Meet Our Inspiration Spotlights
Hakki Akdeniz
CHAMPION PIZZA | New York, NY
Hakki Akdeniz is the owner of Champion Pizza with several New York locations. His goal is to remove the divide between the homeless and the housed.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 7,234
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
I came from nothing. I was living in a homeless shelter. Someone came to help us. Today is my time to help others. Don’t give to get, always give to inspire others to give.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
My family is my life. When I see less fortunate people, I think someone is calling me to help them. There is no way to help homeless on the street, but I can be the one to give them hope. Fight for the thing you care about. All I care about is my family and homelessness.
Legacy is not about fame, nor how much money you have; it’s about how much kindness you give, and what we leave after us to inspire the world.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
After I leave the world, I want people to say Hakki is a good human being.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Life is so beautiful and complicated. With all the things we have, only good people make history. When given the choice between being right or kind, always choose kind because kindness will take you far.
Alyssa Antczak, MS, EMT
ONSLOW COUNTY MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS UNIT AND ONSLOW COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS | Jacksonville, NC
Alyssa has dedicated almost 20 years to serving her community. She began volunteering as an EMT firefighter.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Being connected to something bigger than myself helps me see light in the world and appreciate the gifts I have been given. Giving to others is not only good for the soul but releases endorphins in the brain to boost happiness.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
What inspires me to keep going through challenges is the fact that I am helping people every day and there is purpose in my work. I am usually the one behind the scenes and behind the camera and do not need recognition to keep going. Knowing I am truly helping others and making a difference in my community is recognition enough.
Legacy means leaving behind knowledge we have given others during our lifetime. I hope to impact the minds of those in my life to help others, especially those who can give nothing in return.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I would love to leave a kinder and safer world. Making a choice every day to focus on what is truly important brings me closer to achieving that.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Others should ask themselves the same question so they can prioritize what truly matters to them. Spending time each day focusing on living a life that is mission-centered allows you true happiness.
Maria Rose Belding
MEANS DATABASE | Washington, DC
Maria Rose Belding founded MEANS (Matching Excess and Needs for Stability) Database, an online platform connecting those with excess food, like grocery stores, co-ops and restaurants, with nearby emergency food providers who serve those in need.
Maria Rose Belding is The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2019 honoree.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
In the times in my life when I can’t find the light in myself or in my circumstances, I can find it in our team and in the people we serve. I don’t know that anyone can see the light all the time. That’s why we do this work together.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
The underlying injustices that fuel the need for organizations like MEANS.
Legacy is the very best living memory. I want my legacy to be not just mine, but ours as the entire MEANS team.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I want to leave the world at least a slightly more just, compassionate place than I found it.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Being able to help and needing help yourself are not mutually exclusive. Almost all of us can contribute to making someone else’s life better in some way, even as most of us are also in need of support ourselves on another front. Life really is a team sport, and when we all show up, we can run up the score for everyone.
Kalash Pankaj Bhaiya
FUN LEARNING YOUTH | Jalgaon, Maharashtra India
Kalash Pankaj Bhaiya is a student and social entrepreneur who runs an organization called Fun Learning Youth (FLY), which aims to reduce dropout rates by educating underserved students in India and trying to solve the problems they face.
2022 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Apart from inspiring me to keep going, being appreciated for the work I do by something bigger than myself reinforces my and my team’s motivation to help others.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Looking at the impact created in the world – comparing the world before we started and today – makes me realize the positive difference made and the need for much more in the future. My team, mentors and compassionate supporters become my motivation to overcome challenges.
Legacy means adding value to someone’s life so that they become capable of adding value to someone else’s life, creating a powerful loop that benefits society. My goal is to help as many young people discover their changemaking skills as possible.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Be the ray of hope. Everyone faces bad days, challenges and failures; if you can bring the smallest joy in their life by being kind, hopeful and energetic, it can bring a lot of positivity to them and the world.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Rather than accepting what the world gives us, we should try changing the world for the better in the way we want. To know that we must understand what we really want and what we can really do. It is important to ask this question to understand ourselves to determine our interaction with the world to create the most positive change.
Dustin Brooks
DYESS WE CARE TEAM | Dyess AFB, Texas
Dustin Brooks volunteers with the Dyess We Care Team, an organization of active-duty Air Force, civilians, retired military members and their families who help the disabled, elderly and others in need of minor home repairs.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 7,337
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Being a father of two sons made me realize the impact my personal interactions have on people. At the end of the day, when I come home from work, I want to feel like I gave it my all to make the community around me better.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Three years ago, I decided to help the Dyess We Care Team at a car wash fundraiser, and since then I have volunteered over 500 hours with this organization. It’s a huge milestone and worthwhile because of the great individuals I find myself surrounded with.
Legacy means that the people who know me will be impacted by interacting with me once I am gone.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I hear a lot of people claim that they want to help but don’t know how to. Make connections, and the rest will come in time. Dyess We Care started with a hand full of people 22 years ago. We’ve had over 13,000 volunteers. Last year, we completed a building renovation worth close to $100,000, with zero money out of our pocket since we spent almost a year fundraising. That’s the kind of legacy I aspire to leave for the people that follow me.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
People should ask themselves what they want their legacy to be. It is important to me to do what I can while I have the chance, instead of regretting missed opportunities when it’s too late. I want my legacy to be a tale of valor, not stories of regret.
Patrice Henderson
Michigan Community Service Commission | Detroit, MI
Patrice Henderson is the AmeriCorps VISTA Program Manager for the Michigan Community Service Commission.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Volunteering and working at various levels within AmeriCorps VISTA, an organization that impacts over 40,000 communities in the United States, fulfills my soul. This Michigan program enables me to be a beacon of light while serving my community and addressing its educational, environment, employment, food security and healthcare needs. Quoting the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.” I am honored to be part of the great light of volunteerism shining through the pandemic’s darkness to help communities become resilient.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
I define “compassion burnout” as being overwhelmed by people and workload issues while trying to work from the heart to impact the lives of others. It surpasses the challenges I experienced managing projects in the construction industry. Witnessing the courage, perseverance, pride, success and transformation when human compassion and hope touch another life inspires me to stay the course.
Legacy is a person’s contribution, service, lessons learned, spiritual beliefs and accomplishments that leave a lasting impact on the world, with the potential to be passed on from generation to generation.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I hope my knowledge, encouragement and organizational skills will be used to empower people to overcome the many obstacles of poverty and lead to prosperity in their lives. In addition, may the lessons I have learned serve as a bridge for black women to overcome challenges of being a mother and/or wife, working in a nonprofit, construction or engineering industry in corporate America.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
The same question should be asked so it can provide a guide to fulfilling their purpose toward servant leadership with the gifts they possess to enable their light to help to rid this world of darkness.
Sawyer Hendrickson
Miss Sawyer’s Kid with A Cause | Ludington, MI
When her brother joined the Marine Corps, 6-year-old Sawyer Hendrickson founded Miss Sawyer’s Kids with A Cause dedicated to “Making A Difference in The Lives Of Our Veterans and Active-Duty Military, One Smile at a Time”.
2022 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Seven years ago, my organization started with me and my mom. She helped me bake and go to the post office and find like-minded people that support our military. Now my organization has amazing grassroots supporters from all over the world, corporate sponsors and support from veterans, small businesses and friends, family and neighbors, among many others.
I love that I am connected to and have created something so much bigger than I imagined and that it continues to grow. I see the light all around me in this world and it shines so brightly.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
I will always know that there is someone out there in our military who doesn’t have any family. I will always know that there is someone out there in our military who doesn’t get any mail from friends or family, or hasn’t been home in many years and missed birthdays and holidays because they’re out there fighting for what they believe in.
I know I am putting a smile on someone’s face, making someone’s day, possibly making their whole week, and that is what really inspires me to keep going and get through those challenges. There is always something you can do to help or make a difference and quitting is not an option.
Legacy means living in the moment and giving all that you can to make a difference in someone’s life.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I want people to feel some sort of happiness despite everything that may be going on in their lives, to know that someone out there is thinking of them and appreciates them. Sure it takes effort, but it’s something that anyone can do on any given day. I have been doing this half my life now, if i can start at age 6, then people can start at any age.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Anyone can be that change. Anyone can leave their mark that changes the world for the better. Everyone out there is capable of being that person, all it takes is something you believe in and a little effort.
Claudia Jones
MORE LATINOAMÉRICA | Wasilla, AK
Claudia Jones is a university professor born in Mexico and is currently working at University of Alaska Anchorage/Mat-Su College.
2022 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
MORE Latinoamerica is a non-profit organization founded in the United States that started with two people in 2020, which now includes doctors, psychologists, marketers, lawyers, engineers, architects, housewives, entrepreneurs, nutritionists and teachers. They know that only through education will we achieve gender equality and a better world.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
What gives me the strength to keep going are the messages we receive daily from people who are grateful to receive free and quality education. The common denominator of these messages is that we have changed people’s lives for the better.
Legacy means that my life purpose will help this and the next generations understand that education, along with sisterhood, are the best tools to increase the empowerment of women.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
The mark I want to leave on the world is to continue to raise awareness about the importance of education in achieving gender equality. People who participated in our workshops and internships acquired skills that prepared them to face professional challenges from a global perspective, strengthened their self-esteem, understand life from a multicultural perspective, discover potential in areas they were unaware of and generate friendships.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
In our programs, we always ask our students to share what they have learned. We have a diploma to develop socially responsible companies. This has been a success with our students who are now leaving a mark on the world through their socially responsible ventures.
Harry Kpoh
TREMBO NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA | Louisville, Ky.
Harry founded the Trembo National Association of the Americas, Inc. (TRENAA), an organization dedicated to addressing Liberia’s critical need for life-saving medicine, medical equipment and food.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 7,275
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
It empowers me and, at the same time, humbles me to build on the good foundation of those who came before you to give back.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
The resilience of the people inspires me. Their forward-thinking mindset and the genuine gratitude expressed when they received these supplies and when they maximize the few resources available to address big challenges is my inspiration. Also, when you receive a call at 3 a.m. on your phone from Liberia and someone on the other end expresses how much hope the service you provided has given to them is my biggest motivation.
Legacy means making an impact on society that is tangible, lasting and will have a multiplier effect on the future.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I want to inspire others to use their potential and resources to change the circumstances of themselves and people around them for the better.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
It is important because I believe “service to others” is the greatest gift that we can give. Look around yourself, your community, your workplace, the need to give back is always available. Do what you can to be a driver of transformation while you can.
Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz
STOWARZYSZENIE CENTRUM WOLONTARIATU | Warsaw, Poland
Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz is the President of Points of Light Global Network affiliate and Polish non-governmental organization Centrum Wolontariatu.
Learn more: Points of Light Affiliate and Corporate Partner Join Forces to Aid in the Ukraine Crisis
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
For me, something bigger is God. Light is hope that makes sense of everything I do. Even if I feel like surrendering, I keep trying even harder in my private and professional life.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
There are so many challenges in my work, but what inspires me are the people I work with and people I work for. For me working with people and for people is the essence of my work.
Legacy is essential to our daily lives. It’s what you receive from those who came before you, and what you leave for those who come after you. It’s a great responsibility to respect and enrich our legacy.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Being remembered as a good person.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Even if we do different things, are from different places and have different positions, we are all going the same direction, which is for the good of others.
Muhammed Dimma Mawejje
MAWEJJE CREATIONS | KAMPALA, KASANGATI, UGANDA
Muhammed Dimma Mawejje founded Mawejje Creations, a social enterprise that empowers banana farmers to produce good quality banana fiber and to support youth to revolutionize the fashion industry in Uganda and across Africa.
2022 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
It reminds me of my creator, that even though I am in the world, I am not of the world, and I am able to see his mind in every creation he made. I am able draw light even in the darkest place.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
The ”agape” in everything started from nature. Even in those areas where no one can reach to give a hand but then when you draw close, you will find agape.
Legacy is the ability to draw oneself back to original purpose of God, to create a path where everyone can define the difference between two lights.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I want to leave love, being that I believe in teamwork where everyone achieves more, and no one is above the other. I want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to achieve more, no matter their background, ethic group or belief.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
It’s important because it gives you a sense of direction, meaning and purpose! This question makes you complete because every time we think on how we want to leave the world, a lot of things change.
Zoe Oli
BEAUTIFUL CURLY ME | Atlanta, GA
Ten-year-old Zoe Oli is the CEO of Beautiful Curly Me, a toy and media company on a mission to instill and inspire self-love and confidence in young Black and brown girls.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Seeing the smiles on girls’ faces, hearing their stories and following their growth makes me feel excited and ready to do more. I see that every single act of goodness, no matter how small it may seem, creates a spark that lights up the lives of so many more people.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Knowing that the work I do and the products I create empowers young girls like me is the most important thing and gives me a lot of joy. This is what keeps me going when things don’t go as planned and helps me stay focused when there are challenges.
Legacy means that the work I do will not only impact people today, but the next generation and beyond. It means doing my part to make the world a better place.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I want to inspire the next generation of girls to be confident in themselves and their abilities, go after their passions and create positive change.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
We are all born with unique gifts and talents. Knowing the mark you want to leave on the world helps you to discover your purpose and passion, and how you can use your gifts to do good and uplift others in your community.
Tito Rodriguez
LOCAL HEARTS FOUNDATION | Long Beach, CA
Tito Rodriguez founded Local Hearts Foundation with the goal of reaching out to the hearts of our community to create a culture of love. The Foundation aspires to build bridges of opportunity for everyone while motivating our youth to become more involved in civic change.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 6,920
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Assisting families and children is what brings joy. Being able to see families succeed — especially children — knowing that they are going to be pillars, is awesome.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
When we are faced with challenges it can be discouraging. But what is stronger is when we see the children we have helped grow up and succeed in school and in their careers, they come back to volunteer and to let us know how great they are doing in school or in their careers. Also, what was done for them really meant something to them is the light in the world.
Legacy means becoming a pillar in the community and challenging others to create their own legacy of good.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
The mark on the world I would want to leave especially is that It takes us to save us. I want to show by example that it’s so important to coexist and work together to live successfully.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
We all must learn that together we are stronger and can accomplish a lot more. That is the best way of living.
Julia Sun
FIRST GEN SUPPORT | Barrington, Il
Julia Sun founded First Gen Support, a student-run organization that offers information around college application preparation for low-income, immigrant students and first-generation American students.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 7,122
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Never limit yourself is to be part of a bigger mission to do something that will transform the world for good. First Gen Support has helped prepare thousands of under-resourced students in navigating the college application journey. Joining something bigger than myself has helped me see that not only am I not alone in the fight to level the playing field, but the work that we do to make a change is also amplified.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Every tip First Gen Support provides can translate to a change in the college application of thousands of students and ultimately influence where they go to school. The passion of my team members always inspires me to do more, while my mentors provide genuine advice by teaching me skills related to delegation, management and event planning. While it’s never easy running a nonprofit, the thank-you notes and letters from the students that were impacted make the time I am investing in First Gen Support worth it.
Legacy means planting the seeds of education by leveling the playing field for under-resourced students so they are best equipped to make positive impacts in their communities and family.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Helping people discover their potential and ambition through education and using my education to make a difference in food security are the marks I want to leave on the world.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Oftentimes we are going through the motions, doing the things everyone around us does, but everyone has a unique purpose and perspective to uplift and serve others. That purpose can be realized by first asking these questions.
Sri Nihal Tammana
RECYCLE MY BATTERY | Edison, NJ
At the age of 10, Sri Nihal Tammana founded Recycle My Battery, a nonprofit organization that campaigns to raise awareness on properly recycling batteries.
Daily Point of Light Honoree 7,017
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
I feel that my connection to Recycle My Battery, and the broader causes of recycling and environmental protection, helps me see the light in the world. Being part of these important causes that involve so many other people give me perspective on how much others do care about our planet and are willing to help.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Knowing about all the other people around the world who are committed and making sacrifices – often far more than myself – is genuinely inspiring. I try to think of this when I encounter challenges.
At Recycle My Battery alone, more than 250 volunteer schoolkids have already signed up to give their free time to help, showing how much they care about our planet. Since founding the organization, I’ve learned about so many other initiatives also driven by young volunteers, and this makes me feel positive about the future.
Legacy means having an impact on the world, beyond your direct actions, that lasts long after you are gone.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I truly hope that my legacy will be to encourage current and future generations to work toward protecting nature through innovation. I know that my work with Recycle My Battery, and my future work, will only be a small part of what is needed to protect our environment. But I hope that it will, in some way, have a positive impact and inspire others to do the same.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
It is not an easy question to ask yourself, but I think if everyone did then we could achieve amazing things. We would also find similarities in each other’s visions for the future and new ways to work together, and I believe that’s how we can solve so many of the world’s problems.
Khloe Thompson
KHLOE KARES | Yorba Linda, CA
Khloe Thompson founded Khloe Kares to spread awareness and improve the lives of unhoused women by providing the necessary tools needed to successfully transition into stable housing.
Khloe Thompson is The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award 2019 honoree.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Doing the work that I do is important to give hope to the world. I’m connected to so many great people and organizations and they help me shine my light. We are all connected to something that could have the potential to be great and if we use our gifts and talents, we can make a huge difference in the world.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
I face so many challenges in my work due to my age. Being a young philanthropist, I am often asked why I choose to be a changemaker. When I started there weren’t that many kids my age working in the field of philanthropy. I look forward to seeing people all over the world doing their part to make a difference.
Legacy is the mark you leave on the earth, paving the way for others to get to the next level. I want my legacy to show that I did everything with a pure heart to give back.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Never let your financial limitations stop you from your dreams. Plan, connect your passion with a purpose and go out there and live out your dreams. My mark will be that I was able to inspire kids all over the world to go out there and make things happen no matter what.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
We all need to set goals. I believe we are all here on this earth for a reason. So, while you’re here, do something that will make you happy and put a smile on someone else’s face. Leaving an impact on the world doesn’t have to be a huge project. You can do something little to make a difference. Lastly, your impact will never be defined by your age.
Alexander Tsao
ROCKS2DOGS | Seattle, WA
Alexander Tsao is the founder of Rocks2Dogs, a student-led 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that repurposes retired rock-climbing ropes into pet leashes.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Witnessing how Rocks2Dogs created a network of diverse people and organizations has taught me that bringing people together to support a common goal can have a major impact. Rocks2Dogs is a community of individuals passionate about preserving the earth while aiding animals and people in need. It is through connections like these that we can make the world a brighter place.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Navigating the ups and downs of a small business can be challenging. However, I am grateful for the support of my family and friends who are always there for me. Volunteering at my local food bank for seven years opened my eyes to how vital organizations like it are to the members of their communities.
Legacy means leaving a lasting impression on one’s community through service and sharing one’s passions to help others. At Rocks2Dogs, we protect our environment by preventing waste from entering landfills.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I hope that our work inspires people, showing them that they have the power to do good in the world while teaching them that great solutions can come from what may seem like problems. In my case, after I discovered that climbing gyms had to regularly discard their ropes due to safety regulations and that the ropes are merely thrown away, creating Rocks2Dogs not only formed a solution to the issue but provided a way that I could support causes that I am passionate about.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Only through helping one another can society overcome our obstacles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocks2Dogs began helping many new organizations that were working overtime in effort to combat the effects of the skyrocketing unemployment in our community.
Chue Vang
Missoula Aging Services Senior Companion Program | Missoula, MT
Chue Vang is an AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion volunteer with Missoula Aging Services, an organization that promotes the independence, dignity and health of older adults, and those who care for them.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
It is good for me.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Everything is okay for me. It’s all okay.
Legacy is what is handed down.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
I talk with my clients and make sure they get what they need. I want to help improve their lives.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Because there are still people who really need help. We should be of service to those people.
Esha Venkat
NEST4US | Ashburn, VA
Esha Venkat and her sister Shreyaa founded NEST4US, whose mission is to make the world better through kindness by mobilizing volunteers worldwide to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good.
Esha Venkat is The George H. W. Bush Points of Light Award 2020 honoree.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Volunteering opens my eyes to so many diverse perceptions of the world, as it allows me to meet and connect with people of all different backgrounds. When I surround myself with people who share the same passion and ultimately the same dedication of making the world a better place, I realize how truly rewarding it is to be part of something bigger than just myself.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Seeing people from all demographics come together with one common goal in mind, to help someone in need and spread kindness, is one of the best parts of the work I do and inspires me to continue uplifting those who are most underrepresented in my community day after day.
Legacy is the foundation of all of humanity. From the stories of yesterday to the moments of today, it’s the minuscule, grand, purposeful and inadvertent trails we leave behind that transform tomorrow.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Through the combined efforts of adults and youth, I wish to leave my mark on the world by unifying communities and creating a safe space where all people come together and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Understanding one’s own purpose and legacy is crucial in order to start creating a world in which our future generations will feel proud to live! This will ensure we as a society envision a future where love overpowers hate, peace outweighs war, positivity outshines negativity and kindness is the norm.
Shreyaa Venkat
NEST4US | Ashburn, VA
Shreyaa Venkat and her sister Esha founded NEST4US, whose mission is to make the world better through kindness by mobilizing volunteers worldwide to advance progress on societal issues and spark equitable solutions for the greater good.
Shreyaa Venkat is The George H. W. Bush Points of Light Award 2020 honoree.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Imagine this: what if every individual on planet earth did one act of kindness every day? Think of how much brighter and better the world would be, if compassion and generosity became the norm. I’m hopeful that the future of our world will be brighter because of the combined efforts of all individuals working together as a united force of good to make the world a better place for everyone, everywhere.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Just one glimpse at our volunteer family at NEST4US has allowed me to see firsthand the transformative power of people united by the forces of compassion and kindness in ways big and small.
Legacy means leaving behind an intangible piece of yourself after every interaction with a fellow human being that brings a joyful smile, bright thought or hopeful memory – even decades later.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
An everlasting mark I hope to leave on the world lies in empowering the next generation of young individuals to unleash their inner power and harness their unique gifts to rise and change the world in unimaginable ways. To have even one child do just that would bring me eternal happiness. After all, everyone has the power to make a difference.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
Every action taken by an individual sparks a series of cascading waves. It is within our power to decide what kind of ripple we want to make in the world. Don’t just ask yourself this question, but act on it daily, slowly yet steadily carving the mark you want to leave on the world with every endeavor you undertake.
Ramona Washington
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR URBAN STUDIES | Detroit, MI
Ramona Washington is program director for Wayne State University’s Center’s AmeriCorps Urban Safety Program.
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
I have a passion for supporting the youth of all communities. This is the driver behind the development of the AmeriCorps Urban Safety Summer Youth Program, which has engaging over 50 Detroit youth ages 18-24 each summer since 2014. Since the Program’s first year, I have coached thousands of AmeriCorps and Community members in community outreach, organizing, mobilization and service and seeing their good works in community helps me see light in the world.
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
Throughout the years there have been many challenges, but I have been able to innovative strategies to bring together real time data, collaborative partnerships and engaged citizen voices to expand activities and resources that we have to offer residents a safer community and that what inspires to keep going forward.
Legacy means being a passionate change agent and catalyst to eliminate barriers, advancing opportunity, equity and sustainable economic progress for youth.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
For way too long, people who are not born into poor urban communities have had the opportunity to make decisions for individuals who live in these communities. The footprint I would like to leave behind is to inspire young gamechangers, so that people like me are the best qualified candidates to take a seat at the table to enhance relations and drive alignment across organizations to advance equal opportunity and racial equity with priorities and goals.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
It was only meeting the right people in life who dared me to think, plan and dream that created my pathway. So, it’s important for others to think, question, create change and push forward on their mark in life.
Rose Wilson
LUBBOCK NAACP | Lubbock, TX
Rose Wilson is a trailblazer whose accomplishments have left a last impact on the Lubbock community. Elected in 1978, she was the first African American woman to become president of the Lubbock NAACP. She, along with other community leaders, advocated for North and East Lubbock to have representation in city government by spurring Lubbock to adopt single-member districts in 1984. Her advocacy paved the way for minorities to be elected to Lubbock City Council.
2022 Points of Light Inspiration Honor Roll
How does being connected to something bigger than yourself help you see light in the world?
Every morning, when I get up, I ask the Lord what he wants me to do for the day. As long as he keeps giving me things to do, I am going to say yes. I am never going to say no!
What inspires you to keep going when there are challenges in your work?
A lot of people helped me get this far, and I want to continue the cycle for younger people. I want to pass on to them that whatever you do in this life, whatever someone has taught you, pass it on to someone else. As you go up the ladder, you need to take somebody by the hand and carry them with you.
Legacy means what I leave behind for others. The legacy I want to leave for communities is that everyone would do good to help each other and to do good to one another.
What is the mark you want to leave on the world?
Never give up and to always stand up for what you believe.
To let people know they should always look to God from which cometh our help. We can’t go anywhere without him – always put your faith and trust in God.
Why is it important for others to ask themselves the same question?
People need to know to be kind and loving and to each other — always pick up those who do not have; always pick up someone and carry them to the next level.
