Look Who Is Growing the Good for Students, Athletes, and Families

It’s Global Volunteer Month, but volunteerism is a year-round priority at Albemarle. Any time is the right time to appreciate how our people invest time and effort into making our communities strong, healthy, and resilient.

Here are a handful of Albemarle people who have dedicated themselves to helping “Grow the Good” and participated in the Albemarle Foundation’s Volunteer Grant Program.

Katie Foote
People sometimes forget that even brilliant students need special attention from adults. Quality and Productivity Manager Katie Foote understands, which is why she volunteers at Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy in Charlotte, N.C., a public charter school meeting the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted children.

One of Katie’s favorite events is the annual middle school career fair, where kids who love math and science invariably pepper her with questions about her field, chemical engineering. They want to know how they can turn what they already love into a career, where they can do such work, and how they can help make the world a better place.

“It’s great to see these students connect what they’re already familiar with to new pieces of valuable information,” Katie says. “They are starting their lives strong.”

She also invests time speaking to classrooms about broader opportunities for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). She often incorporates activities that bring her concepts to life. On a recent visit, the class designed an ice cream industrial production process from a homemade recipe. Sweet!

Amir Sabahi

Football teaches young people valuable lessons in dedication, courage, and teamwork. That’s one reason Amir Sabahi has invested eight years and countless weekends as a coach and president of the Sienna Stallions Youth Football and Cheer Organization in Missouri City, Texas. For the last four years, he has served as the organization’s president.

Along with football’s important lessons come injury risks, which prompted Amir, an R&T advisor for Ketjen, to work with the Albemarle Foundation to procure critical equipment for his players.

With Albemarle’s support, the team is now equipped with Guardian Caps and soft-shell helmet covers that reduce head impacts by up to 33%. The team has also procured an automated external defibrillator (AED) that can save lives in the event of cardiac incidents. An AED was used in the on-field treatment of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, who recently collapsed after a tackle.

Says Amir, “By making these donations, Albemarle Foundation allows my beloved organization to protect our kids while keeping our fees affordable and inclusive of all families.”

Garrett Nielsen

Housing is a basic need, and an increasing number of people in the U.S. and beyond simply lack it. Garrett Nielsen not only empathizes deeply, but he’s also taking action.

He’s assisting Albemarle in its partnership with Baton Rouge. La., area high schools to build homes with Habitat for Humanity. The partner organizations have together built 15 homes over more than a decade. Garrett, an R&T engineer for Albemarle, is entering his fourth year in the effort.

“Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a great opportunity,” says Garrett. “You spend your day outside enjoying the sun, getting hands-on building experience (you never know what work will pop up around your own house!), sharing your own knowledge with those around you, and helping someone in need.”

Volunteer Grant Program

Employees are encouraged to give back throughout the year, and the Foundation is here to support their efforts. Through the Volunteer Grant Program, eligible employees can request donation dollars through their personal volunteer efforts. The Foundation supports Employee Resource Groups and team and site volunteer efforts with group volunteer grants.