In this edition of our Employee Spotlight Series we are excited to profile Chantal Noble, our new Deputy CEO. Chantal’s connection to The Hunger Project goes back to 2017, when an Immersion trip to Malawi changed how she viewed the world and her purpose in it. With a diverse career from Business Chicks to most recently Uber, Chantal brings a blend of fundraising skills, partnership management and business acumen, and will be with us for the next 12 months with Siv on parental leave.
1. What inspired you to join THPA?
After my own Immersion Experience with THP to Malawi, Africa in 2017, it totally changed my view of what it means to ‘help thy neighbour’. I became committed to showing up in any small way I could for people who didn’t have the tools themselves. I ran fundraising events to support THP’s work in equipping these people with the tools they needed to change their own circumstances. When the role came up to work in a formal capacity at THP, it felt like the stars aligned – a mission I believed in and had supported for many years.
2. What programs have resonated most with you in your work?
There would have to be two. Our Adolescent Girls program in India resonates with me because I’ve seen what happens when a girl is given room to lead: it doesn’t just change her life, it changes her family, her community, the next generation. That’s the kind of change that doesn’t reverse itself.
Secondly, across Africa, THP’s Epicentre Strategy. It doesn’t hand a community a solution – it builds the infrastructure for communities to author their own. Watching the shift from human dependency to ownership is remarkable. These aren’t temporary aid stations and it’s not charity, it’s partnership. It resonated so much for me as I realised that each and every one of us can contribute to that partnership individually or in their business – even if it’s in a small way. Collectively we can see this vision of ending hunger come to life.
3. What’s one piece of advice that you’d want to give to someone who is looking to make a difference?
Every single person possesses unique experiences, resources, skills, and perspectives that can create a ripple effect of positive change in their community and across the world. No one is excluded from being a part of this transformation.
4. What quotes have influenced you in your own life?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou
“You are an example. Whether or not you’re a good example is up to you” – I don’t remember who said it but it always tinkers in the back of my mind.
5. How do you like to unwind in your free time?
Any sort of bath or hot spring scenario – that’s my vibe. Cooking with my son. Going on walks as a family and getting a coffee. Being near the water – beach, lake, river…. oh and one must jump in for a dip – no matter the temperature!