Meet committed women from Sisley, from all around the world

What was it that made you get involved in voluntary work?

At an early age, I had the chance to travel to Sumba, a very poor island in Indonesia, where I discovered the Sumba Foundation. I was really moved by the work they did to support the most vulnerable communities. Malaria is one of the biggest causes of death in developing countries, principally affecting children and pregnant women. By continuing to help these causes, we can see malaria completely eradicated from these regions within our lifetime. I find that extremely encouraging! 



And what form does your voluntary work take?

At university, I joined the organisation One for the World (OFTW) and co-chaired its Colombia chapter. OFTW encourages people to give 1% of their annual income to effective causes, such as Against Malaria Foundation and GiveDirectly. In partnership with the GiveWell charity assessor, OFTW updates its portfolio each year to include the causes with the biggest impact. I believe this is a powerful approach to alleviate severe poverty.

How can others help your cause?

I am convinced that everyone can help! If you are interested in OFTW's work, don't hesitate to check out the variety of charities in its portfolio and take the pledge. https://www.1fortheworld.org/donate.

What advice would you give readers who may be thinking about getting involved in charity work?

I recommend Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss, and Hope in an African Slum, a very moving book by Jessica Posner and Kennedy Odede, the founders of Shining Hope for Communities, a Kenya-based organisation that does terrific work on the ground with disadvantaged communities and constantly evaluates its actions to make sure it keeps helping people as efficiently as possible.

What made you one day get involved?

My son had serious health problems that required a sudden hospitalization.

I discovered the world of children's hospitals in France which, in my opinion, operate at two speeds: high end medicine but dreadful comfort. I then decided to donate to associations whose goal is improve the daily lives of hospitalized children… That was a first step towards a charity engagement… but I was not ready to be more involved in charity activities from an operational standpoint yet.

How did you take the leap?

Well one day, I lost my job... so I had no more money to donate but a lot of time...!

It all came from a quite selfish spirit, which consisted in wanting to repay the debt I owed to the hospital which had saved my son's life. Then, very quickly, I realized I could help and I had the impression that I could bring a stone to the building, even if it was very small...

Could you explain us what your commitment is?

I animated with a group of volunteers artistic workshops at Necker hospital in Paris for children who were suffering from an autoimmune disease. Each week we had a different theme, with painting, collages, drawing.

It was extraordinary to see the calm of the children after a session and to see them leave so proud of the work of art they had created. This reinforces their self-esteem, which is undermined by the disease. And then it could seem a bit cliché, but a child's smile is worth gold...

How can each help?

Everyone can help with self-sacrifice and generosity of any kind (with donations to associations, participation in specific operations, by organizing fundraisings)

Personally, this year, I have a lot of charity projects in mind, because I just love it.

I would like in particular to carry out a friends&family fund raising for this small association for which I volunteered: Mona.

What was it that made you get involved in voluntary work?

Giving your time to children who need it can sometimes be more valuable than giving money; it can also be more gratifying for the donor to give that little extra something that can turn out to be so beneficial.

And what form does your voluntary work take?

It is in that spirit that I spend time and share my knowledge with the children of Watchomnimit school. These children are not lucky enough to be able to go to normal schools, due to their academic results. The special programme offered to them at this school in the outskirts of Bangkok enables them to develop their skills and broaden their horizons, giving them real prospects of integration.

How can others help your cause?

Our project started 14 years ago, with children and teenagers at Watchomnimit school. By giving time and money, and by talking about our causes with the people around us, we really can make a difference to those who need it most. Our combined efforts can end up being a great catalyst for change in the world around us.

Is there any particular event linked to the cause you support that you will be involved in in 2022?

In 2022, we will continue to launch specific programmes to develop professional skills for children and their families. We hope to contribute to the empowerment of women in each new generation, so that they can become more independent and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

What made you one day get involved?

As a woman, I believe that empowerment has always been very close and sensitive to me. It is very beautiful to see the strength and changes that the union of women can bring to the world. Working at a company where most of its employees are women makes me very proud and inspires me to create inclusion and empowerment campaigns.

Could you explain us what your commitment is?

My commitment is to always create welcoming environments for women to open up about important discussions. I’m lucky to be head of the communication of Sisley in Brazil, so I can spread these messages through influencers, press and digital channels. This way we can break stereotypes and care for each other. In Brazil, we supported a 100% female NGO for breast cancer care and we were able to see the results of this union up close.

How can each help?

I believe that the best way to help is to be open to listening to women. In this way you can help to disseminate this knowledge in your social cycle, in your work. By being involved, we are more open to creating projects, opportunities and discussions.

A woman who inspires you?

Juliana Ferraz is a woman that truly inspires me. She is a Brazilian influencer, a successful business woman (partner of the biggest entertainment and communication company in the country) who has struggled her entire young and adult life with the pressure of society in the perfect female stereotype (beautiful skin, slim body). Over the last two years she has decided to bring a voice and became an activist of the body positive movement opening many doors to several women and brands to discuss this topic. And it is also my wish that women feel strong and capable of making a difference. Juliana is a role-model for another cause very important for me: the inclusion of women in the labor market, especially in leadership positions.