I want to share about a cause that's near and dear to my heart, Safe Haven Adaptive Response Program in Sierra Leone, an organization that was founded by my friend Ibrahim whom I met while visiting Sierra Leone in 2007 while at Wharton. Ibrahim always struck me as unique, eager and extremely talented, even though was just a young boy who had survived indescribable devastation during the civil war (I'm sure many of you have heard of the Blood Diamond movie starring Leonardo di Caprio). Moreover, the people of Sierra Leone live in my heart, day in and day out, given how faith-oriented, loving and enterprising they are, despite being in the poorest nation on earth. The hope and songs of the children makes my heart glow, despite my general broken-heartedness of their grim living situation and endless struggle for survival (for instance, lately the electricity across the country has been cut).

About 7 years ago, Ibrahim approached me to be on the board of a nonprofit to help bring education and safe housing to children in flood prone (disaster) areas. Even though I was "busy" with motherhood and my own coaching practice, I could not resist.  

What has emerged over the past several years has astounded me. I have seen the power of faith, love and perseverance give birth to countless miracles through SHARP. 

We are thankful that in 2023 we were able to:
·   supply seed loans to 40 farmers and sustainable agriculture training to 89 farmers (for land that we purchased)·      begin a tool loan program that could reach 100 farmers in 2024·      provide 205 children a quality education at Empowering Children School in Freetown·      begin a second school in a remote village for 56 children who have never been to school before. 
The truth is, this is just small fry for what we can accomplish - we have even bigger dreams!