What does Empowering Women mean to you?
It is the way that I live my life. It is a part of my foundation. I grew up with a mother and sister who were so strong, powerful, loving and inspiring. I wanted to help other women see the amazing person and potential that I see in them. That was a passion of mine from as young as I can remember. I have always wanted to stand up for the person who might not fit in immediately, who is going through a hard time in life, who is being bullied for some ridiculous reason and who may not be able to see the incredible person they are and the strength they possess. Strong women inspire and teach me so much and they have helped me to love myself...I only hope that I can do that for someone else.
How did you get started working in your field?
After I finished college in Oregon, I was lucky enough to get a job in Beverly Hills as the assistant for the lawyer and founding partners of a business management firm. They mentored me and taught me so much about the business. They became my LA family. Their clients were celebrity and high net worth clients. From there, I made connections and went to work in house for clients. I became a personal assistant for years and then a private travel coordinator. I also started my own business to curate once in a lifetime travel plans as well as volunteer travel. I want to bring 5 star treatment to volunteer trips and encourage more people to do it. There are so many people that want to give and help others but don't know who to trust with their donations or how to get started. I want to help people plan vacations and incorporate volunteering and donations into that process.
What do you love most about your job? / What are you most proud of?
I am on the board of a non profit called Positive Life Kenya which provides a safe house, training courses and a school in the slums in Nairobi. I am very proud of all of the amazing connections and people that I have met along this journey and our mission and the work that we put in to help young women. I want to make sure that the women that we work with feel supported, loved and believed in.
What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work?
My advice would be to stick with your passions. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the negativity and all of the need around the world. However, believing in a cause, working for that cause and seeing the progress that you are making is such a personal and intimate experience. In order to give so much to a cause, you need to be passionate about it and then the sky is the limit.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am just excited to meet with other amazing people that I can learn from and stay in touch with. I am excited and happy to have this forum to get everyone together.
Connect with Lindsey:
Website - www.travelcuration.net
Instagram - @volunteertravelcuration