Berkshire United Way recognizes the difference volunteers make in our community through their donation of time and talent to support nonprofits and participating in events that address food insecurity and basic needs and promote literacy. We are proud to present the following awards to volunteers who are dedicated to service and committed to helping our Berkshire County neighbors.
Robert K. Agar Jr. Volunteerism Award: Brenda Lee Petell, Vice President, Community Engagement Officer MountainOne
Brenda previously served as director of volunteer engagement at Berkshire United Way, where she was integral in launching the online Volunteer Center. She also organized large volunteer events to address food access and basic needs and partnered with Thanksgiving Angels to make the volunteer experience more successful.
She is on the advisory committees for Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and the board of directors for Berkshire Education and Correction Services. Brenda also regularly volunteers for Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and passionately advocates for children and equity.
Brenda was a GE Elfun volunteer (1998-2007) and president of SABIC Volunteers (2007-2014), and a 1Berkshire YLP Steering Committee member (2008-2016). Past community service includes Berkshire Robotics Challenge, Pittsfield Academies Mentor Coordinator, Business Professionals of America volunteer, and coordinator of the high school science fair at the Berkshire Museum for five years.
Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award: Maria Encalada, Founder, Puerta de Esperanza; Community Advocate
As a leader in the Pittsfield community, Maria deftly connects immigrants with vital resources. An immigrant herself, she knows that asking for help can be especially hard when people don’t speak the language. That’s why she took on a volunteer role for Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market in Pittsfield. Maria helps Spanish-speaking customers access fresh, local food and makes sure shoppers understand the tiered payment structure, including the free food pantry option.
Maria always shows up to volunteer at Berkshire United Way’s meal packing events and helped with the MLK Day clothing drive.
Maria is the founder of the nonprofit Puerta de Esperanza, an organization dedicated to creating a brighter future for those within the Berkshire Latino community. As a community advocate and dedicated volunteer, she uses her connections and lived experience to help others thrive in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
