“Dreams come in a size too big so that we may grow into them.” — Josie Bisse
Recently, I was part of a small group of Entrepreneur Women who volunteered in Cartagena, Colombia after the Women of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Summit in Bogota. We mentored and visited a school where the students were young women; most with infant children. They came from impoverished and challenging circumstances and are now attending school. The EO Women worked in the nursery to support the babies during our visit, visiting the classroom and much more.
I have been a member of EO for 4 years and in that time I have learned a lot about growing my business and being profitable. Recently, this organization along with its members have committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to make the world better and to solve most of the biggest problems by the year 2030. This commitment has changed my life as I have personally pledged to contribute my time, effort, money, and experience to the cause. I have been more fulfilled in my personal and professional life since making this commitment. It has grounded me and brought deeper meaning to my purpose, improving the quality of life of others. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit some of the poorest communities in the world and learn about their greatest challenges. Sometimes, I just sat there holding a homeless grandmother’s hand while she was crying because she misses her family. I oversaw and prompted a group of 7-16-year-olds design the life of their dreams on paper (without a dream to follow, a dream life can’t come true). I joined a local church in a caravan loaded with meals for the hungry, homeless population. My life is no longer mine. My life is also meant to fulfill my commitment to the UN’s vision and my life purpose of doing God’s work on earth. I urge my fellow entrepreneurs, business people, citizens, and everyone to look into your own communities and see what you can do to help. Together, we are stronger and can make a better world for everyone.
I was so fortunate to meet amazing and inspirational women who are agents of change. It was incredible to meet the young students and hear their stories and future plans and dreams after graduation. One even told us she started her own business. There is a special story for every person. They look to a future society that respects and promotes gender equality and access to opportunities for everyone, including women and children.
I want to encourage others to organize opportunities when traveling to make a difference in the communities they visit. There is much need for basic things like shelter, food and clothing but hope is the biggest impact we can make when we show we care.
