We’re excited to introduce you to a new member of the Common Heart family, Dana Bouque, Engagement Director. She’s already hard at work preparing for our Love in Action Gala in October!

Dana is a Gastonia native and has been working in the nonprofit world for about eight years – first at Queens University of Charlotte in Academic Affairs then Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) as the Director of Sponsorship. Prior to that she worked in the automotive industry for 16 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and would love to go to grad school to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration.

She’s a Rotarian, a member of the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and on the Board at the Kiwanis Club of Matthews. She first heard about Common Heart at a Kiwanis meeting last year. 

“I knew when I left that Kiwanis meeting that I wanted to work with Common Heart. The mission spoke to me and the work was exactly what I was supposed to be doing,” she said. “I was especially interested in the immediate relief provided to our neighbors through a pantry network but also walking with our neighbors and providing them avenues to hopefully end generational poverty through economic empowerment programs.”

After stalking our website for months looking for job openings (ha ha!) Dana checked one Friday evening in April to find a listing for Engagement Director. She applied that night and had a phone interview the following week. 

So, how’s it going?

“This position is like peeling an onion. There are so many, many layers and each layer is both exciting and, at times, challenging but extremely rewarding,” she said. “And while some aspects are stressful, it is ‘good’ stress because we are helping our neighbors when they need it the most and with dignity and respect. I have enjoyed getting to know my colleagues as well as our volunteers and board members. Everyone is kind and so patient as I ask many questions – sometimes the same questions many times. This, by far, has been the most rewarding opportunity I have had and every day really does fill up my cup.”

Dana and her husband, Jason, have a 12-year-old son Brady. They love to travel, fish, watch movies, and cheer on the Chicago Cubs and Charlotte Knights. You’ll often find them at the baseball field – Brady plays catcher, first and third base. 

They have two Dachshund pups – Oliver, 13, and Peppercorn, 8.

Fun fact! Dana is a MINI Cooper fan, loves everything peppermint and every single Housewives show on Bravo. 

You can reach Dana at 704-815-4681 or email Dana.Bouque@CommonHeart.org