Over the last six months, Global Girl Project has managed to bring to fruition our “More than One Voice” book and the Connected Voices digital leadership event all through the power of volunteers who believe in what we do. Our organization is driven by the enthusiasm our global team of volunteers brings to every effort. We are immensely grateful for their time and skills toward our recent campaigns and thought you should learn more about the great folks we have the pleasure of working with. Here goes!
Nicolette Teo is part of the GGP team that organized the recent online Connected Voices global summit. She has spent her entire career organizing events in the wine and spirits industry. When she saw a call for volunteers on social media, she offered her event management skills at our event, and her assistance couldn’t have come at a better time. She helped bring our team of volunteers together and keep us on track with our project deliverables. Here’s a little more on Nicole:
What is your greatest achievement outside of GGP?
Successfully establishing my own small business (L.A. Spirits Awards) in the midst of a global pandemic and building a diverse and inclusive team around it that showcases the talent of the spirits industry. It's between that and my past life as a three-time Olympian for my native country Singapore.
What attracted you to volunteer with GGP?
I've always admired the work that Julia and GGP are doing with young women around the world. Young women are our future and GGP does a superb job of mobilizing them to be changemakers within their own communities. When I saw Julia's call for volunteers on Instagram, the words "If not now, then when" popped into my head! Selfishly, I also felt I had so much to learn from the big and warm heart that Julia has.
What has been the most exciting thing you have been involved in volunteering for GGP?
Meeting and collaborating with the other wonderful volunteers. It's great to be able to connect with other women across the globe during these unprecedented times and know that we're in this together. I've also been thoroughly enjoying the lovely British accents during our zoom calls!
What are your hopes for the future of GGP?
That we get more eyeballs on the great work that GGP is doing!
Uduak Duke is another of our amazing volunteers that has been helping us with creating our impact report and also a few modules of the leadership training programme that will directly benefit our girls everywhere. She has been simply incredible to work with bringing all her know-how to GGP and getting us going on some very integral aspects of our non-profit work.
What is your greatest achievement outside of GGP?
Being a mom to a beautiful 15-month-old girl.
What attracted you to volunteer with GGP?
I am passionate about empowering young women and girls and believe that women are catalysts for change in communities. GGP's values and activities align with my passion. I also found the Exchange Programme to be really interesting as it teaches girls about cultures, religions and ways of life which are different to theirs and helps them develop tolerance and empathy toward others.
What has been the most exciting thing you have been involved in volunteering for GGP?
So far, I have supported production of the first GGP impact report. It was really good to see on paper how much impact GGP has had on the girls directly and on their communities to date. I am also working on some modules for GGP's exchange programme and I am excited to be directly involved in equipping the girls with leadership skills.
What are your hopes for the future of GGP?
Growth, expansion, sustainability. I want to see a long lasting impact, and more girls and communities reached by GGP.
Stay tuned for more updates on our really cool group of talented volunteers as we share more about them over the next few weeks. Meanwhile…you knew this was coming…we have another announcement to make!
This December, Women@Disney and Disney Diversity will be holding THE BIG FAT CHARITY CHRISTMAS QUIZ to raise money for the Global Girl Project, and you are all invited to participate. The brilliant Gary Jordan, who plays Zazu in the Lion King Stage Show, is joining us to host the quiz, bringing some unmissable Disney magic to the night. Get your team together or go it alone and get ready to compete against the rest of the company, to win some spectacular prizes and be crowned the ultimate quizmaster ‘King’ or ‘Queen’. Head here for the deets.
And a quick note to also let you know we are going to be starting a monthly donor campaign very soon so you can give the gift of leadership, education or even a passport to a young girl, as a monthly donation, or dedicated to any of your friends and family. Campaign starts December 1!
With much gratitude,
Julia Lynch, Founding Director.