“Each of us has a story to tell … your journey – and your story! – [are] important.” – Scott Jackson

That’s a wrap on our #MakeYourGlobalImpact campaign!

Launched in April to celebrate the rerelease of our President and CEO Scott Jackson’s book “Take Me With You,” the campaign focused on storytelling to inspire greater giving.

We asked people everywhere: “What’s your story? How do you make a global impact? What events in your life led you to where you are today – helping people around the world?” We even heard from nine Global Impact partners – learning more about their stories and what led them to where they are today.

The campaign may be over, but the words of those who shared will remain, inspiring us all to create the change we want to see in the world. So, settle in with a cup of coffee (or tea!) and immerse yourself in these stories of impact:

No child should ever experience this | Dr. Charles Owubah, Action Against Hunger
“I know hunger. I have lived it. No child should ever be hungry.” – Dr. Charles Owubah, Action Against Hunger

Dr. Charles Owubah, CEO of our Charity Alliance partner Action Against Hunger, discusses the events that led him to where he is today and inspired his work to ensure that everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.

What happens when you lean into your own truth | Ama Romaine, The Initiative
“I don’t think I would have decided to start this organization if I didn’t own my story, and own the pain it was causing me personally. I think it’s really important for us to do that hard, introspective work.” – Ama Romaine, The Initiative

Ama Romaine, Board Chair of The Initiative: Advancing The Blue and Black Partnership, talks about the driving force behind her decision to become a corporate lawyer, her role in The Initiative and the power of telling her own story – especially in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.

Sometimes all somebody needs is a chance | Lou Torchia, Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area
“It’s really hard for one person to change the world, but changing the world for one person – that’s something that everybody can do… Sometimes all somebody needs is a chance, and I received that chance right from the get-go.” – Lou Torchia, Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA)

Lou Torchia, executive director of the CFCNCA, tells the story behind his involvement with the Combined Federal Campaign that led him to where he is today – giving the federal community the chance to reach people around the world.

The power of data in making a difference | Dr. Sarah Degnan Kambou, International Center for Research on Women
“This was the first time I really understood the situation of women and girls … the oppression that gender was placing upon them, but also their amazing resilience and ability to navigate very difficult moments in their lives … I think it was that moment when I really understood the power of data.” Dr. Sarah Degnan Kambou, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)

ICRW President Dr. Sarah Degnan Kambou’s story continues to take her around the world, supporting international causes through data, and confronting racial injustice here at home. Hear about her travels and impact in part four of our Making Your Global Impact series.

Learning service despite persecution | Mouhamed Mouctar Diallo, Medicines360
“My parents … were hard workers. They were loving, courageous, resilient, and they … put faith ahead of everything. They lived a life of service to others – putting others’ needs first.” – Mouhamed Mouctar Diallo, Medicines360

Mouhamed Mouctar Diallo’s parents fled their country of origin with their children due to persecution, yet lived a life of service to others. Their story inspired his own and led him to where he is today – making an impact on lives all over the world as the national director of Medicines360.

Driven by the desire to do more for others | Veena Jayadeva, Guardian Life
“My mother would tell me stories about times in her life when she had to go without … While I personally did not grow up with that, these are stories that have stayed with me from a very, very young age, and so I’ve always wanted to find a way to give back … The stories that I heard early on in my life have always made me question ‘what more can I do?’” – Veena Jayadeva, Guardian Life

Veena Jayadeva, head of CSR at Guardian Life and Board member at Global Impact, shares where her story is rooted – in the stories and experiences of the generations that came before her in India.

A citizen of the world | Steve Polo, OPX
“My grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from Finland and lived with us for a time, so Finnish and English were spoken in the house … It made me think differently about what it was like even to be an American … I thought of myself in retrospect as really more a citizen of the world.” – Steve Polo, OPX

Steve Polo, managing partner at OPX and Global Impact Board Chair, reflects on how growing up in a multicultural household changed his view of his role in the world – and his responsibility to it.

Our incoming Board Chair’s story | Anita Whitehead, KPMG
“And then before I knew it, I was in college … and kept coming back to this desire … to help people.” – Anita Whitehead, KPMG

From community service to elder care and beyond, incoming Global Impact Board Chair Anita Whitehead reflects on how her experiences ultimately led her to her role at KPMG.

If we can land on the moon, this should be possible. | Anwar Khan, Islamic Relief USA
“Do the impossible. This is the country that sent someone to the moon.  Don’t tell me we can’t get rid of world hunger if we can go to the moon.” – Anwar Khan, Islamic Relief USA

Anwar Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, reflects on gleaning strengths from his parents, but forging his own way; the importance of fundraising to further your mission and witness; treating others how you want to be treated in the face of discrimination; and making a global impact by providing basic human rights to all people, no matter their color, no matter their background, no matter where they are from.

Use your story to create change!
Empowered by our own individual stories, our collective mission at Global Impact is to inspire greater giving for good – and we’d love to do that with you. Learn more about our services and partner with us!