Employee Spotlight: Eny Maldonado-Johnson, Paralegal

June 26, 2013  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

BGS Criminal/Personal Injury Paralegal Eny Maldonado Johnson joined the firm in 2008 as part of a firm wide effort to increase our abilities to serve our greater community. She speaks fluent English and Spanish and offers translation skills within our firm, particularly within our Personal Injury and Criminal law practice areas.
Eny moved to the United States from Ecuador and now makes her home with her family in Andover, Minnesota. She graduated from North Hennepin Community College in the Spring of 2009 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
She offers Spanish/English translation services to all BGS areas of practice, however, she works most closely with Criminal/Personal Injury Attorney Adriel Villarreal who is also fluent in both English and Spanish.
We asked Eny to write for our community blog page and she submitted this piece about the importance of volunteerism.
Why Volunteer?
by Eny Maldonado-Johnson
There are many answers to the question, “why is volunteering important?” Volunteering gives you an opportunity to change lives, including your own. Even though this is not something you will get paid for, the benefits can actually be greater than money. It is an important way to create a healthy community.
During times of disaster, people need help; if you are feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the news of a calamity, volunteering to help can be a great way to cope with it. These are great incentives for volunteering but if you need extra motivation, here are some other reasons to start:

• If you are looking for a job or to advance in your position, volunteering characteristics are greatly considered on a résumé.
• Volunteering for a specific company can give you a better perspective of their philosophy and expectations, not to mention you would be exposed to job opportunities. It is also a great way to find a person who would be willing to provide you with letters of recommendation or be a referral source.
• Volunteering is also a great way to network and make yourself known as you will most likely meet with key members of a company or association and other leaders.

I have had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer teaching Spanish to students from kindergarten to the fourth grade at Northside Christian School in the city of Blaine. It is a joy to witness how eager the students are to learn a new language. I was also able to be part of an outreach program the school organized in April 2013. A group of over 40 people, including children from the second grade, traveled to Washington D.C. We were able to visit historic places of both proud and solemn significance. We also had the privilege to stay at a local church in Washington D.C. and help with their meal program, which provides on a daily basis for people in need.
Volunteering does not have to interfere with your normal/daily duties or activities. You can offer a couple hours of your time a month or per day; anytime you give is welcomed. If you need ideas, visit the Anoka County website for a list of volunteering opportunities.