COVA March Member Meeting
Engaging the Next Generation: Building Lasting Relationships with Young Professionals Through Service
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 9:00-10:00 am
Location: Virtual
Young professionals represent a critical audience for the future of nonprofit volunteer engagement—but building meaningful, lasting relationships requires intentional strategy. This virtual panel will explore approaches to engaging young professionals in service in ways that foster connection, deepen commitment, and support long-term involvement. Panelists will share insights on designing impactful volunteer experiences, aligning opportunities with the values of young professionals, and moving beyond one-time engagement to cultivate ongoing supporters and advocates for your mission.
Meet our panelists:
Melissa Ramirez
Melissa Ramirez is the Director of Gwinnett Young Professionals at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives focused on connection, leadership development, and community impact for emerging professionals across Metro Atlanta. She oversees signature programs, events, and partnerships designed to empower the next generation of leaders and strengthen the region’s professional ecosystem.
Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs from Georgia State University, a background that informs her passion for inclusive leadership, and building strong and diverse communities. Through her work, she is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals to grow personally, professionally, and as community leaders driven by a belief that strong communities are built when people feel connected and empowered.
Charlie Heldman
Charlie Heldman is the current President of Community Bucket in Atlanta, GA and a “community entrepreneur.”
A music producer and artist himself, Charlie created the nonprofit “Windy City .Wavs” based in Chicago, IL, dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration for music artists. While in San Francisco, Charlie created the organization “Boozy Deeds,” dedicated to the connection of servicing and building community. Outside of creating events or organizations aimed at combating social isolation and giving back to others, Charlie recently went from Big Tech to Therapy, and is currently an MSW student at The University of Denver, and is in practicum for clinical therapy at New Life Community Alliance. He also sits on the committee for Career Development and Mentorship with the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers.
Shelby Swiney
Shelby Swiney is a nonprofit communications and fundraising professional whose work is grounded in curiosity, creativity, and a desire to make the world a better place. She has experience across event planning, donor engagement, corporate partnerships, and volunteer leadership. A lifetime Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient, Shelby spent seven years working at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, most recently serving as Senior Manager of Donor Engagement and Events. In this role, she designed and implemented engagement strategies that connected individuals and organizations to meaningful opportunities to support the Girl Scout mission.
In 2020, Shelby founded the organization’s Junior Board, creating a pathway for young professionals to engage as donors, volunteers, and ambassadors. Under her leadership, the Junior Board supported key fundraising initiatives, increased community awareness, and served as a pipeline for long term supporters, while also offering members meaningful networking and professional development opportunities.
Shelby holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Georgia and she currently resides in Washington, DC.
Rosalie Dunn
Rosalie Dunn is the Corporate Partnerships and Events Coordinator at Ronald McDonald House Atlanta, where she works at the intersection of corporate engagement and mission‑driven events. Before joining Ronald McDonald House Atlanta in February 2025, Rosalie served as a Data and Analytics Intern at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, gaining valuable experience in data‑driven decision‑making within a large pediatric healthcare system.
A graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, Rosalie brings both behavioral insight and hands‑on experience to engaging young professionals in meaningful service. She is passionate about designing volunteer experiences that are flexible, relational, and purpose‑driven—meeting young professionals where they are while deepening their connection to impact.
