With over a decade of experience in international nonprofit leadership and cross-cultural child protection interventions, I am eager to share the lessons that have shaped my personal and professional growth so that others can have a positive impact for children and families worldwide. 

My journey began when I volunteered at an orphanage in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Like most people who volunteer internationally, I had good intentions – but after living in the orphanage, I realized my actions had unintended consequences. 

I discovered that the majority of children in orphanages (over 80%) have families who love them but can’t afford to care for them, and that foreign-funded orphanages with foreign volunteers create an economy that drives families apart. This inspired me to establish a nonprofit organization that works with Haitians and local authorities to develop and deliver a range of programs that support children and their families so they can stay together.

My personal experience has been one of self-reflection, questioning the role I play as a foreigner in another country. Having lived in Haiti for the past 12 years, I’ve learned that respectful partnerships can create positive change as long as we're well informed and focussed on helping in the most effective way. 

In Haiti I've witnessed a shift towards family-based care, but there is still a lot of progress to be made. By acknowledging and addressing the role that countries in North America and across the globe play in facilitating social change internationally, we can take action to ensure we have a real, lasting impact.

With an open mind and a dose of humility, I believe all of us can rise up and create a positive impact for ourselves and others in this world. Will you join me?