The Adventure Project

With the help of a revolutionary irrigation pump, rural farmers in Kenya are able to feed their families and produce a surplus for business. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

Suda Okello, a store owner who sells stoves to his community at an affordable price, explains the health and income benefits of charcoal-efficient stoves to a customer. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org. Photo by Esther Havens.

“Now when problems come, I can go to the bank.” Betty Willobo describes how being a charcoal-efficient stove vendor has changed her life. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

The local stove factory provides jobs for skilled laborers. The stoves are then sent to independent women vendors who also earn an income, all the while improving the health and livelihoods of their communities. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

Eddy Odongo manages the books at the first charcoal-efficient stove factory in his community. Learn more www.theadventureproject.org.

Prossie Okello, a store owner who sells stoves, writes a receipt for a customer after he purchased a charcoal-efficient stove. Learn more how at www.theadventureproject.org

Betty Willobo laughs with her 3 sons at their store. Learn more how Betty is improving her own life and those in her community through the sale of charcoal-efficient stoves at www.theadventureproject.org.

Lucy Opio feeds one of her sons. Lucy earns a living selling charcoal-efficient stoves and is now able to send her 7 children to school. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

Each week we highlight a different member of our community who inspires us. This week we’re showcasing: Cynthia Hellen!

Cynthia has been spearheading the event planning for our event tonight at The Ainsworth, coordinating logistics and bringing together NYC’s top women entrepreneurs and leaders. Click the link for more information about the #NiceListNYC Party to celebrate global entrepreneurship (all donations will go towards our stove campaign in Haiti). Make sure you RSVP to join The Nice List!

Twitter:  @cynthiahellen
Website or blog: www.about.me/cynthiahellen
Current city or where you’re from: Cañete, Peru
Tell us about you in 140 characters: Passionately curious, socially-oriented entrepreneur, collaborating to create social change

Why did you decide to join The Tribe? I believe that the world needs to change and that together we can make it better. Luckily for us we have The Adventure Project to be a part of, and people such as Becky Straw, Jody Landers, Nicole Skibola, Gabrielle Tang, and many others to surround ourselves who believe this too. This is why I decided to join TAP’s tribe.

What’s a favorite book you couldn’t put down? Out Of Poverty by Paul Polak

What’s your theme song? Kanye and Jay-Z – Otis ft. Otis Redding

What’s your favorite piece of advice someone gave you? Always be true to yourself. Don’t compromise your beliefs.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? Currently, I am doing a mining expedition with my Spanish Japanese Peruvian grandfather as well as helping him with legal matters that involve the small village he lives in.

What are you most passionate about? Curiously passionate about learning

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Patagonia

We’re having our Holiday Party this coming Tuesday on 12/6 at The Ainsworth, hosted by an amazing committee of NYC’s top women entrepreneurs and leaders. Very exciting. One of our hosts is So What’s On Your Plate? — be sure to check them out!

nettra:

Excited to launch So What’s On Your Plate? in Paris this Saturday. We’ll be bringing a small group of exceptional women together to bond over delicious food!

Message me for more information on what we do when we’re not brunching, how to get on the Paris list and what we believe in.

Cheers to Danielle who is also launching @ourplates in LA this weekend! Thinking of @OurPlates co-founders Virgilia and Niamh in Phoenix and Manhattan.

Looking forward to multiple helpings, giving the next woman a helping hand and making a (g)local, sustainable impact.

Vivian Cola, living in a tent camp in Port au Prince, drinks coffee prepared on her charcoal efficient stove. She also sells the coffee to her community, earning her an income. The stove not only allows her to have her own business, but also drastically reduces smoke emissions, keeping Vivian’s children and unborn baby healthier. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

Our favorite barista in Haiti, Vivian Cola uses her charcoal-efficient stove to sell coffee in her tent camp. Learn more at www.theadventureproject.org.

Joy Twinomusasizi and a fellow Community Health Promoter laugh together at the Bwiase branch office in Kampala.  They meet here twice per week to restock their supply bags and attend trainings. Learn more at The Adventure Project. Photo by Esther Havens.

It’s Tribe Tuesday! This week’s featured member of The Adventure Project Tribe is Nicole, an event planner who helped us plan our latest New York City Cocktail Party. Like all of our Tribe members, she’s amazing and talented, and we love having her on the team!

If you’re in need of a smart and creative event planner, check out Nicole’s event planning website: Nicole Spinella Events.

Learn more about the Tribe, or even join us!

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Your name: Nicole Spinella

Twitter: @nicolespinella

Website: http://nicolespinellaevents.com/

              http://motherofpinches.com

Current City (or where you’re from): NJ & NYC

Tell us about you in 140 characters: I don’t have a band, but I am a rockstar. A rockstar: woman, wife, mother, sister, friend, & career enthusiast. I am also a card addict.

Why did you decide to join the Tribe? I joined The Tribe at the same time I started coordinating a cocktail party for The Adventure Project. I decided to join because I believe in the organization’s mission. The co-founders and team’s passion, energy and drive are contagious; it truly is my pleasure to be apart of The Tribe.

What’s a favorite book you couldn’t put down? A Happy Marriage by Rafael Yglesias

What’s your theme song? I Will Shelter You by Ray LaMontagne

What’s a favorite piece of advice that someone gave you? My favorite piece of advice is from my best friend, and may be familiar to you, as it is a Dr. Seuss quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done? I hiked Katmai National Park to observe brown (and blonde!) bears in their natural habitat with my husband! It was definitely difficult (to say the least) in the beginning, but the adventure was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for us. The hike was incredible, thrilling and (dare I say…) peaceful to be in the wilderness for a day watching bears communicate with each other. I must say, there are quite a few similarities between us and them.

What are you most passionate about? Personally, I am passionate about my family - the family I’ve created and the family I’m from. If you’re my friend, you’re a part of my family. Professionally, I am passionate about event design and production. My passion is having it all: family and career.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be? Anywhere and everywhere (but a definite to plan: Italy).

Joy Twinomusasizi, proudly stands in her neighborhood with her bag full of life-saving medical supplies. Walking door-to-door, Joy sells essential health supplies in her community.  Learn more at The Adventure Project.  Photo by Esther Havens.