Partnerships
Global Give Back Circle exists because of partnership.
Twenty years ago, a group of people decided to give back by helping young women in Kenya access opportunities they otherwise would not have had. What started as a simple idea grew because others joined the journey. Schools opened their doors. Mentors volunteered their time.
Companies shared their expertise. Donors invested in possibilities. Communities welcomed us in.
The Power of Partnership when Technology Supports Global Engagement
Over the years, we have learned that lasting change is never created by one organization acting alone. The best solutions emerge when different people bring different strengths to the table. Over the past 20 years, we have leveraged technology to engage individuals and organization in a shared vision – whether as mentors or programming providers – using everything from email, Skype, Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp.
Some partners provide resources. Others provide technical expertise. Some help us understand local realities. Others help us connect young women to opportunities, networks and jobs. Local grassroots organizations bring deep community trust and understanding. Governments help create pathways for scale and sustainability. Employers connect learning to work. Mentors expand horizons and possibilities. Researchers help us learn what works, while donors and investors help turn promising ideas into reality by providing the resources needed to innovate, scale and sustain impact.
When Drexel University’s Close School of Entrepreneurship offered to deliver a 10-week Entrepreneurship course via zoom – we jumped on this opportunity for all participants. When Jenny Just, Co-Founder of Peak6, offered to deliver her innovative 8-week leadership course, ‘Poker Power’ via zoom – we also jumped on this opportunity. And, in 2008, when pony express letters were slowing down progress for our international mentors, we developed safe ways to leverage the speed and efficiencies of emails and WhatsApp.
In addition to figuring out ways to engage the give back desires of the global community in our mission, another reason Global Give Back Circle has been successful is that, from the beginning, we worked alongside local organizations, community leaders, government representatives, private sector partners, and families. Together, they shaped an organization which reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.
Today, our partnerships range from grassroots organizations in rural Kenya to global corporations, foundations and individual mentors located around the world. While their contributions may differ, they are united by a shared belief that women and girls deserve the opportunity to realize their potential.
We believe the strongest partnerships are those where everyone contributes, everyone learns and everyone sees the value of working together. This shared commitment creates the foundation for opportunities that continue long after a project ends.
We believe giving back is the one privilege we all share. Partnership is how we turn that belief into action.