My Getaway: A Conversation with Virginia (“Vee”) Volpe

In 2020 Virginia retired as a Managing Director at SS&C Technologies, leading a Relationship Management Team of 18 globally.  She worked in the financial services industry beginning in 1996, and prior to SS&C spent 17 years at Citigroup in various roles, including NA Head of Client Services, NA Head Relationship Management, NA Head of Sales, Sales, M&A / Strategy Team Leader, and Finance.

Before joining Citi, Virginia was a Fixed Income Analyst with Reuters. She was also a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sri Lanka (92 – 94).

Virginia has an M.A. in International Relations from SAIS at Johns Hopkins, having majored in International Economics and Latin American Studies. She holds a B.A. in Economics and Literature, with a minor in Business Administration from Austin College.  She speaks three foreign languages: Italian, Spanish, and Sinhala.

---

Why do you value the natural areas?

I love being outdoors period. There has definitely been an expansion of natural areas across the US in the last few years. Not just San Marcos, but also New York City. And the types differ too – rail trail, beltways, monarch gardens, biking areas. It’s amazing and just makes me happy.  Why? These help everyone enjoy being outdoors in new ways. Anything you want. Alone or with friends. Any place I travel, I look to explore the natural areas.

Who or what most influenced your view of the natural world?

Being a Peace Corps Volunteer (92 – 94) in Sri Lanka. I was in the middle of the jungle with no running water or electricity. Walking to anyplace was on a main road or through the jungle, and my host sisters knew every plant. It was an awesome experience.

What is your favorite trail? What do you like about it?

I had seen some of the crew last summer working on the trails and was searching on my own for varied volunteer opportunities. I’d say I found my tribe, as I have come to love trail building and the community they quickly made me feel a part of.

What attracted you to the Greenbelt Alliance?

I most enjoy hiking and being outside in nature on Greenbelt trails. As I hike, I love to look for critters like all the different terrestrial snail species that live in the local canyons, especially the tiny ones that are just 1-2 mm long. Winter and spring seasons are my favorite times because it is cooler (tolerable), and more plants and cacti are emerging and blooming. I also really enjoy mountain biking on the trails, though it has been several years since I’ve done it with any regularity.

What is your favorite trail? What do you like about it?  

Beatrice in Purgatory is probably my favorite trail. I always like riverbeds, and this trail follows a nice one for a while.

What do you most enjoy doing when you visit the Greenbelt?

Building trails and hiking with friends. I like hiking and talking with friends a lot. Makes for nice companionship.

What recommendations would you give new users of the trails?

Try them all!