In December I had attended a benefit lunch for an incredible non-profit. One World Children's Fund (OWCF). I was introduced before hand to Anand Chandrasekaran via email by Jamie Lockwood and was invited to sit at his table. I met Anand, Piya Sorcar of Teach Aids, Marie Kagaju Laugharn of Seeds of Empowerment as well as many other wonderful people. I also got to catch up with Janet and Wylie Gregg about their latest trip to India and what amazing things OWCF are doing all over the world as well in our own back yard.
Marie is from Rwanda and is a really special woman. She invited me to lunch at her house to discuss volunteer opportunities in Rwanda. As we discussed these various opportunities she wanted to introduce me to Dr. Paul Kim from Stanford University.
A week or so later I went to have lunch at Stanford with Dr. Kim. What a treat! We discussed what Seeds of Empowerment is doing all over the world. Seed's missions statement: "The Seeds of Empowerment team intends to develop and implement projects that will “plant seeds of hope and opportunity” for the underserved around the world. Our projects use cutting-edge technology to create self-sustaining business models that empower the powerless by improving their access to an education"
After a fantastic meeting with Dr. Kim I was welcomed with open arms and enthusiasm by the whole "Seeds" team. I knew I found the right organization to work with this year and beyond. Meeting with Neha Taleja the Executive Director of "Seeds" solidified this and the wheels started turning about what exciting adventures were starting starting to appear on the horizon.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The process starts
So after my big life decision to volunteer, the next question is was where to volunteer? The world was my oyster or so I thought. I thought to myself "I'm well-educated, have 13 years of business savvy, journalism background, know how to install a toilet, have totally reinstalled a PVC pipe sprinkler system by myself and it worked(my dumb friend fell on it and our other friend's father was not too pleased), I know how to install snow chains with a suit on while wearing high Dolce & Gabbana stilettos, I can think on my feet and I'm well traveled". How hard could it be to find the volunteer position?
I naively thought I will have my dream position in no time.... yea right. I applied to the UN volunteers and many other fantastic organizations. Unfortunately with some of these organizations you need to "know" someone or speak multiple languages. Seeing that English is my primary language and my knowledge of Spanish, French and Italian are equal to a 5 year old, this was problematic.
I started a mad dash to network to learn all that I can learn about non-profits all over the world. Yahoo and I became best friends.
I naively thought I will have my dream position in no time.... yea right. I applied to the UN volunteers and many other fantastic organizations. Unfortunately with some of these organizations you need to "know" someone or speak multiple languages. Seeing that English is my primary language and my knowledge of Spanish, French and Italian are equal to a 5 year old, this was problematic.
I started a mad dash to network to learn all that I can learn about non-profits all over the world. Yahoo and I became best friends.
Monday, February 22, 2010
"Hanging up my Manolo Blahnik's for humanitarian service"
2009 was a difficult but beautiful year.
In October I volunteered and applied to leave my company after almost 7 years. My company was reorganizing a different division and offered a package to anyone in the company who wanted to apply. I applied and was accepted in November.
During the waiting period I had been listening to the very loud voice in my heart that was telling me I need to do something bigger than myself. With that I decided to dedicate 2010 to volunteering somewhere in the world. I didn't care where or what I would be doing. I just wanted to do something and give back.
When I started telling people about my "crazy" idea about leaving a lucrative career and work for free in some random third world country, I thought people would think I was crazy.... My incredible family and friends have been so supportive it almost brings me to tears. It does make me laugh when they ask me if I'm going to peruse this humanitarian service in 4 inch stilettos.
Part of this new adventure is spawned from the example that my family has instilled in me. You are placed in this world to help the less fortunate. Looking back 35 years ago, I was the one that was less fortunate and left at a police station in Taegu, South Korea. I was adopted by an amazing American family that has given me every opportunity to succeed and be the best person I can be.
In October I volunteered and applied to leave my company after almost 7 years. My company was reorganizing a different division and offered a package to anyone in the company who wanted to apply. I applied and was accepted in November.
During the waiting period I had been listening to the very loud voice in my heart that was telling me I need to do something bigger than myself. With that I decided to dedicate 2010 to volunteering somewhere in the world. I didn't care where or what I would be doing. I just wanted to do something and give back.
When I started telling people about my "crazy" idea about leaving a lucrative career and work for free in some random third world country, I thought people would think I was crazy.... My incredible family and friends have been so supportive it almost brings me to tears. It does make me laugh when they ask me if I'm going to peruse this humanitarian service in 4 inch stilettos.
Part of this new adventure is spawned from the example that my family has instilled in me. You are placed in this world to help the less fortunate. Looking back 35 years ago, I was the one that was less fortunate and left at a police station in Taegu, South Korea. I was adopted by an amazing American family that has given me every opportunity to succeed and be the best person I can be.
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