In this edition of our Employee Spotlight Series we profile Talia Smith, our incredible Programs & Impacts Manager, who helps bring our programs to life.
1. What inspired you to join THPA?
It was The Hunger Project’s model of self-reliance. I joined as I was doing my studies in international development, and one thing I learned about constantly was, how broken the system of international development can be when it’s leading to this dependency model; so working for an organisation that addressed that and confronted it and made sure that the model was completely the opposite of creating dependency was something that was really important to me.
2. What programs resonate most with you in your work?
The program that resonates with me the most is the Vision, Commitment Action workshops. It’s something that I think is so unique to the Hunger Project. And, it’s one thing that I’ve seen on the ground with our community partners, time and time again as being the most transformational part of the work, having, just that knowledge that you can transform your life to be without hunger and poverty is such a shift in mindset for so many people. And, I’ve heard from so many community partners that it’s that workshop that has been to transform their lives.
3. What’s one piece of advice that you’d want to give to someone who is looking to make a difference?
There is no action that’s too small. I think for so many people, and especially young people, it can seem like there’s so many horrible things going on in the world and that the problems can just be too big to even hope to address in our lifetime. But doing something small, a small action or a small donation can still be so impactful. So doing whatever in your capacity to do can also still have an impact.
4. What’s one quote that’s influenced you in your life?
A quote that I love is, the best day to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best day is today. And I think that resonates so much with our work and with your personal life. I guess it would be better to have started 20 years ago, but any action that you can start today will still impact your future.
5. How do you like to unwind in your free time?
I love doing anything creative that I get to make something, any arts and crafts, knitting or pottery or something a little bit creative, or even just cooking from my friends and family and showing my love in that way.