In this edition of our Employee Spotlight Series we are excited to profile Jayati Mudaliar, our Grants Officer.
1. What inspired you to join THPA?
I’ve always been drawn to people’s potential. I love watching someone grow in confidence or take on something new. When I came across The Hunger Project, what stood out was that it starts from that same belief. Coming straight out of university, I wanted my work to mean something, and this felt right. Now, I see my role as helping to leave something lasting behind.
2. What programs have resonated most with you in your work?
When I was preparing for my interview here, I came across a story from Malawi, and it’s stayed with me ever since. It’s how I first learned about the Epicentre Strategy. What I love about it is that it invests in people first. Animators trained with The Hunger Project then lead the change in their own communities. For me, that’s what makes it last. The skills and the leadership stay in the community even after Self Reliance and that’s how hunger ends for good.
3. What’s one piece of advice that you’d want to give to someone who is looking to make a difference?
Start small and be consistent. It’s easy to wait for a big moment, but most change comes from showing up again and again. That might mean following an organisation on social media and watching how the work grows over the years, or making a small contribution and sticking with it.
4. What quotes have influenced you in your own life?
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!” – that’s Helen Keller. I see it every day at work. None of what we do happens because of one person. It happens because communities, partners and our team all work towards the same goal.
5. How do you like to unwind in your free time?
I have a little ritual of trying out new markets around Sydney. It makes me curious about the communities living in each suburb and what they bring to it. And on Sundays you’ll find me on a sunset walk by the beach.