What is your favorite travel memory?
There are too many to choose from! A more extended memory that I very much hold dear to my heart is when I lived in Chiang Mai for six months. I loved being able to walk around the Old Town and surrounding areas to explore the markets and temples.
I also loved spending time with the elephants at a conservation in the north of Thailand. It was a very informative experience and so much fun seeing/feeding the elephants!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
All of them! Seriously. All of them. But, if I had to choose one to begin with, I would go to India or Nepal and participate in the community development programs we offer there.
I have always wanted to travel to that area in Asia, and would love the opportunity to learn more about the culture/environment while also learning from and contributing to our sustainable projects there.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
GVI is very much an organic organization. In my short time working with them (since August 2016), it's been evident to me how growth-oriented the team is.
There is a consistent attitude of positivity and of desiring feedback from both employees and participants.
This creates a culture of enhanced quality, collaboration, and impact.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
In order to be successful, especially in the volunteer/experiential education sector, an organization must have individuals who are dedicated to the work they are doing on a personal level.
It must mean something more to them besides just the month-to-month paycheck, and also must enrich their lives in a way that makes them want to contribute more. I think it is very much a reciprocal partnership.