistics, specializing in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. This year he joined the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program and has served with our Discovery program to gain the tools and resources needed to join a nonprofit board or committee.

Get to know Malan and how his volunteering journey is giving back to the community and himself.

What impact areas or pressing needs facing Atlanta do you care about most? Why?

There is rampant education inequality across Atlanta public schools. In 2023, only 37% of Atlanta students tested proficient in reading according to Equity in Education. Specifically in South Atlanta, that number is as low as 12%. A proper education provides people with essential skills necessary to succeed, whereas the absence of a proper education further perpetuates issues such as homelessness and food disparity.

What do you love most about an organization you volunteer with? Why do you volunteer with them?

My favorite thing about volunteering with the Hands On Atlanta Discovery Program is having the ability to see first hand the positive effect it has on the students. The program provides a fun environment for children to explore STEM subjects along with social and emotional learning, growing them both intellectually as well as socially. The children also bonded with many of our volunteer groups from local universities and businesses, allowing the children to see that these successful individuals are just like them.

“Volunteering has opened up many learning opportunities for me across the non-profit landscape and beyond. I have lead projects, lead volunteers and fundraised all while becoming more aware of the challenges facing Atlanta and opportunities where I can better serve my community.””

— Malan Hess

How has volunteering impacted your personal/professional life?

Becoming a volunteer has allowed me to feel included in something much greater than myself and has given me a great sense of purpose. The skills I have acquired from leading volunteer projects have improved my personal and professional endeavors as well.

What skills have you honed or what have you learned through your experience as a volunteer?

Volunteering has opened up many learning opportunities for me across the non-profit landscape and beyond. I have lead projects, lead volunteers and fundraised all while becoming more aware of the challenges facing Atlanta and opportunities where I can better serve my community.

Can you share a memorable highlight or moment you've experienced that might motivate others to volunteer?

Volunteering has connected me with so many incredible and compassionate people across Atlanta that I never would have met otherwise. These people have inspired me to not only improve upon my community but to also improve upon myself.

Why Atlanta? What do you love about this city and/or tell us a bit about some of your favorite Atlanta things - people,places, things to do, etc.

I love the community and culture of Atlanta. Although metro Atlanta is vast, it is made up of distinct neighborhoods that each have their own personality. There is truly something for everyone in Atlanta and these tight knit neighborhoods help make the big city feel like a small community. Some of my favorite activities include walking along the beltline around Inman and Ponce or biking around the trails at Piedmont Park.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting involved with volunteering?

To start out my advice would be to search for volunteer opportunities in the area and pick whichever one you are most comfortable with. There are so many opportunities available that anyone can find one that fits their schedule and personality. Once you become more accustomed to volunteering I would say to begin signing up for opportunities that are beyond your comfort zone. From there you may find an area that you become truly passionate about.

“Volunteering has connected me with so many incredible and compassionate people across Atlanta that I never would have met otherwise.””

— Malan Hess

Volunteering in April? Share where, when and if others can join you or how they can get involved.

Sadly we just had our celebration for the end of the Discovery Program. One opportunity I can recommend is the food drive at Antioch Urban Ministries. They have some openings this month and need help in the mornings/ afternoons. Also New Life Community Alliance is a great place to volunteer around the Decatur area and they offer many different ways to get involved. Both of these are available to sign up for on the Hands on Atlanta's Website.

Please list anything else you think our community should know about you, your volunteer service, or your commitment to Do Something Good!

My next civic engagement goal is to become a member of a nonprofit board or committee where I can contribute to promoting positive change from a broader perspective.