Who is Naomi?

  I'm a 33 year old from San Francisco (originally Atlanta) taking a 5 month leave from my job in strategy consulting at McKinsey to volunteer manage the effort building homes in Villamontes, Bolivia. I've had a passion for Habitat's mission for 15 years, and have been involved in builds in 6 states during that time. About 2 years ago I worked closely with Habitat's leadership to build a global program with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. During that work I was motivated to work with Habitat on a larger scale to build change in a community.

In the past months as I've planned this project, one of the things that has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me has been the example my parents have created. They have managed to mix philanthropy and their professions throughout their lives, working closely with a  home for children with polio in India. It is their example and the great fortune I've had to grow up in my family that has helped me envision this project.

Thank you for your interest in this effort. I look forward to hearing from you.

Comments

[Aditya]

Naomi - terrific to see this is up and running! Hope to see lots of interesting blogs on you experiences!

Aditya

[schaffer]

Naomi
World needs more people with the same courage and initiative you have.
Go ahead, You'll get it done

[Tim]

Great site, hope to get some work done with you down here. Keep on rockin the free world!

[Carolyn McDowell]

Mimi ...we are so fantastically proud of you. Your Mom's art show/ fund raiser got our attention and now I'm reading every word of your pilgrimage and looking at the great pictures. You make all of us at Decatur First proud that you're one of ours. Keep safe, luv and tell the people how much we are pulling for them in their new homes. Much love, Carolyn

[Joanne Arnold Griffin]

Hi, Naomi.

I haven't been in touch with you for quite awhile, but when your folks came in October they caught me up on your life and my mom sent me your holiday video, which is great. Wonderful work. I once dated a guy, Bryan Hughes, who worked in Bolivia as a long term volunteer for Habitat, and later he served as the Latin American HFH coordinator. I'm not quite sure where he was stationed in Bolivia, though. As a former HFHer myself, and as someone currently working with an org in Guatemala, I feel connected to you in some of these ways. Keep up the good work and take care.

Warmly,
Joanne

[Elizabeth]

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Villa Montes 15 years ago. Wow, how it has grown! Great to see projects still going on there.