At Strong Automotive, we live our core value ‘Optimize’ by embracing bold experimentation. This spirit shines in our First Four employees—Amelia Bennett, Josie Green, Tara Kirk, and Reeves Parrish—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.
Amelia, our Digital Project Manager in her fifth year at Strong, shared her thoughts on this journey:
What was your “I’m going to do this!” rationale for answering the call?
At first, I answered the call by becoming a donor to Hope for Kenya. However, when the chance came to be part of the work directly, I realized my role needed to be greater. Living in NYC and working at Success Academy opened my eyes to the privilege I carry and how unevenly opportunities are distributed. I believe we have a responsibility to help open the door for others. Joining Hope for Kenya allows me to move from supporting change to being present in it.
What do you most look forward to?
Aside from helping with some handy work, I’m looking forward to sitting down with The Joy School scholars, chatting while we make bracelets, and learning some new dance moves!
Did you ever imagine yourself doing this?
Not at all! I travel and fly often, but have little experience traveling internationally. I can’t express my gratitude to John Paul and Strong Automotive for this opportunity.
Gotta ask, any fears?
I have arachnophobia, my only genuine fear; I even avoid places that I assume will have spiders. Other than running the risk of seeing a massive spider, I’m pretty stoked!
To you, Amelia, I offer these words from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you!” I cannot wait to hear the stories after 12 days in Kenya.
God bless the First Four!