Volunteer Spotlight: Diana Fundak & Lee Nguyen

At French International, we are proud to have parents dedicated to positively shaping our school and enriching the lives of our students. Volunteering involves the entire family in a student’s educational life. Additionally, service is part of the IB educational philosophy as we teach students that we have a shared responsibility to our connected global community. 

Diana Fundak and Lee Nguyen have served as co-hairs of the New Family Welcoming Group for six years. The Nguyen family joined the French International in 2013 and the Fundaks in 2015 -- both now have middle schoolers in the French track. Lee and Diana became co-chairs in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and are stepping down this year. They have worked to support the Admissions team to welcome new families to French International through events like the New Family Social and New Family Gathering, and acting as a resource to answer questions. 

It takes the dedication of committed volunteers like Diana and Lee to make French International a supportive and welcoming community!   

What drew you to volunteering for the NFWG/Admissions Team?

Lee: “Many years ago, another parent suggested that I would be a good fit when they were looking for additional volunteers. I still fondly remember what a pain my husband and I were to the admissions team. When we were originally trying to get our oldest child into kindergarten, we didn’t decide to enroll her until after all the standard deadlines, so she was on the waiting list. They were so patient with us, and I was excited to have an opportunity to work with them and help other new families.”

Diana: “I originally needed volunteer hours my first year with the school and so I signed up to help with the New Family Social. It was such a great experience and I saw how excited the new families were, but also how many questions they had. So I volunteered at the summer events and it just continued to grow, until I eventually agreed to be co-chair.”  

What do you enjoy the most about your role as a volunteer? Any particularly fond memories?

Diana: “I feel like our school can only grow stronger by encouraging community, and that starts the moment a student is accepted at French International. Being a part of the team that helps welcome them into the family is an honor. I love seeing our youngest students wearing their big school t-shirts for the first time. There have been many changes over the years with the NFWG. We have had to adapt to circumstances outside of our control -- like COVID -- and come out stronger on the other side.”

Lee: “I enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk to new families and try to help answer their questions to hopefully help them have a good experience when their children transition to our wonderful school. I have loved working with Diana, Arezu, and Kate over the years and will miss working with them.”

What message would you like to share with our community about the importance of volunteers at French International?

Lee: “Both of my children have learned about the importance of community service at French International. Volunteers are critical to the overall French International community and culture.”

Diana: “Each volunteer opportunity is important to making our school the best it can be. Whether it is washing towels in Maternelle or chairing a major committee -- they are all needed to make our school great. It also gives you an opportunity to connect with other parents/families that you might not have had the opportunity to meet. It is honestly some of the best 20 hours of the school year.”

Thank you to Diana and Lee for their many years of dedication and support!