Hoos Serving

Emily Gruzdowich (she/her) is a second-year at the Darden School of Business concentrating in corporate innovation and strategy consulting. Emily serves as the Logistics VP for Building Goodness in April (BGiA), a student-run nonprofit focused on improving living conditions for low-income families across Charlottesville. Off Grounds, Emily continues her philanthropic involvement with Cycle for Survival and Angel Tree. Upon graduation, Emily plans to hold strategic roles in health-tech, with a focus on products that elevate our well-being.

What led you to your service work in BGiA?

At Darden, the opportunities to engage are endless. It feels easy, and even logical, to devote energy to professional clubs and activities that directly further one's career interests. While these commitments teach us how to succeed in the boardroom, they do not teach us how to be better servants to our friends, our families, or our communities. I think it is critical that we devote energy to bringing people up the ladder with us, taking time away from our professional pursuits to give back. Each of us can provide moments of lift by simply giving of our time, no financial commitments required.

I joined BGiA as a first-year build captain, inspired by the organization's mission to harness the Darden student body to restore local residences. Now, as the Logistics VP, I have the goal of increasing volunteer participation across the classes of 2023 and 2024. We have a great range of needs from event planning to fundraising to construction that match our great ambitions to meet the increasing need in our local community for refurbishments.

What has been the most rewarding aspect that comes with your community involvements?

I have always found immense joy in giving, learning about myself and my extended community in the process. With BGiA, all we really need from our student volunteers is passion and a willingness to help. On build day last year, I was deeply moved by my classmates' efforts, pulling together to do largely unglamorous work, including troubleshooting an old mower, hauling decades old junk piles, and performing acrobatic hazardous branch removals. When combined, these small efforts that went beyond the actual contractor-led renovation had an outsized impact. Build day reaffirmed the transformative power of community.

How would you encourage others to get involved?

We'd be lucky to have you. Yes, each and every one of you! There is no skill requirement to participate in BGiA, so think of it as a choose your own adventure volunteer opportunity. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly for more information.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have zero tolerance for spicy food, which is incredibly ironic having grown up in San Diego. I've never willingly bought or put black pepper on anything. Controversial, I'm aware.

What is your favorite spot on Grounds and why?

I'm one for weekly routines, and look forward to my Sunday Bodo's bagel route that passes the Rotunda and Rugby Road.

What is a book or movie you would recommend?

"The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell will have you soul searching on what it means to be human. Coming from an avid science fiction reader, this is first contact at its absolute finest.

If you could do one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?

With so much uncertainty and unrest in the world, I think we all need the space to reflect. If I had unlimited resources, I would make all museums and cultural institutions free of charge. After all, who are we without our history?