Working in child welfare taught Marcella Herrera that true change happens when people unite.
She learned firsthand how whether you’re helping shape a child’s future or supporting a healthcare community, every contribution matters. Witnessing miracles unfold from such collective efforts inspired her to dedicate her life to volunteerism.
Marcella's volunteer contributions in The Woodlands make an essential difference in our community. With a career dedicated to strengthening communities — as Conservatorship Director with DFPS (Child Protective Services), she played a key role in improving CPS protocols — she is a respected nonprofit leader recognized for her strategic, hands-on approach.
Currently, she is significantly expanding the programming at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, where she serves as program manager. Named the Association of Junior League International’s 40 Under 40 honoree, she is also slated for international leadership on the AJLI governance committee, leveraging her expertise in program development and community engagement to inspire others to create lasting change.
Through her commitment to service, Marcella’s work stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism and the influence one person can have in creating transformational change.
If you’re considering giving back to our community but are unsure how to start, Marcella offers the following advice:
Start with what moves you.
Reflect on what ignites a fire within you. Are you drawn to help foster children, support cancer survivors, or promote women in leadership? When you pour your energy into a mission that fulfills your passions, volunteering becomes more than a task — it transforms into a meaningful purpose.
Leverage your strengths.
Whether you lead by mentoring, organizing events, or telling inspiring stories, volunteering lets you harness your unique talents. It’s not about fitting a mold — it’s about making an impact.
Start small, but start somewhere.
Giving back doesn’t require a vast time commitment. Begin with a few hours each month. Organizations like Junior League and Child Advocates provide flexible options, letting you slowly ease into volunteering.
Surround yourself with inspirational people.
Through her volunteer service, Marcella forges deep bonds, from friendships to mentorships, and unlocks unexpected opportunities. By serving, she surrounds herself with inspiring, purpose-driven individuals. These connections don’t just expand your networks — they transform your outlook, filling your life with people who uplift and motivate you.
Say “yes!” to leadership opportunities.
Raising your hand for leadership roles does more than benefit others — it’s a powerful avenue for your own growth. Marcella’s experience on boards and committees honed her abilities in advocacy, public speaking, and program development. She shares that the beauty of it all lies in its simplicity: she doesn’t plan for these achievements — she merely says yes when the fortuitous presents itself.
Be open to where the journey takes you.
When Marcella began volunteering, she didn’t predict the path ahead. She undertook unexpected roles: leading diversity efforts, mentoring others, and shaping life-changing policies. She shares that the most meaningful opportunities often come when you step outside of your comfort zone. That’s the magic of volunteering: it transcends simply giving your time — it’s a meaningful way to make a difference in both your community and your own life. The benefits extend beyond what you give to those impacted by your efforts, affording opportunities to take away new skills, form meaningful connections, and discover a greater sense of purpose.
The journey of volunteering evolves alongside you, leaving a lasting effect not just on those you help, but on who you become!