At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Josie Green, Tara Kirk, Reeves Parrish and Amelia Bennett—who will travel over 30 hours to volunteer in Kenya with Hope for Kenya.
Led by our good friend Philip Coltart, the team will support Joy Schools International in Ndhiwa, contributing to classroom projects and vital community efforts like drilling wells for fresh water.
Josie, a Google Ads Coordinator, celebrated her 1-year anniversary in May. An Alabama native who grew up on Straight Mountain, she shared her thoughts on this global adventure:
What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
After getting to go to the Big Oak Girls’ Ranch to volunteer and getting to see the physical manifestations of our giving, I was eager for more opportunities to get involved in Strong’s outreach. I care deeply about education and believe that every child deserves to learn and thrive – so when John Paul announced that they would be sending a group of ambassadors to visit the Joy School, I knew I had to apply.
What do you most look forward to?
Aside from spending time with the kids at Joy School, I’m most excited about seeing Kenyan culture firsthand – especially music and dancing! I’m also really looking forward to our safari days and exploring the habitat, and hope we see the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo)! I love big cats
Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Honestly, no, at least not in my twenties! I am so grateful for this opportunity from John Paul and the gals that are joining me. The closer it gets, the less real it feels!
Gotta ask, any fears?
Shockingly I’m not scared of anything (as of now), but I haven’t flown in 5 years and have never gone out of the country, so thinking of the airport is nerve-wracking!
To you, Josie, and your hopes to see the Big 5, these words of caution from author Hunter S. Thompson: “You can’t play city rules when you live in the jungle.” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.
God bless the First Four!