Good for the World — Maranda Heckler

I was impressed when I met Maranda Heckler for the first time. Her demeanor was gentle, but she spoke with vision. She has been independent from an early age, putting herself through college to earn a degree she could use to help others. 

Maranda knew what it was like to be homeless, and although she experienced unfortunate times as a child, she has never let it stop her. Instead, it fuels her drive to help others. Her personal sense of responsibility, persistence and hard work keep Maranda moving forward.

Regardless of what day it is, Maranda’s starts with coffee. That’s likely because she often works fourteen-hour days, between Starbucks and Columbia River Mental Health Services (CRMHS). At CRMHS, Maranda supports youth ages 16-25 in the community. I know that’s a great fit for her because I’ve seen her work with youth facing adversity. 

Three years ago, Maranda volunteered to mentor a child with Great Life Mentoring, and she continues to this day. She even served a year on the Board of Directors and helped to recruit mentors for other children in need. During that time, Maranda also graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Now she is continuing her education, pursuing a Master's in Social Work. 

You might be surprised a person would work so hard. But Maranda is just really caring. She is particularly passionate about helping the homeless and the LGBTQ+ communities. 

With a special ability to be positive and non-judgmental, Maranda is skilled in working with at-risk adolescents. She realizes how important it is to have someone in your life that is consistently there for you and on your team. 

Maranda initially wanted to offer the friend she mentors a time of relief from the stressors in life, and she found that she genuinely enjoys their company. She comes away from their time together feeling like it helped her as well. She says she is particularly honored to have watched her friend “unapologetically become their authentic self, and feel comfortable sharing that with her.”

Though all of this hard work is fueled by kindness and compassion, it also helps to have balance: She says she “requires” one lazy day a week where she gets her to-do list done very slowly. She also chooses to do one outside thing—kayaking, hiking, or snowboarding if it’s winter. 

Maranda is adventurous as well as being deeply caring and persistent. She has created a life for herself that she enjoys living. And that life, fortunately for us, is also good for the world.