September Volunteer Spotlight 2022

Each month, our volunteer committee decides on volunteers to spotlight. For September 2022, we wanted to recognize a volunteer who is a familiar face at the Levitt Pavilion: Bess Estrella-Aquino!

Q: What inspired you to begin volunteering?
A: I guess volunteering is part of my DNA and ingrained in me since I was young. I remember being selected by the school principal as the youngest in our community to get involved as a student poll worker in the city’s mayoral election. I was also a member of a church choir, young girl’s church group, a charter member of an all-women Jaycee International chapter, a daycare board member and many more. Through many years of volunteering, I’ve acquired new skills, gained invaluable experiences, and made new friends. Looking back, I attribute my volunteer experience as one the reasons why I landed my dream job of working in a non-governmental institution managing international development projects funded by the Canadian government. Working with international partners and government ministries, took me to places such as Russia, China, the Baltics, Hungary and most of Southeast Asia.

When I moved to the Lehigh Valley from Canada, I was able to apply my fundraising and proposal writing skills in securing multi-year PA state grants to upgrade technology skills for the company I am now working for. By and large, I’m deeply committed to giving back to the community every spare time I have. I am as equally passionate about equity, diversity and inclusion – values essential to realizing Levitt’s mission in community building.

Q: What is something your fellow volunteers would be surprised to learn about you?
A: Years ago, I appeared in a TV commercial for a college in PA. I was also selected to appear in the very first featured interview of “Faces of Levitt,” a video series that celebrates the people all over the country who have been impacted by the Levitt Pavilions network. Lastly, even though I have lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years, I am still a Canadian citizen.

Q: Do you volunteer anywhere besides ArtsQuest?
A: Yes, I volunteer during my parish’s annual festival and at local wineries participating in wine trail events.

Q:What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not volunteering?
A: A: Spending time with my family in Toronto. I also love to read, travel, and see plays/musicals.

Q:What is your favorite part of volunteering at Levitt shows?
A: Seeing people have a great time and enjoy 50 free concerts in a safe venue from May to September. It’s a tremendous gift to the community! It’s hard to imagine life without music and of course, the next best part of volunteering at Levitt shows is seeing people of all ages dance to live music. I very much enjoy assisting with bucket donations and more so when I’m assigned to go around with an extra bucket containing the dog treats.

Q: If you could pick any act to play on the Levitt stage, who would you pick and why?
A: : I’m a big fan of Freddie Mercury and Queen. It would be awesome to see a Queen tribute band play on the Levitt stage.