You can’t unknow what you learn during your JV year. I find myself realizing almost daily that without my JV year, there are aspects of life I never would have been exposed to. It’s evident to me now that it is possible to be an adult and never really have purposely stretched yourself to get uncomfortable, to be curious enough to see things that you didn’t know existed. But being a JV means being uncomfortable, curious, and compassionate. Because of that, in my job today I’m able to consider multiple, complex perspectives on an issue or situation. Being a JV developed my ability to navigate nuance. This ability comes from having gone somewhere previously unknown, living with 5 strangers, and serving daily with people who had very different backgrounds than I do.
In 2010, Liz Purdy (she/her) graduated from Gonzaga University and moved to Sitka, Alaska as a Jesuit Volunteer. Having majored in English (and blogs still being “in”), Liz blogged along the way, on everything from misconceptions of English majors to learning about what fresh salmon to eat. Liz served at Sitkans Against Family Violence, which is still a partner agency, carefully sharing the parts of the her service that could change perceptions and help people understand the systems that impact women and families experiencing domestic violence.
My title is “women’s advocate” which means exactly what it sounds like: I advocate for women. But that takes so many different forms that rarely do I walk into work ever actually knowing what will happen that day. I will also say that I have been out of my comfort zone so many times since I started work in the shelter… So, yes, often so much of my/our work feels inadequate to actually “solve” or combat many of the issues the women who come to shelter are presented with.
I have had to become more comfortable with the idea of “gray area,” which I was told in the beginning, there is a lot of when it comes to shelter work.
Liz’s community mate, Stephanie Warpinski, has treasured their relationship since they navigated a year of service together –
Sitka, Alaska got the best of side of Liz: She tackled the day-to-day challenges at her site and this set her up with a contagious work ethic especially when she aligns with the mission. Liz volunteered at every possible opportunity and that is equally valuable in small communities that are reliant on enthusiastic volunteers…. She’s a strong personality, go-getter, and her curiosity in life definitely led her to a life on a remote Alaskan island. Even with a strong foundation, Liz’s commitment to reflection was amazing to watch throughout the year. Our JV year/experience was anchored by multiple retreats throughout the year and seeing Liz engage in a contemplative thought process and really refine the “why” on her choices and actions was inspiring.
Since being a JV, Liz’s love of community, relationships, and sustainability has led her across the country and back to her home state of Washington, contributing to change. She joined the JVC Northwest staff early in her career as an Outreach & Events Coordinator, and has organized with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Trout Unlimited and Bellingham SeaFest. Her graduate degree in Sustainable Development focused on transboundary watersheds in the Northwest. She has worked at Puget Sound Energy for the last five years, using the four values to connect communities to a more sustainable future.
I manage our Community Affairs team that works with nonprofits and civic/neighborhood organizations to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of energy policy, conservation, and clean energy opportunities. When I studied Sustainable Development, I rarely thought about what it takes to turn my lights on or heat my house. As a JV, I knew we kept the heat low to “use less,” but I’m not sure the “WHY” behind that action always connected. Now I spend time focused on that “WHY” — educating, listening, and working to build understanding and partnership with the communities we serve electricity and gas to throughout Washington.
Throughout her journey, Liz has wrestled with the questions at the heart of our movement, using each experience to continue to increase her ability to contribute to a more just and sustainable Northwest. Liz is our 2026 Magis Award winner, and will be honored at the 2026 Annual Benefit Dinner. Learn more about the event here.
