We recently connected with Maria Fernanda (Mafe) Briceno and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Fernanda (Mafe), thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Being a good doer is part of my nature, it is something I can devote uncountable hours without even noticing, so my husband brought the idea of creating my own nonprofit so many times, but my response was always the same: I am passionate about supporting various causes, making it challenging to pinpoint a single mission. Over the years, I’ve contributed to orphanages, women’s shelters, initiatives for children in need, environmental projects, and causes focused on the elderly, among others. However, the dilemma of choosing a singular cause persisted. It wasn’t until a severe cold confined me to bed that the solution dawned on me. Rather than selecting one cause, why not create a framework for what I’ve been doing all along – connecting people to do good and aligning intentions with necessities?
I knew for a fact that people are avid to serve, but they needed to know where, when, and how to volunteer in a way that fit their unique needs – that’s where Volunteer Channel steps in. As a cool 501-C3 non-profit, our commitment is to generate tailor-made volunteer opportunities and creative initiatives for families and groups. Our mission revolves around connecting causes to compassionate individuals and making it easy for diverse groups to get involved. We firmly believe that the vitality of our community is reflected in the diverse interactions between volunteers and the nonprofits they support.
Recognizing the global scope of goodwill, Volunteer Channel extends its support beyond geographical boundaries by aiding small educational, sports, and environmental initiatives in Venezuela. Living in the blessed environment of the United States, we aim to foster synergy and contribute positively to communities both locally and abroad.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Mafe Briceno, the driving force behind Volunteer Channel, a nonprofit organization on a mission to transform the landscape of volunteering. For the past incredible 13 years, I’ve embarked on a magical journey with Disney Latin America. And let me tell you, I’m not your average Disney enthusiast; I proudly hold the title of VoluntEARS of the Year winner! Along the way, I evolved from a dedicated mom, journalist, and TV producer into a passionate advocate for community engagement and service.
At Volunteer Channel, we specialize in creating tailor-made volunteer opportunities and creative initiatives for families, schools, daycares, small businesses, and groups. We recognized a need within our community, particularly among families with little kids – the desire to serve but the uncertainty of where, when, and how to get involved in a way that aligns with their unique interests and schedules.
Our commitment as 501-C3 non-profit is to bridge this gap. We connect causes to compassionate individuals and make it easy for diverse groups to engage in meaningful volunteer work. What sets us apart is our focus on customization, ensuring that each volunteer experience is not only impactful but also aligns with the specific needs and interests of the participants.
What I am most proud of is our ability to instigate positive change through Volunteer Channel. We’ve successfully created a platform where families, schools, and various groups can seamlessly integrate into the world of volunteering, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to volunteering and facilitating connections between volunteers and nonprofits is at the core of our mission.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Volunteer Channel is not just an initiative; it’s a movement dedicated to making volunteering accessible, enjoyable, and impactful for everyone involved. Whether you’re a family, a school, or a small business, we provide a space where your desire to make a difference can flourish. Join us in creating a positive ripple effect in our community and beyond!

How’d you meet your business partner?

I crossed paths with my co-founder, business partner, best friend, and life companion back in my 20s. He, a talented fashion photographer, not only introduced me to the captivating world of fashion in our mother country, Venezuela, but has since served as the unwavering force propelling me through life’s most significant milestones. From ensuring I aced the entrance exam for the most prestigious college in Venezuela to embracing the role of a devoted father to our two daughters, he has been my constant support. Together, we embarked on the transformative journey of moving to the United States, driven by the shared vision of enhancing our lives.
Through every twist and turn, he has stood by me – offering unwavering support in my professional endeavors, celebrating the joys of motherhood, and now, as we co-own and nurture our brainchild, Volunteer Channel, dedicated to making a positive impact on our community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My journey is a testament to resilience, particularly as a Latina woman navigating a path not conventionally aligned with societal expectations. Born and raised in a country where the emphasis on beauty pageant winners overshadows intellectual pursuits, I faced the challenge of carving out a space in the realm of academia, especially coming from a background in the fashion industry. Overcoming biases and striving to find a sense of belonging in my chosen field demanded tenacity.

Taking a giant leap forward, I relocated from Venezuela to the United States. The transition required me to summon every ounce of resilience as an immigrant without a work permit. For the first time since I was 17, when I landed my first job, I had to rely on my husband to cover our needs. While he is undoubtedly the most selfless person I know, it was still a significant adjustment.

Just when my professional life was flourishing, we decided to move to the U.S., embarking on a journey to build a new life, learn a new language, and raise a family from scratch. This phase tested my resilience to the core. Starting afresh, especially at the pinnacle of my professional success, was a daunting but ultimately empowering experience.

Through these challenges, I’ve emerged not just happy and grateful, but immensely proud to be an integral part of my community. I am driven by the desire to contribute to making it a better place for everyone, embracing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://about.me/volunteerchannel/getstarted
• Instagram: @volunteerchanneel

Image Credits
Jorge Parra Photography