Alumna Credits Mother, NU Experience for Love of Volunteerism

Raquel Case

June 27, 2012

Upon being acknowledged for outstanding volunteer and philanthropic efforts as well as support of business and commerce, a Northwood University Florida alumna recently credited her mother along with her Northwood experience.

Raquel Case, a 2006 graduate, was recently honored as one of 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America at their 4^th Annual Awards Ceremony. The accolade was due to the countless hours she has spent assisting with fundraisers and charity events to benefit the children at the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County as well as her support of local business.

When asked what the honor meant to her, the automotive marketing graduate first credited her mother Rita Case, a Northwood University Distinguished Woman (05') and Outstanding Business Leader (11'). "My mother Rita received this same recognition a few years ago so following in her footsteps means everything to me. She is my hero, my idol and my best friend. If one day I can say that I have accomplished half as much as her, then to me I have succeeded. This award puts me one step closer to that goal," shared the 2006 alumna.

While reflecting on the other influences in life that have encouraged her to reach out to others, Raquel added, "While attending Northwood University I had the privilege of meeting Dr. David Fry, who was the president at the time. I witnessed how much Northwood grew under his leadership, and I got to learn about the Northwood Idea under his direction. His accomplishments have taught me that if you love what you do every day and are passionate about making your dreams a reality, then success will follow," she said.

"Volunteer your time for an organization that focuses on providing a better life for children today, they are our future. Don't measure success by your accomplishments or wealth. Measure success by the people you have impacted along the way, and know that if even one life has breathed easier because of you, then you have succeeded," she stated.

In her role as Studio Director at Rick Case FIAT, Raquel also believes strongly in supporting her coworkers and offers this advice to leaders in business. "Provide exceptional customer service; people buy from people they like. Set goals for yourself and your team. Lead by example; make more sales calls than your sales people, be enthusiastic and give 100% every day. Your team is your most important asset; training is an everyday process and if they respect you they will work hard for you. Do what you love and it will never feel like work."

Raquel opened Rick Case FIAT on July 1^st 2011 and it became the nation's largest FIAT dealer during its first month in business.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to assure and to enhance the quality of life for children as participating members of a diverse urban society. Criteria for the prestigious 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County Award included generosity of time, energy, talent and resources to the community, and support to family, friends and co-workers. Proceeds from awards gala supported the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County.

Northwood's quality academic experience is just one part of fulfilling its mission to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society. Volunteer opportunities through its EXCEL program help students realize the relationship between involvement and professional growth, and prepare its graduates to enter the workforce ready to lead.