5 Things You Didn't Know About Tia McNelly
/Name: Tia McNelly
Organization: The Kilgoris Project
Title: Director of Opportunity
The Kilgoris Project educates and cares for school-aged children in rural Kenya, partnering with the community to build rising futures. PaperSeed recently partnered with them to invest in an innovative Eucalyptus farm, which will provide ongoing, in-country revenue and ensure the sustainability of The Kilgoris Project's programs for years to come. This month, we interviewed Tia McNelly to learn more about about what drives her work with TKP.
1. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I get really revved when I see people’s lives transformed by access to new information and ideas. This could be kids in rural Kenya gaining access to education, or their mothers learning how to run a micro-enterprise. It could also be a suburban kid here in the US who has no worldview or plans for impacting the lives of others getting wrecked in my Intro to Global Development mini-elective that I teach at my kids’ middle school. When people’s eyes are opened to possibility and opportunity, my soul is satisfied.
2. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU AREN'T WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING?
When I’m not hanging out with my husband and two daughters (10 and 14), most of my time these days is taken up with writing. I recently launched a website and online shop filled with work from local artists and fair trade goodies. The plan is to generate a bit of side income to be donated to an organization that I’m on the board of. This side project is a huge leap of faith for me and I’m excited to see what will come of it! Shameless plug: tiamcnelly.com
When I’m not so busy, I love to hike. Getting in the Appalachian Mountains here in North Carolina is my go-to stress reliever. I also workout 4 or 5 times a week at a really fun studio where I get to practice everything from hip hop dance to functional fitness. Other than that, I’m very involved in my church community and love to read and study.
3. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
This one is tough. I have a few and the ones that come to mind first are so cliché. (My mom, Jesus, etc.) I’m going to go with my sister-in-law, also the founder of The Kilgoris Project, Caren McCormack. She has mentored me in this work for more than seven years and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without her patience, grace, instruction and guidance. I’m so grateful for the way she’s modeled strength of character, professionalism, self-sacrifice and generosity.
4. WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE REALLY GOOD AT?
One thing I’ve heard said about me over and over is that I’m infectious. (I’m never really sure if that’s actually a compliment, though!) The truth is, I love sharing my passions with others and I do have a way of inviting people to come along on the adventure. So, watch out! You might be on your way to Kenya if we ever meet.
5. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU HOPE TO LEARN IN THE FUTURE? (LIKE A NEW LANGUAGE, INSTRUMENT, OR SKILL?)
I am on my way to learning conversational Swahili, but it’s going to take some serious focus and effort to become fluent. I think it’s so important to speak the language of the people I work with. Even when I can muster a few broken words, I can see that it’s so appreciated. I also know how much I appreciate it when I hear my Kenyan friends trying their best with English.