By Lacie Blankenship
The Vanderbilt Business community gathered on April 4, 2025, for the second annual Owen Community Service Day. This tradition–led by 100% Owen and dedicated to giving back to the Nashville community–grew out of the strong momentum created by last year’s inaugural event. The day united students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a meaningful day of hands-on volunteer work and concluded with a happy hour at Fat Bottom Brewing.
Vanderbilt Business students, alumni, staff, and faculty gather outside Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Greater Nashville
“Service should be at the front of all business leaders’ minds–there’s nothing better than succeeding in business and supporting the community at the same time,” says Daniel Rafla (MBA’25), President of 100% Owen, a student organization committed to serving the Nashville Community.
A day of widespread service
For the 2025 Owen Community Service Day, participants served six local nonprofit organizations with various projects throughout the city, contributing to causes ranging from homelessness and hunger to education and animal welfare.
“Nashville is my home, so volunteering and serving the wider community is important to me because it provides resources, education, and opportunities for those in our community who need it the most, so they feel safe at home too,” says Anna Gorman (MBA’25), VP of Community Service for 100% Owen.
What organizations were involved?
ReStore by Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers spent the afternoon organizing home materials at ReStore, helping to prepare donated items for resale. These efforts directly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for those in need.
Book ‘em: Book ‘em strives to improve literacy in Nashville by igniting children’s passion for reading through book ownership and engagement. Volunteers served by reading stories to children.
Anthony Curio (MBA’25) volunteering at The Catio
Metro Animal Care and Control: Volunteers spent the afternoon walking and playing with dogs, providing much-needed exercise and socialization for those waiting for adoption. Middle Tennessee animal shelters are currently overcrowded.
The Catio: The Catio, a local cat adoption center, welcomed volunteers who spent time cleaning and working on the facility. Volunteers also helped by photographing cats for their adoption profiles.
East Nashville Hope Exchange: East Nashville Hope Exchange aims to strengthen children’s literacy. Volunteers served as reading buddies for children from schools in the Stratford and Maplewood clusters.
Nashville Rescue Mission: Volunteers worked with the Nashville Rescue Mission to prepare and serve meals to their neighbors experiencing homelessness.
“I spent a lot of time in East Nashville, so it was great to give back to the community there. Prior to Owen, I worked with children, so volunteering with the East Nashville Hope Exchange was a meaningful way to connect my past experiences with my time at Vanderbilt,” says Kaitlyn Osborne (MBA’25), a participant in the 2025 Owen Community Service Day.
Building relationships and impact
Left to Right: Amit Devanand Bhojwani (MBA’26), Teresa Stephens (staff), Jenny Main (MBA’24), Katy Smith (MBA’25), and Chris Wszalek (staff)
I greatly enjoyed the service day. I have been warmly welcomed by Nashville, and this familial energy resonates throughout the city. Volunteering with 100% Owen was a no-brainer,” says Dale Anderson (MBA’26) and Executive Vice President of the Owen Student Government Association.
The second annual Owen Community Service Day was about making a difference in the surrounding Nashville community and strengthening connections within the Vanderbilt Business community. Volunteers had the opportunity to connect with familiar and unfamiliar faces while serving their neighbors. The day was a grounding reminder that the Vanderbilt Business community is dedicated not only to academic and career excellence but also to real-world and local impact. After service shifts, volunteers gathered at Fat Bottom Brewing for a happy hour to reflect, celebrate, and socialize.
“Community Service Day is a new tradition I am proud to see take root at Owen. It is an opportunity not just to give back, but to discover more about ourselves, grow as future business leaders, and thrive by lifting others up,” says Max Hackenbrack (MBA’25), President of the Owen Student Government Association. “This spirit of service is a natural extension of the collaborative and intimate culture that defines the Owen community.”
