Volunteer of the Month: Hsieh-Wei Lien
December 4, 2014
CUESA’s Volunteer of the Month program recognizes the dedication and work of some of our most active volunteers. CUESA relies on volunteers to help with education programs, special events, public outreach, and other activities that help fulfill our mission to cultivate a sustainable food system. Learn more about volunteering and sign up here.
It didn’t take long for market shopper Hsieh-Wei Lien, a recent transplant from Taiwan, to become a regular CUESA volunteer. Impressed by the energy and organization of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, which was unlike any other market she’d seen before, she was instantly hooked and quickly became a regular shopper. As her desire to learn more about where her food comes from grew, she started volunteering at CUESA last May. She has volunteered at the Information Booth, at fundraising events Summer Celebration and our seasonal Cocktails of the Farmers Market nights, in the kitchen to prepare farm tour meals, and in the CUESA office.
“Hsieh-Wei has that perfect combination of qualities we love in our volunteers,” says Cindy Mendoza, CUESA’s Administrative, Events, and Volunteer Coordinator. “She’s friendly, willing, competent, flexible, and eager to learn. Her weekly office shifts have been a huge help to our administrative team. It’s always a pleasure to have her with us.” Meet Hsieh-Wei.
CUESA: Where does your interest in food come from?
Hsieh-Wei: I inherited the “food lover” gene from my parents. They love food, and both are excellent cooks. Their hearty and delicious cooking spoils me!
CUESA: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for CUESA?
Hsieh-Wei: I bring my camera with me and do “market research” at various cafés and bubble tea shops. All right, I know it’s a lame excuse. I can’t deny that I’m also a coffee lover and bubble tea geek.
CUESA: What is your favorite part about volunteering with CUESA?
Hsieh-Wei: It’s so hard to choose from so many options. I would say farm tours and special events. Farm tours offer a great opportunity to see the farmland where our food comes from. And getting to know other like-minded volunteers at the special events is also an invaluable experience. Office work is also fun with the friendly and welcoming staff.
CUESA: Do you have an insider market tip or a favorite produce item at the market right now?
Hsieh-Wei: I love peaches, blueberries, and strawberries, but I’m sad they are not available in the winter. Now, I’m so addicted to Hachiya persimmons. I can’t sleep well if I don’t have one daily. 🙂
Topics: Volunteers and Interns