Bloomberg Industry Group’s Post

As the new academic year approaches, I take a moment to reflect on the once in a lifetime six-week leadership development trip to Mexico City, generously funded by the Laidlaw Scholarship. My team and I volunteered on a community empowerment project alongside IRRI a local NGO. IRRI works to create both practical and sustainable solutions to challenges faced by rural and indigenous groups across Mexico e.g., water insecurity. Below I describe some of the actions my team and I were able to achieve through this life-changing experience. 📢 Amplifying the voices of rural communities We visited and interviewed farmers in rural regions of Mexico City. Videos of their experiences and challenges were then created to be amplify their voices through IRRI's online platforms. 🧠 Increasing public knowledge of, and engagement with IRRI Designed and ran a stall at an event in central Mexico City. This consisted of running interactive activities relating to IRRIs projects, and selling the produce of rural farmers. During this event we raised the online following of IRRI through promoting QR codes linked to the organisations social media accounts. Infographics were designed in both English and Spanish, creating accessible information regarding the amazing projects which IRRI runs. These were shared via social media platforms, which then had an increased following after our event stall. 🤝Empowering local people to create change in their communities We managed a group of 10 volunteers, allowing them to learn first hand the issues faced by rural and indigenous groups. We facilitated direct connections between these individuals and IRRI, and giving them a framework for how they can continue to create impact on issues which affected minority groups in their locality. 🚀 Looking ahead: My experience in Mexico City has given me a newfound optimism after seeing the tangible impact of collective action. Along with giving me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by minority groups in Mexico City, this experience has furthered my desire to empower my own local community. This year, I am pursuing the challenge of volunteering as an LGBTQIA+ mentor with a mental health charity. This allows me to continue striving for equality, and work to empower individuals in my local community.

Title: Finding Purpose: Making Your Life a Service to Society In a world often consumed by personal ambitions and individual pursuits, finding purpose in serving others can be a transformative endeavor. Embracing a life of service not only benefits those in need but also brings profound fulfillment and meaning to our own lives. Service to society is about extending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, uplifting communities, and contributing positively to the world around us. It encompasses acts of kindness, volunteerism, advocacy, and philanthropy, all aimed at making a difference in the lives of others. One of the key benefits of dedicating one's life to service is the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you are making a positive impact on the world. Whether it's mentoring youth, feeding the hungry, or advocating for social justice, each act of service adds value and meaning to both the giver and the recipient. Moreover, serving others fosters a sense of connection and empathy, breaking down barriers and fostering a more compassionate society. By stepping outside of our own experiences and investing in the well-being of others, we cultivate a deeper understanding of human nature and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a global community. Finding purpose in serving others also provides a sense of direction and clarity in life. When we align our goals and aspirations with the greater good, we discover a sense of meaning and fulfillment that transcends material success. Service becomes not just a duty, but a calling—a way to live out our values and make a meaningful contribution to the world. In a world where self-interest often reigns supreme, choosing to make your life a service to society is a radical act of generosity and compassion. It is a commitment to living with purpose and intention, and a recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. As we strive to create a better world for future generations, let us remember the power of service to transform lives and communities. Together, through acts of kindness, compassion, and solidarity, we can build a more just, equitable, and compassionate world for all. Follow me Muhammad Ramzan #ServiceToOthers #PurposeDrivenLife #MakingADifference #CommunityService #SocialImpact #Volunteerism #Empathy #Compassion #GlobalCitizenship #SocialJustice #Humanitarianism #MeaningfulLiving #LifePurpose #MakingAnImpact #Generosity #Philanthropy #Unity #Solidarity #BuildingABetterWorld #CreatingChange #ServeWithPurpose #FindYourPurpose #LiveWithIntention #DignityForAll #Inspirational #Transformative #HopeForTheFuture #TogetherWeCan #ChangeTheWorld

"I always try to start with some type of goal. Then, I work backward, thinking of what I need to do to get there and give myself smaller, more immediate goals." – Kristi Yamaguchi Starting with a goal and working backward, setting smaller milestones along the way—that's the key to success. As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, let's draw inspiration from Kristi Yamaguchi's wise words. At Stella, we empower women to set and achieve their goals, fostering a supportive community that embraces diversity and inclusive leadership. Together, we advance towards a brighter future, one milestone at a time. #Stella #nonprofit #community #womeninbusiness #womensupportingwomen #womenentrepreneurs #investinwomen #StellaFoundation #inwomenweinvest #ElevateEquity #aapiheritagemonth #empowerment #inclusiveleadership

“Thriving Non-Profits provided the members of the Action Dignity leadership and fund development team with a common language and common tools that we can use to move our agenda forward collectively, cohesively, and confidently.” - Dr. Francis Boakye, ActionDignity Executive Director                                      ActionDignity, based in Calgary, is a non-profit organization committed to facilitating transformational change within ethnocultural, racialized, and equity-deserving groups. Their work involves supporting community organizations in addressing challenges and implementing solutions. 💡 Learn more about them here: https://actiondignity.org/ “I can’t overstate the value and importance of these types of capacity-building programs for professionals in the non-profit sector. I would encourage every funder to support.” – Action Dignity cohort participant  Since their development through the Thriving Non-Profits program, Action Dignity has already made progress in implementing its revenue diversification plan. 👏 They are actively developing the fee-for-service training program and have identified potential partners for collaboration. We are so thrilled that our program has served organizations of many different missions and mandates like Action Dignity. We want to ensure the organizations we assist are financially strengthened, which helps communities thrive.   Looking to increase capacity and move your organization’s mission forward? Learn more about the Fall 2024 Thriving Non-Profits Cohort program. ➡️ Applications are open: https://lnkd.in/g_tjp5HG   #ActionDignity #transformationalchange #equity #nonprofit #revenuediversification 

Exciting News! Our President and CEO, Joseph Scantlebury, will attend the upcoming Hispanics in Philanthropy Leadership Conference this Thursday, June 20. There, he will join Radhy Miranda from The Rockefeller Foundation, and Brenda Burgos for an important discussion on philanthropy's evolving role in fostering community-led movements and equitable wealth-building in cities. As the ongoing campaign against diversity and inclusion induces hesitancy around equitable policies and investments across the country, it's crucial for philanthropy to step up and meet the moment. In this new environment, what can philanthropic institutions do to drive high-growth and inclusive wealth-building in our communities? Join us to explore how philanthropy can: ✅ Build durable partnerships among community organizations, lenders, and local government leaders. ✅ Spur equitable business growth. ✅ Empower community-led movements for sustainable development. This is a great opportunity to engage with leaders in the field and discover innovative strategies to support our communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future. Check out the complete conference agenda: https://lnkd.in/edsv2sgh #Philanthropy #DiversityAndInclusion #Equity #WealthBuilding #CommunityDevelopment #Conference2024

Health Forward is supporting equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work for predominantly white-led or governed organizations working with and serving Black, Indigenous, or Latino communities. For organizations whose leadership or boards are predominantly non-Latino white, learning about — and growing accountability for — equity, inclusion, and anti-racism practices is necessary to best support Black, Indigenous, or Latino communities. It’s also vital in equitably fulfilling an organization’s mission. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gcSk9Swa Watch Health Forward Equity Fellow and Impact Strategist Andrés Domínguez announce the opportunity: https://lnkd.in/giaGUPh5 #Philanthropy #Equity #Inclusion #Antiracism #HealthEquity

"Ready to make your career count for something more? Join The Better India's 8-week 'Careers With Purpose' program to secure a job in the social impact sector. Work with leading impact organizations and be a part of a journey to create a better world. Don't miss out on this opportunity – apply by October 27th! Learn more here: [Insert Link] 🌍🌟 #CareerWithPurpose #SocialImpact #ApplyNow"