What led me to IDEX? That’s a good question. It wasn’t an obvious or linear path, but I guess career paths these days rarely are, right? I went to school to learn how to be a journalist, dabbled in different forms of media, and worked in television production for number of years…

But a move to San Francisco after living in New York for a while sparked something in me. It’s like that line… “Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; Live in Northern California once…”

Well, perhaps I moved just in time before becoming irrevocably jaded! In truth, it wasn’t New York itself so much as my state of mind. I had long been interested in learning about different cultures, in traveling, in social justice issues, and in international development. The interest was always there, but really, I wasn’t doing much about it.

Finding IDEX, an organization whose mission I truly felt aligned with— it just clicked.

Practical, meaningful and sustainable solutions to issues of poverty and social injustice. Embracing locally run organizations at the grassroots level. Supporting communities in setting their own agendas. Leveraging relatively small amounts of money to create lasting social and economic change. Community by community.

Yes, the world is largely unfair and the stories we hear of poverty and suffering are often overwhelming. And sometimes it seems as if nothing we do really matters. It’s easy to feel cynical and hopeless. I know, I’ve been there. But it’s also possible to turn that energy and compassion into action.

I have seen this in the drive and determination of my colleagues. I’ve seen it in the amazing, inspiring leaders who work tirelessly in their communities. I’ve seen it in the generosity of our supporters and donors. I’ve seen it in the transformative stories of the many individuals have been part of the programs we help support.

On a daily basis, I am reminded that we all have the power to change the world in small but important ways that, in the end, really add up. Step-by-step, dollar-by-dollar, action-by-action, person-by-person.

I gotta say, it’s pretty cool to be able to share in this collective vision of hope.