Speaking about the impact to beneficiaries WE makes, Teresa reflected,
I was originally drawn to WE for its international development work in creating sustainable change and lifting communities out of poverty. I met so many of the empowered, articulate women in the communities of Kenya and India who were embracing the opportunities through WE to create a brighter future for their family and their community. I saw individual lives and entire communities transformed through WE’s five-pillar development model.
My first WE Day moved me beyond words. To see youth inspired, empowered and to feel the empathy and compassion from the youth in the stadium was palatable. I realized in that moment the incredible platform WE had to reach youth with messages of hope and inspiration. WE had inspired a generation of informed, engaged and passionate change-makers.
Teresa described her time working at WE, and what she was most proud of,
In my role, I have had the privilege to travel to many communities that have benefited from a partnership with WE and witness the impact of donors, big and small. I have seen the communities become more vibrant as access to fresh water, farming and health care becomes available. I have witnessed children transformed through education and women empowered.
Having spent my career in health care I am so proud to see WE investing in building knowledge and capacity at the Baraka Hospital. The access to health care and the investment in the School of Medicine to educate local health professionals will be transformational.
In reflecting on what has changed at WE since she was here,
WE had a tremendous platform for reaching youth and has used this to inspire young change-makers across the globe. It is WE’s recent work in promoting good mental health that truly the potential to help eliminate the stigma attached to mental health and inspire dialogue and acceptance.