Volunteer Spotlight: Zevin Spears
Zevin Spears, Development Volunteer
The Rape Recovery Center volunteer team consists of nearly 150 incredible individuals who give their time, talents, and passion to furthering our mission of serving survivors and educating the community about sexual violence. This month we are spotlighting our talented Development volunteer, Zevin Spears.
Zevin brings incredible talent to the RRC Volunteer team, as a member of our Gala planning committee. As the Director of Business Development at LUX, he is a fierce community advocate who uses his expertise to elevate events at the RRC and across the Valley. We are grateful for Zevin, his dedication to supporting survivors, and all he does for the SLC community. Thank you, Zevin!
What motivated you to become a volunteer at the Rape Recovery Center?
For a few years, LUX Catering & Events has been a sponsor of the annual Hope & Healing Gala. Shortly after I began my job as a Sr. Event Producer at LUX in November of 2018 I was assigned the Rape & Recovery account. I was so excited to be involved and offer my assistance to the organization. Like many others that are involved with the RRC, my personal life has been greatly affected by the unfortunate circumstances that come along with being a sexual abuse victim. I eventually was able to find the help I needed to overcome some of the challenges I face daily due to my abuse. Through my story, I truly understand the importance of the work that the Center does for the community, and I’m so grateful that through my work family at LUX, I was able to get our company even more involved in our contributions to the organization.
What have you enjoyed most about your time as an RRC volunteer?
I’ve served on the board of directors for some large non-profit organizations when I resided in Washington, DC before moving to SLC in August of 2016. Having seen how these larger organizations are run, and understanding how difficult it can be - even with a large staff - I recognize all of the hard work that is put in by the employees of the RRC. I most enjoy seeing how the team at the Center bands together to get the work done - they are small but so very mighty!
What is most challenging about your volunteer work at the RRC?
I recently was promoted at LUX to an executive leadership position. Although I would like to do so much more for the Center than what I’m already taking on, my transition into my new role at LUX has proved difficult to find the time. It’s so hard for me to see all of this great work being done at the Center and not be able to contribute more.
Tell us a little more about how you spend your time outside of volunteering for the RRC - hobbies, passions, work, school?
I’m a recent newlywed, so I spend a great deal of my time with my husband completing odd jobs around our new home together and trying out new recipes. My husband and I are proud parents of two beautiful fur-babies, Randy and Lindo - both Dachshund mixes. There are many hours spent taking care of our babies with cuddles and walks. Aside from things at home, I enjoy experiencing art and live entertainment, traveling, going to the gym, trying out all of the great restaurants in the area, and learning about wine and spirits.
The Rape Recovery Center’s gala revolves around the message of “Inspiring Hope and Healing.” What does this mean to you? How does your work with the center impact this message?
I think that my overcoming some of the challenges that come with being a sexual abuse victim can be seen as a true achievement and inspiration to others that are working through their own abuse challenges. I want to to be an example through my story and my actions of volunteerism to others that they too can come out as a winner through the darkness of any kind of abuse.
What is your message to others looking to get involved in this work, or considering volunteer work at the RRC?
No job is too small! If the work that the RRC does speaks to you then jump in and get involved with something!