Ashoka
United States of America ??
What does it mean to develop a life purpose? More than 20 years ago, I decided to rethink this as I contemplated a transition from global leadership in high tech. As I began this journey with the support of Spiritual Direction, I realized that I was trying to learn what God had in mind for my purpose. I developed a life plan that started with a discernment on my core values (faith, family and love). My purpose followed. “My purpose is to dedicate myself completely, unconditionally to serving others starting with my family and with a special emphasis on being a positive influence in the lives of young people to become citizens of the world.” I now characterize myself as a “Connector with a focus on education equity.” I deliver on this with active involvement with global nonprofits as well as other sectors. Examples include:
- Ashoka where my involvement has included launching with a multigenerational team Ashoka’s Youth Venture and discussions on Seattle as a Changemaker city. I have worked with various Ashoka Fellows. I worked with Anne Evans in the early phase of Faith-Based Changemaking introducing her and others to connections in the Christian, Muslim, and other faith communities. I assisted with the global introduction of the Empathy initiative and subsequent recruiting of Changemaker schools who practiced empathy and other Changemaker social skills. One of the first elected was a Catholic school I helped to found about 15 years ago, St Madeleine Sophie, which has received national recognition for its inclusive approach.
- The Encore Network founded by Ashoka Fellow March Freedman has a vision of a global culture where older adults are vital contributors to more engaged and equitable societies. I co-lead the Program Committee and Intergenerational affinity group. I am leading the EN involvement with a global (Generations Over Dinner) program which brings together at least three generations and explores how to bring solutions to issues of interest to all.
- (Quest for Excellence – K-12 STEAM Education (q4excellence.com) founded about 10 years ago by good friend Danny Kim. Danny founded a very successful tech company over 30 years ago based on Christian principles. Danny now dedicates his time to global education and I am helping scale his Quest work. He is known to Ashoka leadership and infuses his Christian principles and Ashoka values in Quest.
- My spiritual life has included being an active member of St Madeleine Sophie Catholic parish for 23 years including serving on the Parish Council and its Social Justice commission, Board of Ignatian Spirituality Center, brought (JustFaith Ministries | JustFaith changes people. Those people change the world) program and its founder to Washington state, and involvement in many Jesuit programs including the 9 month Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. 30+ years ago I led a volunteer Ohio team that helped financially struggling inner city Catholic Schools by developing a theme “Catholic Education: Values for a Lifetime.”
- My impact is the result of what the organizations I support accomplish. My goal is to bring awareness to their good work. My spirituality/faith is intertwined with those I serve daily. Every day I reflect on what I am grateful for, how I am living my life plan and say to Jesus, “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” I try every day to lead by example, build relationships and am nourished when people/organizations do well.