Jessica Ice
Works at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland as a Research Analyst for External Outreach and Regional Analytic Department.
Lives in Downtown Cleveland.
What is your volunteer role at Global Cleveland?
I am a welcoming mentor for Global Cleveland which is great because it involves two things I love: (1) meeting people from all over the world and (2) showing off all that Cleveland has to offer. I have been matched up with Allyson, a Taiwanese international student at Cleveland State University who is studying English and education. We have visited the Rock Hall during Martin Luther King Day, we went to a movie together at the Cleveland Film Festival, we had dinner at Phuel, my favorite restaurant in downtown Cleveland, and of course, we visited the new Heinen’s! I have really enjoyed hanging out with Allyson because she is so sweet and fun and has taught me a lot about Taiwanese culture.
I have also been able to volunteer at some events through Global Cleveland such as the Cavs welcome day and at events through several partnership programs (like international partners in mission and Cleveland Council of World Affairs). The events are always really fun and the volunteers have such a great welcoming attitude!
How long have you been volunteering with Global Cleveland?
Since April 2014, so just a little under a year
What part of Global Cleveland¹s work are you most passionate about?
I lived abroad for 7 years as an international student and I know what it feels like to be in a place where you don’t know the local language and culture. I really appreciated all the help that people gave me when I was abroad and I want to give something back to students and other newcomers that are coming to Cleveland.
What do you find most rewarding about volunteering?
Just making new friends. I really enjoying meeting people from different backgrounds with different ideas and sharing experiences with them. I could share stories for hours!
What is your favorite place in Cleveland?
The Old Vault in the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
What do you do when you are not volunteering at Global Cleveland?
I still do a lot of traveling, both for work and just for my own enjoyment (most recently I visited the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns in Australia). I also really enjoy going to Cleveland sports (Indians/Cavs/Browns/Gladiators/Monsters, you name it, I’ll go!), going to plays at Playhouse Square, going to the Orchestra at Severance Hall, or any other event going on in Cleveland with my friends. I also love to read and I am training for the Cleveland half marathon in May.
Would you like to share anything else for your spotlight?
I really like that Global Cleveland has also provided an outlet to link to the international community in Cleveland and help connect residents and new comers alike to international focused volunteer groups and organizations.
