Staff Spotlight: Hannah Whittaker-George

Title:
Managing Director

Photos

Having no idea where life was taking her after finishing college, Hannah spent long days in different admin roles, that did not satisfy her. Deciding to take a Gap Year, Hannah first visited China for 4 months as a Volunteer English Teacher. Hannah continued to Travel and volunteer across Asia. On returning home Hannah decided to study part time in Business and Management and slowly began to build Tru Experience Travel.

What position do you hold at Tru Experience Travel? What has been your career path so far?

I am the managing Director at Tru Experience Travel, in my earlier years I did not have a career path, in fact I was unable to find work for 2 years.

When I did find work it was temporary admin roles for various companies. I didn’t enjoy the work and they failed to inspire me - dead end jobs. Entering adulthood with no real qualifications or talent to offer any organization, followed by a pretty bad car accident persuaded me to make changes to my life.

Did YOU volunteer abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

After volunteering in China, I started to support vulnerable adults because I wanted to help others in my home country. I supported people suffering from mental health issues, and also people with learning disabilities and challenging behavior.

What is your favorite volunteer abroad memory?

I took other opportunities to volunteer abroad and begun to build Tru Experience Travel. Volunteering abroad is what has made me who I am today and still are best experiences I have ever had in my life. Volunteering abroad completely change me as a person as well as help me find my purpose in life.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Tru Experience Travel team.

I am very proud to be apart of Tru Experience Travel. Giving people the same amazing opportunities and experiences. Being able to give something unique of yourself to a community less fortunate gives you the volunteer a life long memory to carry forever. Not only that memory will you carry but you will gain your very own new life skills and grow in confidence along the way. If that’s not something to be proud of I don’t know what is?! :)

What does the future hold for Tru Experience Travel - any exciting new programs to share?

The future for Tru Experience Travel is certainly bright, everyday is new and everyday we work harder with our partners to develop new projects. Tru Experience Travel have built new partnerships in many destinations, so yes there will be new projects and new destination to look out for in 2016. Argentina and St Lucia just two of them. We can’t wait…