How Samantha Jimenez founded Volna Global

Who is Samantha Jimenez?

Samantha Jimenez is the founder of Volna Global, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Los Angeles. Her journey of service began at 12, when she was drawn to the joy and connection she saw among students in her school’s special education class, and by 18 it had led her into professional nonprofit work.

Through those early experiences she discovered something she still returns to: people with developmental and intellectual disabilities have an incredible gift for reminding us what matters most. They taught her to slow down, live in the present moment, celebrate the little things, and look beyond appearances to see the beauty in who someone truly is. Volunteering also became a source of strength during challenging times of her own, helping her find purpose, connection and a deeper appreciation for the present.

What did 23 years alongside people with disabilities teach her?

What began with volunteering as a young girl grew into 23 years of working alongside people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, supporting individuals in community settings and continuing to learn from the people she served.

That work taught her the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, included, valued and supported in their growth.

How do yoga and wellness fit into her work?

Samantha discovered yoga at 17 and completed her yoga teacher training shortly afterward. She has now taught yoga for more than a decade and has worked as a Wellness and Lifestyle Coach for 10 years.

Through movement, breathwork, mindfulness and presence she found that true well-being reaches far beyond the physical body: it is about how we nourish ourselves, care for our minds, breathe, connect and create a life that feels meaningful from the inside out. Whether helping someone reconnect with their body, build healthier habits or discover a greater sense of possibility, the heart of her work has stayed the same: helping people recognize their own potential.

Along the way she also explored natural building and sustainable living, deepening her understanding of how closely our well-being is connected to the communities and environments around us.

What did she build as Volunteer Director and Activities Director?

Returning to nonprofit work, Samantha stepped into leadership as a Volunteer Director and Activities Director, creating meaningful experiences for more than 100 individuals through yoga, art, gardening, dance, cooking, social outings, date nights and community activities. She watched people discover new interests, build friendships, gain confidence and experience greater independence.

As a Volunteer Coordinator she brought together people from all walks of life, from youth and families to companies and community groups: creating accessible gardens, transforming spaces through beautification projects, gathering for holidays and celebrations, and organizing special events and galas.

People brought the energy. Volunteers brought the heart. Together they created something meaningful, memorable and lasting. Those years reinforced her belief that service is about more than a single act of helping: it is about creating opportunities for people to participate, contribute, connect and discover what is possible.

Why did Samantha go to India in 2018, and what changed?

In 2018, while deepening her understanding of generosity and the power of giving, Samantha felt called to travel to India, not as a tourist but to volunteer, learn, listen and connect with communities in a meaningful way.

That journey changed her. It expanded her perspective beyond the work she had known for so many years and opened her heart to the many ways people and communities need support. She saw that although communities around the world may look very different, the same things connect us all: people want to feel seen, they want opportunities, they want to care for their families and communities, and they want the chance to grow and create a meaningful life.

How did Volna Global begin?

Samantha returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a vision to bring together everything she had learned: community, holistic living, education, accessibility, generosity, sustainability and connection. For the first time she could see that these were not separate passions but one purpose, and that every chapter had shaped the next. That vision became Volna Global, founded in Los Angeles in 2026.

Today Volna Global reflects her lifelong journey and her belief that meaningful change begins with connection. Her hope is to create opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen communities, encourage participation and belonging, and support sustainable solutions that keep making a difference for generations to come.

What does Samantha believe?

Samantha believes that every person has something meaningful to contribute, and that sometimes people simply need someone to see their potential, create an opportunity, make space for them, or walk alongside them.

She has seen what one person can do, what a group of volunteers can create, and how one opportunity can change the direction of someone’s life.

What does the name Volna mean?

“Volna” means “wave”. In Samantha’s words: “I believe we all have something meaningful to contribute, and when we come together with open hearts and a shared purpose, even the smallest ripple can create a wave of change.”