Elizabeth Powley '93 took her career journey from Grinnell to Africa. As a result of the commitment to education and social justice instilled at Grinnell, she founded Every Child is My Child, a nonprofit organization committed to funding education opportunities for children in Burundi and Rwanda.
Elizabeth describes her work as "bridging the gap for children in need of financial resources to continue their education beyond the primary school level." Working in Africa following graduate studies in international development, she realized secondary education needs in that region were left underserved. Elizabeth's previous experience as a high school teacher and her background in international affairs gave her the tools to build an organization that transforms lives by increasing access to education in Africa.
Elizabeth maintains multiple connections to Grinnell through her organization. A Grinnellian sits on the board of directors and another serves as a volunteer abroad in Africa. This summer, Elizabeth welcomes her first Grinnell intern, Wadzanai Motsi '12. Wadzanai will work to increase the outreach and fundraising capacity of the organization. Elizabeth hopes to raise awareness through outreach to students in the United States. She sees great potential in using social networking and educational outreach to high school students as a means to share the mission of Every Child is My Child.
For Elizabeth "a satisfying career requires finding something you love doing, and then making sure you align your interests with your skill set."She found this connection with Every Child is My Child, and she will enable current students to identify their skills via internships. While the internship this summer is her first step, Elizabeth hopes to continue hosting Grinnell students and eventually add an internship experience in Africa. Elizabeth hopes other alumni are willing take on the mentoring role of an internship supervisor. She sees the internship experience as "energy contributed...and benefits received, " for current and former students working together.
