Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Heather Hrina Medvec from The Boo Squad.
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Name: Heather Hrina Medvec
Position: Founder and Director
Organization: The Boo Squad
Bio: Heather was born and raised in Struthers, Ohio. She is the daughter of David and Elizabeth Hrina. Her mother was born in Europe during WWII and came to America when she was 5. When Heather graduated high school, she went to YSU and majored in Biology. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Biology and went to Grad School at Chatham University in Pittsburgh where Heather earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Post graduation she married her high school sweetheart Matt Medvec and has two beautiful daughters Madison and Caroline. Heather is currently the Regional Home Health Administrator for Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice Greater Cleveland and Youngstown. When her girls were 5 and 2, she started The Boo Squad. This group has been around for 9 years, as it helps countless organizations and local families.
What made you want to go into this field?
I wanted to start The Boo Squad to teach my children about volunteering in their community and being kind to others
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
Support from my family and friends.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Not going for it. I was always nervous about what if kids didn’t understand the concept, what if we couldn’t raise enough funds, what if, what if. One day I just went for it and we have been successful ever since.
Love, as if there was nothing more important in your life(Opens in a new browser tab)
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
Saying no. I want to often overextended myself and often lose sight of the fact that I need to say no to give myself time for self care.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I would have loved to have been a stay at home Mom, but if I have to work, I absolutely love what I do and whom I get to work with.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
The response we received from those we help. It is so genuine and beautiful, it inspires me to want to do more.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
Watching the kids light up when they have helped someone.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
Marrying the love of my life, raising two amazing daughters, running my first marathon, and founding The Boo Squad.
Who is your role model and Why?
Growing up my brother. He is so smart and talented and has accomplished so much. He stays humble and is always willing to help others no matter how busy he is.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Not one person in particular I wish I could meet/have met per say, but rather, I wish my grandpa could have met my girls. My grandpa was also a huge influence in my life and I would have loved him to meet my girls.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, forget what you did, but will never forget how you made them feel.”
