International Volunteer Day: Celebrating CVE Changemakers in Action

As the world celebrates International Volunteer Day, CVE North America (CVE) is proud to highlight the everyday changemakers who turn our values into meaningful action. One of these changemakers is Cristina Tapia, a construction project manager who has been with CVE for nearly six years. When she is not overseeing the build-out of solar project sites, she takes advantage of CVE’s Volunteering Paid Time Off (VPTO) program to give back to the communities and the planet that she cares deeply about.

CVE offers all team members two paid days each year to volunteer with nonprofit organizations that resonate with them. For Tapia, the perfect volunteer opportunity lies at the intersection of her lifelong love of fashion and her commitment to sustainability.

Tapia has always appreciated fashion’s creativity, but not its environmental cost. When she discovered FABSCRAP, a nonprofit dedicated to diverting textile waste from New York City landfills, she immediately felt aligned with its mission.

“Sustainability has always been very important to me, and I really like fashion,” said Tapia. “Volunteering with an organization that reduces the impact of the fashion industry seemed the perfect fit for me.”

FABSCRAP receives nearly 7,000 pounds of fashion waste every week from designers, retailers, and manufacturers. Instead of allowing these materials to be discarded, the organization sorts, recycles, and redistributes textiles for reuse by students, artists, makers, and designers. During her volunteer shifts, Tapia helps sort fabrics from major fashion brands by removing staples, stickers, and cardboard, preparing materials either for reuse or shredding.

“Volunteering is a great way to unplug and do something different from your daily routine,” shared Tapia. “But most importantly, it strengthens our connection to the communities around us.”

Outside of work and volunteering, Tapia enjoys playing tennis, exploring the city with friends, and traveling to discover new cultures and places. And while she finds joy in many activities, working for a company that prioritizes giving back remains non-negotiable.

“It’s absolutely important to me to work for a company that gives back,” Tapia said. “CVE stands on its commitment to make an impact and gives me the opportunity to drive that impact through VPTO.”

As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, Tapia’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when people channel their passions into causes that inspire them. Through VPTO, CVE team members are encouraged and empowered to do just that.

To learn more or get involved with FABSCRAP, visit www.fabscrap.org.