175. Trena Anderson — A Journey of Community Service and Volunteerism

Business Elevated

Season 6 Episode 18: In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, interviews Trena Anderson, president of Deseret First Charitable Foundation.

Anderson shares her journey, beginning with her move to Utah 38 years ago, her career spanning over three decades at Deseret First Credit Union, and her varied roles in human resources, communications, marketing, and private banking. She highlights her involvement in the Deseret First Charitable Foundation, which was established to assist missionaries facing financial challenges. Anderson recounts the foundation’s origins from a marketing campaign and its growth into a significant source of support, providing shoes and essential supplies to hundreds of missionaries annually through donations and word-of-mouth referrals.

Anderson also discusses her involvement with the Dominican Starfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving living conditions in the Dominican Republic. She emphasizes the foundation's broad scope and its impact on various communities, including Haitian refugees, through education and infrastructure development.

The two also discuss the broader context of volunteerism in Utah, noting its ranking as the most charitable state, and how individuals and organizations can find meaningful ways to contribute. Anderson shares insights into identifying opportunities that align with personal values and skills, stressing the importance of seeking out initiatives with minimal overhead to ensure the maximum impact of donations and volunteer efforts.

For more information on how you can get involved with Deseret First Charitable Foundation and Dominican Starfish Foundation, contact Trena Anderson at [e-mail].