My favourite travel memory is my trip to Koh Samui, an island in Thailand. It's my favourite because it was there that I discovered my love for wildlife conservation. The island is known for its amazing beaches and hotels, but there are so many unique and stunning animals that I found along the way.
Staff Spotlight: Kirsty Davids
Title:
Digital DesignerPhotos
Kirsty Davids is a digital designer born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She is super passionate about all things design as well as making a difference and helping where she can.
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have definitely changed and grown since working for GVI. Working here has opened my eyes to all the different ways to make a change and to do it in an ethical manner. I am so inspired by all the people around me. I continue to learn so much about how to make changes and an impact. I have been here for almost a year and learned so much.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Recently, a teacher from the UK decided to take a trip to one of our hubs in Madagascar. She had an amazing time and this was really special to me as she said she wanted to go with GVI to make a difference and have a meaningful trip instead of a regular holiday. In that time she got to see 3 species of lemur plus much more. She also took full advantage of her time off and explored the islands nearby. Swimming with turtles, seeing a humpback whale and calf, whilst also taking time in the local markets. What an exciting story!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would love to go on one of the marine conservation programs in the Seychelles! I have always been so intrigued by learning about marine conservation and I would like to know all that it entails. I have also never been diving and I love new experiences. It would be so exciting to see the beaches as well as tortoises and marine life.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I am proud of my company and team for being so dedicated to diversity and inclusion. As a woman of colour, this is very important to me as previous companies and most places in South Africa treat people of colour so poorly. I am proud of my company for trying to make a difference in all aspects and focusing on changing the status quo.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think a successful company is when your employees are happy and taken care of, therefore, customers and clients are taken care of. Mental health and wellbeing is super important and the key to a company being successful. It also involves management who care about their employees and the company. With good communication and honesty.