“Volunteering feels really good, and I truly believe ‘we rise by lifting others,'” said Brandy Pesi, supervisor, Substation Design Engineering. She’s referring to the quote from Robert Green Ingersoll, American lawyer, writer and orator. “There are many positive aspects to volunteering – whether it’s strengthening the community a little each time I give or building connections with people wherever I go.”

Brandy, who’s based at the Greensburg Corporate Center, is always on the go as a FirstEnergy employee volunteer and on her own in the community – a strong supporter of FirstEnergy initiatives such as United Way Day of Caring, our new Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and our THRIVE and MOSaic employee business resource groups, for instance. She also serves as vice chair of the newly formed Transmission Green Team.

“I’m really excited about our Green Team efforts,” she said, “and the sustainability activities and educational outreach programs we are currently planning.”

Giving Her All
Brandy is just as busy volunteering outside of work, supporting community events and organizations – especially those focused on children.

“Whenever I think of ‘volunteer,’ Brandy always comes to mind,” said Andrea Bortoluzzi, consultant, Corporate Affairs and Community Involvement. “I’ve worked with her on both FirstEnergy projects and those in the Greensburg community, and she goes above and beyond with her incredible support.”

And her help has reached a great deal of people since she first began volunteering six years ago.

Brandy, far l., with her Girl Scout troop and the Rostraver Leo Club members during the dedication of a Little Free Library, which was a joint project. NOTE: the photo was taken pre-pandemic.

Brandy takes a break while volunteering at WCFB.

“I started out as a ‘Helping Hands’ volunteer when my daughter entered kindergarten and was old enough to join Girl Scouts,” she said. “Girls Scouts has been most and dear to my heart.” She has been a dedicated volunteer since her daughter joined Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Troop 46741. Brandy is currently serving in several roles: troop leader, treasurer, fundraiser manager and activities coordinator for her troop of 20 scouts.

“I love the Girl Scout organization because the programming offers every participant the opportunity to develop courage, character, confidence and leadership skills that last a lifetime and make the world a better place for the future,” she said.

In addition to the Girl Scouts, Brandy volunteers monthly at a Westmoreland County Food Bank (WCFB) pantry location, which provides for 130 families. She also supports the Rostraver Township Leo Club, where parents volunteer with their children, who are the actual members, packing weekend snack bags for low-income children, creating holiday cards for nursing homes and sprucing up area parks.

Brandy has been with our company for more than 21 years.

“I’m very thankful for the volunteer spirit of the company and the support FirstEnergy provides such as our VTO.”

Brandy said she encourages everyone to seek out an organization that is meaningful to them and get involved – even if it’s for just a few hours here and there.

“It feels so good to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said. “I say take action with what matters most to you and ‘be the change you wish to see in the world.'”​