Volunteering to Keep an Icon Clean and Green

I have had the opportunity to do lots of volunteer work over the years in cities across the U.S. – gleaning food for distribution to families in need, weeding community gardens, painting houses for the elderly and low income, being a classroom mentor, as well as serving on boards of nonprofit organizations. Every activity has been a great personal experience that helped shape my leadership skills, allowed me to think about social problems in new ways, and create perspective on what's important in life. In the beginning I thought I was simply giving time to help improve the way people in neighborhoods close to my home and work. In retrospect, it's turned out to be much more.

Our work at Applied Materials has allowed me to leverage these experiences and become a global volunteer. Joining Applied Materials employee volunteers and their families in Japan to hike near Mt. Fuji collecting debris left, unfortunately, in the wake of tourists, hikers and residents was one example. While the carelessness of visitors was disturbing, the idea of helping restore and clean up nature's beauty around Mt. Fuji, which I had only seen before in photos and paintings, was thrilling. For our colleagues in Japan this is an annual opportunity to celebrate Earth Day. For me it may be a once in a lifetime experience.

These volunteer experiences demonstrate to me the power each of us has to make a difference in making sure our world – whether a majestic mountain or a local community – a bit cleaner and greener.