“THE best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

These words by Indian philosopher Mahatma Ghandi have shaped Victoria Mitchell’s path throughout her adult life.

The Jamaican-born Mitchell emigrated to the United States where she has accomplished ambitious goals not only in her professional career, but as a volunteer and advocate for charitable organisations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of underserved children in Jamaica as well as the United States.

Over the last four years, she has dedicated her time and energy to Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) and has supported the group’s programmes aimed at improving access to quality education and affordable health care for disadvantaged children. A board member since 2008, her efforts have been instrumental in developing projects and forging community partnerships that have significantly improved the circumstances of vulnerable kids by equipping them with the tools for a brighter future.

In Jamaica, Mitchell has raised funds for Alpha Boys’ Home, the City of Refuge, Marigold Child Care Centre, as well as for purchasing clothing and wheelchairs for physically handicapped children and the completion of a children’s library.

In the United States, she has sponsored programmes offering homework assistance, social activities to keep youngsters occupied after school hours, and internships. She has also played a key role in successfully enlisting the support and sponsorship of several organisations to support COJO’s scholarship gala and awards.

Mitchell has enjoyed a successful 27-year career at ORT America, serving as development administration manager, assisting in outreach and leadership enhancement and arranging missions and school visits for lay leaders and donors. She is also the bargaining unit representative for the organisation’s unionised employees. Elected shop steward, she has consistently spoken out against injustices in the workplace and helped to create a safe working environment for her colleagues and their families. She also serves as chapter chair, vice president of District Council 1707 and president of Local 107.

In addition to her advocacy role on behalf of COJO, Mitchell serves in a similar capacity for Hadassah Zionist Women’s Organisation, NAACP Legal Defence and Education Fund, America Jewish Congress, the YWCA, the America Jewish Committee, United Jewish Federations, Amit Women, Inc, FOJP Federation, Union of American Hebrew Congregations and American Committee on Africa (ACOA), where she has aided in the group’s struggles for democracy and freedom in South Africa.

On July 17, 2007 Mitchell was honoured by District Council 1707 with a Humanitarian Award and last year, she was honoured by the Progressive Democratic Association at their Annual Celebration for Women.

For her humanitarian work and charitable contribution benefiting communities in New York and Jamaica, Victoria Mitchell is the recipient of COJO’s Community Service Award for 2012.