As promised, I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Senior Marketing Manager at KeraLink International!
More on my role in a moment because the background is deeply personal to me.
For those who don’t know, both of my mom’s parents were blind.
As a little kid, I would read to my Pawpaw which dollar bill was in his hand. He would then fold the paper according to its value so that when he went out, he could pay with correct cash.
My mom told me that people often grab and pull individuals who are blind to lead them, so she taught me to take Pawpaw’s arm “as a lady” and direct my grandfather with my shoulder, offering dignity as we moved around in public.
I was never blessed to meet my maternal grandmother, as she passed away when my mom was young, but her blindness was preventable. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, my Mimi was injured as a little kid and an eye infection spread to both eyes.
So what do my grandparents have to do with my new job?
KeraLink International is an incredible nonprofit seeking to end preventable blindness in lower and middle income countries. Their work in America goes back to the 60s and is fascinating to learn about. As a nonprofit, we now focus on the cornea and are bringing these advancements abroad, starting in India!
Yesterday Erin Peshoff and I were brought to Baltimore where Michelle Bockman, Shelby Tyler, and Donna Smith welcomed us warmly.
To any of my friends doing social impact or community efforts in India, I would love to collaborate!
More soon… 👩🏼💻
#India #blindness #socialimpact #prevention #healthcare #equity #innovation