E59 – Seeing the World and Making it Better (Kandasi Griffiths)

In this episode of The Fuqua Show, Thomas Chang welcomes the remarkable Kandasi Griffiths, a second-year MBA student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Kandasi’s journey is nothing short of inspiring; having lived in 17 different countries and worked in international development across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, she has dedicated her life to empowering communities and supporting women of color changemakers. As the founder of SR Collaborative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering the success of women entrepreneurs, Kandasi combines her passion for social impact with her extensive experience in global health and economic empowerment.

We will learn about Kandasi’s unique life experiences, from jewelry making in Italy to leading health initiatives in Afghanistan, and how these diverse chapters have shaped her vision for sustainable development. Her insights into the challenges and triumphs of working in international development offer valuable lessons on humility, community ownership, and the importance of listening to those you aim to serve. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the power of resilience, the significance of personal connections, and the potential for positive change in the world.

How they got here

Early Family Life

Kandasi Griffiths was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by a large, supportive family that emphasized matriarchy and community, led by her influential grandmother.

College Choice

Initially resistant to the idea of attending Princeton due to its elitist reputation, a last-minute visit led to a change of heart as she fell in love with the campus and its down-to-earth community.

Model UN Passion

At Princeton, Kandasi immersed herself in Model UN, eventually leading the International Relations Council and participating in various conferences, including organizing events that took her to Dubai.

International Experience

Post-college, she transitioned into international development, gaining experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on economic empowerment, education, and global health.

Social Enterprise Founding

Recognizing a gap in support for women of color changemakers, Kandasi founded SR Collaborative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering cross-sector partnerships to empower these women.

Pursuing Higher Education

While running her social enterprise, she decided to pursue an MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, balancing her studies with her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Diverse Living Experiences

Throughout her journey, Kandasi lived in 17 different places worldwide, including Italy, Afghanistan, and New York City, enriching her understanding of global cultures and challenges.

Upcoming Role

As she approaches graduation in 2024, Kandasi has secured a position as Associate Director of Impact Investing at Social Finance, where she aims to further her impact in the social sector.

Personal Interests

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kandasi enjoys hobbies like letter writing, jewelry making, African and Latin dancing, and playing squash, showcasing her multifaceted personality.

Fun Fact

Kandasi has a surprising passion for the Fast and Furious franchise, dreaming of being a stunt car coordinator, which highlights her playful side amidst her serious commitments.

Introduction to Model UN

The journey begins with the speaker’s involvement in Model United Nations (Model UN), where they represented various countries, including Austria, and developed a deep understanding of global issues and empathy for different cultures.

Academic Background

The speaker majored in politics with a focus on international relations at Princeton University, complemented by a French minor, which fueled their passion for languages and cultures.

Post-College Decision

Instead of pursuing a traditional career path in consulting or banking, the speaker opted for an adventurous opportunity in France, driven by their Model UN experiences and a desire to immerse themselves in new cultures.

Teaching Assistant Program in France

They joined the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) as an English teaching assistant in a public high school in Paris, marking their first significant step into a global career.

Cultural Immersion

Embracing the Parisian lifestyle, the speaker pushed themselves out of their comfort zone by engaging in local activities, forming friendships, and exploring the city on foot, which deepened their appreciation for different cultures.

Work in Oxford

The next chapter took them to Oxford, UK, where they worked with the Center for Effective Altruism, organizing global conferences that brought together philanthropists and policymakers, leveraging their Model UN skills.

Pursuing Artistry in Florence

After a three-month hiatus, the speaker relocated to Florence, Italy, to study artisanal jewelry making at a historic school, blending their love for creativity with a desire to learn new skills.

Language Challenge

While studying jewelry making, they faced the challenge of learning Italian, which was necessary for understanding the classes, showcasing their determination and adaptability in unfamiliar environments.

Serendipitous Discovery

The decision to attend the jewelry school was sparked by a chance encounter at a farmer’s market in Oxford, where they were inspired by a jeweler’s work and quickly made plans to learn the craft, demonstrating their spontaneity and passion for creativity.

Continued Growth and Exploration

Throughout these experiences, the speaker’s journey reflects a commitment to personal growth, cultural exploration, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world, all stemming from their early engagement with Model UN.

Early Aspirations

The speaker had a clear goal from a young age to become a diplomat and work in international affairs, inspired by experiences like Model UN in school.

Planning and Preparation

They meticulously planned their journey, starting with taking Italian classes and reaching out to schools to arrange discounted rates, demonstrating their proactive approach to achieving their goals.

Diverse Experiences

They ventured into teaching in France, working at the Center for Effective Altruism in the UK, and creating jewelry in Italy, all while honing language skills and exploring various cultures.

Entry into International Development

Recognizing the challenges of entering the international development field, they pieced together experiences to build a resume that would align with their diplomatic aspirations.

Internship and Early Career

They interned on Capitol Hill and worked with a USAID contractor, which opened doors to international assignments in countries like Afghanistan, Jordan, and Tanzania.

On-the-Ground Experience

In Afghanistan, they led staff training for a health project and adapted a grants program amidst changing socio-economic conditions, highlighting their adaptability and commitment.

Navigating Challenges

Traveling to Afghanistan during a politically charged time (January 2017) presented unique challenges, including personal safety and navigating a new environment as a young American contractor.

Cultural Insights

The speaker gained invaluable insights into Afghan culture, forming strong relationships with colleagues and experiencing the realities of life in a war-torn country firsthand .

Emotional Impact

They reflected on the emotional challenges of working in a high-stakes environment, including coping with sounds reminiscent of violence and finding solace in personal interests like books and Zumba.

Language and Connection

Learning some Dari allowed them to connect more deeply with the local culture, emphasizing the importance of language in fostering relationships and understanding in international work.

Cultural Immersion

Began learning Dari while working in an office where the cooks only spoke the language, leading to a deeper understanding of the local culture through food and connections with the expat community.

Awareness of Privilege

As a queer Black woman from an Ivy League background, she became acutely aware of her privilege and the power dynamics at play in international development, prompting her to use her position to uplift local voices.

Facilitator Role

Realized the importance of facilitating discussions and drawing attention to local experts, such as healthcare providers, rather than seeking the spotlight for herself in high-level meetings.

Rapid Maturity

Gained maturity through experiences managing teams and projects in challenging environments, leading to insights about the failures and opportunities within the development sector.

Jordan Experience

Took on a multifaceted role in Jordan, where she managed logistics, built partnerships, and expanded a small team, all while immersing herself in the beauty of the country and its landscapes.

Exploration of Nature

Found joy and inspiration in exploring the natural beauty of Jordan, including visits to Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, which helped balance the challenges of her work.

Focus Shift in Togo

Transitioned to Togo to address root health issues, moving from high-level policy work to grassroots initiatives aimed at improving primary and preventative care.

Community Health Model

Collaborated with Integrate Health to train and empower women in villages as community health workers, recognizing their potential to address local health disparities.

Pre-COVID Preparedness

Established a robust network of community health workers before the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed for effective awareness and prevention efforts during the crisis.

Emphasis on Empowerment

Throughout her journey, she maintained a focus on community ownership and humility, ensuring that her role was to empower local leaders and facilitate sustainable solutions.

Recognition of Gaps

The community realized that men were not as supportive of family planning, prompting the formation of a group of male allies to discuss the benefits of sexual health and family planning for families.

Integration of Traditional Medicine

Acknowledging the role of traditional healers in community care, they integrated traditional medicine with healthcare clinics, encouraging village leaders to recommend both.

Addressing Transportation Needs

The community identified a lack of transportation for medical emergencies and developed a tricycle ambulance to facilitate transfers to healthcare centers.

Focus on Sustainability

The discussion shifted towards the role of international development agencies, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that empower communities rather than relying on external support.

Founding of SR Collaborative

Inspired by her family’s matriarchal legacy, the speaker founded SR Collaborative to support women of color change agents and their ventures, reflecting the importance of community and family in her mission.

Initial Steps into Entrepreneurship

The idea for SR Collaborative began as a consulting venture, initially requiring the establishment of an LLC to formalize the business.

First Client Experience

The speaker’s first client, an Indonesian coffee shop owner, emerged from a place of fear as she sought a barista job but ended up being hired to develop the shop’s marketing strategy.

Growth of Client Base

Since its inception, SR Collaborative has served several dozen clients, with leadership development programs reaching over 150 individuals.

Balancing Multiple Roles

While managing a full-time job in international development and pursuing education, the speaker focused on scaling SR Collaborative and transitioning into an impact investor role to support social enterprises.

Personal Connections

The speaker met her wife, Tiffany, at a block party in Brooklyn through a mutual friend, highlighting the importance of deep friendships and meaningful conversations in her life.

Early Adult Struggles

After college, the speaker reflects on the challenges of forming adult friendships and the desire to connect with others in a new city.

First Friendship Formation

A pivotal moment occurs when a potential friend invites the speaker to go rock climbing, marking the beginning of their friendship through shared experiences like brunches and festivals.

Entrepreneurial Journey

The speaker embarks on a solo entrepreneurial path, establishing a social enterprise that has now been running for six years, facing challenges primarily due to the isolation of being a solo entrepreneur.

Support from Fuqua

The speaker expresses gratitude for the support received from Fuqua staff and classmates, which has been instrumental in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Transition to MBA

After years of working in various countries and sectors focused on social impact, the speaker decides to pursue an MBA to gain insights into the private sector and financing mechanisms for social good.

Understanding the Private Sector

The speaker realizes that everyone, regardless of sector, is navigating their own challenges and that confidence in trying and failing is a common thread in the private sector.

Personal Growth

Over the course of the MBA, the speaker acknowledges a significant shift in their mindset, becoming more comfortable with risk and failure, contrasting their initial risk-averse nature.

Redefining Home

The speaker reflects on their evolving understanding of “home,” realizing it is less about a physical place and more about the people and sense of self they carry with them.

Impact and Purpose

The speaker articulates a desire to empower others, likening themselves to a pilot light that ignites the potential in others, emphasizing the importance of helping individuals recognize their own capabilities.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, the speaker is motivated to create a meaningful impact in the world by fostering the belief in others that they can achieve their aspirations.

Recognition of Potential

The conversation begins with the acknowledgment of individual potential and the importance of having someone who believes in you, setting the stage for personal growth.

Community Impact

Emphasis is placed on the ability to contribute positively to one’s family and community, highlighting the ripple effect of personal success.

Listening and Respect

The significance of being heard and respected is mentioned as a crucial factor in empowering individuals to reach their goals.

Personal Journey

Kandasi’s unique journey is introduced, suggesting a narrative filled with challenges and triumphs that have shaped her current outlook.

Support Systems

The role of mentors and supportive figures in Kandasi’s life is implied, illustrating how guidance can lead to significant personal and professional advancements.

Anticipation of Future Success

There’s excitement expressed about Kandasi’s potential future accomplishments, indicating a belief in her ability to achieve great things post-graduation.

Collective Growth

The dialogue underscores the idea that personal achievements can inspire others, reflecting the theme of lighting the way for others in the community.

Graduation Milestone

The mention of graduation signifies a pivotal moment, marking the transition from education to the professional world and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Continued Journey

The conversation concludes with an optimistic outlook on Kandasi’s ongoing journey, suggesting that her story is far from over and will continue to evolve.

Gratitude and Connection

The closing remarks express gratitude, reinforcing the importance of connections made during the journey and the lasting impact they have on individuals’ lives.

Interesting facts

About Kandasi - Growing up : Family : Life

– Kandasi Griffiths has lived in 17 different places around the world, including countries such as Italy, Afghanistan, and Jordan, and has traveled to a total of 34 countries.
– She has a passion for letter writing, jewelry making, African and Latin dancing, and playing squash.
– Kandasi is a huge fan of the Fast and Furious franchise and dreams of being a stunt car coordinator or driver for the series.
– She comes from a large family, with a matriarchal structure led by her grandmother, who has significantly influenced her values and community involvement.
– Family gatherings are a regular occurrence for Kandasi, with brunches often involving around 30 family members, reflecting a strong sense of community and support.
– Despite initially being turned off by Princeton’s reputation, she fell in love with the campus during a college tour and decided to attend, eventually not even visiting her original choice, UPenn.

About Veronica- Personality : Life Experiences

– In college, she was very active in Model UN, leading Princeton’s International Relations Council and helping run conferences, which took her to Dubai multiple times.
– Kandasi identifies as a “total nerd,” particularly enjoying the beautiful libraries at Princeton.
– She balances her social enterprise work with her MBA studies, demonstrating her commitment to social impact while pursuing her education.
– Kandasi’s graduation ceremony is expected to involve around 12 family members, a scaled-down version compared to her college graduation, where she had about 40 attendees.

About Kandasi - Personal Side

– The guest considers themselves a planner rather than spontaneous, preferring to map out opportunities before acting on them.
– They are passionate about languages and have made it a point to work in francophone countries as part of their career.
– The guest has a strong desire to understand international affairs and development from a grassroots perspective rather than through formal pathways.
– They believe that being young allows them to explore their passions without the pressure of having everything figured out.
– They have a fondness for Afghani bread and try to seek it out whenever possible.
– The guest has a unique perspective on safety, expressing that the sounds of fireworks remind them of the attacks they experienced while working in Afghanistan.
– They found solace in books, movies, and online Zumba classes during challenging times abroad.
– They learned some Dari while in Afghanistan, highlighting their commitment to understanding and integrating into the local culture.

About Kandasi - Passion : Hobbies : Interests

– Kandasi has a passion for uplifting others and believes in the importance of listening and respecting individual journeys.
– She values the ability to create a positive impact in her community through acts like preparing meals.
– Kandasi is enthusiastic about personal growth and reaching new heights she previously thought were unattainable.
– She is involved in a journey that is described as “wild,” indicating a life filled with unique and possibly unexpected experiences.
– Kandasi expresses excitement about her future endeavors, both professionally and personally, after graduation.
– She has a strong belief in the power of community and collaboration to foster growth and success.
– Kandasi appreciates the significance of mentorship and support in helping individuals realize their potential.
– She recognizes the importance of being a light for others, suggesting a focus on positivity and encouragement.
– Kandasi’s journey reflects a commitment to both personal development and community well-being.

Key beliefs and_personality

Global Exposure

Kandasi’s journey begins with her upbringing in a large, close-knit family in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, which instilled in her the values of community and support. This foundation nurtured her curiosity about the world, leading her to live in 17 different places and travel to 34 countries.

Education at Princeton

Despite initial reluctance due to stereotypes about elitism, Kandasi visited Princeton University and fell in love with the campus and its people. She became actively involved in Model UN, showcasing her passion for international relations and leadership.

Commitment to Change

After graduating, Kandasi transitioned into international development, where she worked on economic empowerment, education, and global health initiatives across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This experience solidified her belief in the importance of creating opportunities for marginalized communities.

Founding SR Collaborative

Recognizing a gap in support for women of color changemakers, Kandasi founded SR Collaborative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering cross-sector partnerships. This venture reflects her commitment to uplifting others and creating impactful change.

Pursuing an MBA

Kandasi’s desire to enhance her skills led her to pursue an MBA at Fuqua, where she continued to balance her studies with her social enterprise. This decision underscores her belief in lifelong learning and the importance of equipping oneself to make a difference.

Impact Investing Role

As she nears graduation, Kandasi prepares to take on the role of associate director of impact investing at social finance, aligning her career with her values of economic empowerment and social impact.

Family Values

Throughout her journey, Kandasi emphasizes the significance of family, particularly the influence of her matriarchal grandmother, who inspired her to create and contribute to her community.

Passion for Connection

Kandasi’s love for letter writing and her active engagement in family gatherings highlight her belief in the power of connection and communication, which has been a constant in her life.

Embracing Unexpected Interests

Her unexpected passion for the Fast and Furious franchise reveals her multifaceted personality and the importance of embracing diverse interests, which adds depth to her identity.

Future Aspirations

Kandasi’s journey reflects a blend of personal growth, community impact, and a commitment to empowering others, showcasing her belief that individual experiences can lead to collective change in the world.

Introduction to Model UN

The speaker discovers Model UN, a platform that simulates the United Nations, allowing participants to represent countries and engage in global issues, igniting a passion for international relations and empathy.

First Experience

Representing Austria in Model UN, the speaker learns about the intricacies of Austrian politics, fostering a deep understanding of global perspectives and the importance of viewing issues through the lens of different cultures.

Diverse Representation

The speaker participates in Model UN by representing various countries like Sweden, Tanzania, and New Zealand, further expanding their knowledge and appreciation for global diversity.

Transition to College

At Princeton, the speaker majors in politics with a focus on international relations and minors in French, solidifying their commitment to understanding different cultures and languages.

Choosing a Unique Path

After graduation, while peers pursue traditional careers in consulting and banking, the speaker opts for an adventurous route, seeking immersive experiences abroad rather than a conventional career path.

Teaching in France

The speaker joins the TAPIF program as an English teaching assistant in Paris, embracing the challenge of living in a foreign country and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.

Cultural Immersion

In Paris, the speaker actively engages with the community, attends cooking classes, meets locals, and explores the city on foot, deepening their connection to French culture.

Working in Oxford

The speaker then works with the Center for Effective Altruism in Oxford, applying skills from Model UN to organize a global conference aimed at improving philanthropic efforts and international development.

Jewelry Making in Florence

Following a hiatus, the speaker moves to Florence to study artisanal jewelry making, embracing a new creative challenge despite the language barrier, showcasing adaptability and passion for the arts.

Serendipitous Learning

The journey into jewelry making begins unexpectedly at a farmer’s market, leading the speaker to pursue a dream of mastering a craft they loved since high school, reflecting their belief in seizing opportunities and continuous learning.

Early Aspirations

At a young age, the individual was driven by a clear goal to become a diplomat, fueled by a passion for international affairs and a desire to understand global dynamics outside formal pathways.

Embracing Opportunities

Despite being a planner, they demonstrated spontaneity by seizing opportunities as they arose, such as enrolling in Italian classes and exploring various countries while preparing for a future in diplomacy.

Global Experience

The journey included teaching in France, working at the Center for Effective Altruism in the UK, and making jewelry in Italy, all of which enriched their understanding of different cultures and languages.

Navigating Challenges

Realizing the competitive nature of international development, they strategically pieced together experiences from various roles, including an internship on Capitol Hill and working with a USAID contractor, to build a strong foundation for their career.

Field Assignments

heir role as a program operations associate allowed them to work on significant projects in countries like Afghanistan, Jordan, Tanzania, and others, often driven by the need for language skills and regional expertise.

Facing Adversity

The decision to travel to Kabul in January 2017 came with challenges, including political tensions and safety concerns, yet they embraced the experience, navigating the complexities of working in a high-risk environment.

Cultural Immersion

Living and working in Afghanistan provided a firsthand perspective on the realities of life in conflict zones, deepening their empathy and understanding of the local culture, including forming strong relationships with colleagues.

Personal Growth

The experience in Afghanistan also prompted personal growth, confronting fears and uncertainties, while finding solace in simple pleasures like learning Dari and enjoying local cuisine.

Resilience Through Adversity

Despite the challenges faced, including the psychological toll of living in a conflict zone, they emerged with a greater appreciation for the resilience of individuals in difficult circumstances.

Commitment to Impact

Ultimately, their journey reflects a commitment to making a meaningful impact in international development, shaped by a belief in the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and experiences.

Cultural Immersion

The journey began with engaging with local cooks who spoke Dari, allowing for a deep dive into the local culture through food and community connections, fostering a sense of belonging in a foreign environment.

Awareness of Privilege

As a queer Black woman from an Ivy League background, the realization of her privilege on a global scale emerged, prompting a reflection on how to leverage that privilege responsibly in her interactions.

Commitment to Empowerment

Early on, she recognized her role was to uplift local voices in discussions with high-level officials, ensuring that the true experts—local health professionals—were heard and valued.

Rapid Maturation

At just 24, she faced challenges that forced her to grow up quickly, managing teams and projects, which illuminated both the failures and opportunities within the development sector.

Hands-On Experience in Jordan

In Jordan, she took on a multifaceted role, establishing office procedures and building a team from scratch, while simultaneously immersing herself in the local culture and natural beauty, balancing work with exploration.

Appreciation of Nature

Experiences like sand surfing in Wadi Rum and visiting the Dead Sea allowed her to appreciate the beauty of the region, highlighting the importance of finding joy amidst the challenges of international development.

Shift to Community Health in Togo

In Togo, she transitioned her focus from high-level health policy to grassroots community health, recognizing the need for primary care and preventative measures.

Empowerment of Local Women

Collaborating with an organization that trained local women as community health workers, she witnessed firsthand the power of community ownership and the vital role of local knowledge in health initiatives.

Pre-COVID Preparedness

The groundwork laid in Togo through community health models proved invaluable as these women were already equipped to respond to health crises, including COVID-19, showcasing the success of empowering local resources.

Integration of Values

Throughout her experiences, a consistent theme of humility, empowerment, and community leadership emerged, shaping her approach to international development and reinforcing the belief that local voices are crucial in solving societal issues.

Identifying Gaps

The women at the table recognized a lack of support from men regarding family planning, which spurred them to create a community of male allies to advocate for sexual health and family planning.

Integrating Traditional Medicine

Understanding the influence of traditional healers in community care, they worked to incorporate traditional medicine alongside healthcare clinics, gaining the support of village leaders.

Addressing Transportation Needs

They identified a critical gap in transportation and developed a tricycle ambulance to facilitate access to healthcare clinics, highlighting the importance of practical solutions in community health.

Sustainability Focus

The discussion shifted towards the role of international development agencies, emphasizing the need for sustainable, long-term community support rather than capital-intensive, short-term projects.

Founding SR Collaborative

Inspired by family values and the importance of women in her lineage, the founder established SR Collaborative to empower women of color change agents through coaching and consulting.

Redefining Entrepreneurship

SR Collaborative aims to shift the narrative of entrepreneurship from a profit-driven model to one that supports community-focused social enterprises, emphasizing sustainability over rapid growth.

First Client Experience

The founder’s journey began from a place of fear, leading her to seek a barista job. Instead, she was offered the opportunity to develop a strategy for her first client, an Indonesian coffee shop focused on social impact.

Growth and Impact

Since its inception, SR Collaborative has served several dozen clients, with over 150 individuals benefiting from leadership development programs, showcasing the growing demand for such services.

Balancing Act

While managing a full-time role in international development and pursuing education, the founder focused on long-term goals, making strategic trade-offs to better serve her clients in the future.

Personal Connections

Amidst her busy schedule, she nurtured deep friendships and met her wife through a mutual friend at a community event, illustrating the importance of meaningful relationships in her life.

Early Adult Friendships

In the early years after college, the speaker recognized the challenge of forming adult friendships and took proactive steps to build connections, like accepting an invitation to rock climbing from a potential friend.

Birth of a Social Enterprise

After several years of diverse experiences across the globe, the speaker founded a social enterprise, highlighting a desire to contribute positively to society while navigating the challenges of being a solo entrepreneur.

Challenges of Solitude

The speaker reflected on the loneliness of entrepreneurship, realizing that self-belief is crucial in gaining the trust and partnership of others in business ventures.

Pursuing an MBA

Initially skeptical about the relevance of an MBA to their focus on social impact, the speaker decided to pursue this degree to gain insights into the private sector and financing mechanisms that could enhance social good.

Understanding Funding Structures

Through their work in nonprofits, the speaker recognized the limitations of grant-based funding and the need to align projects with community needs rather than donor preferences.

Growth through Education

During their MBA journey, the speaker learned that both the private and nonprofit sectors are filled with individuals who are simply navigating their own challenges, fostering a sense of shared human experience.

Embracing Risk

The speaker experienced significant personal growth by learning to embrace failure and uncertainty, moving away from their risk-averse nature to become more comfortable with trial and error.

Value of Communication

The speaker emphasized the importance of articulating thoughts and ideas, understanding that effective communication is essential for making an impact and fostering change.

Redefining Home

Over time, the speaker shifted their understanding of “home” from a physical place to a sense of belonging and comfort in being oneself, grounded by relationships with loved ones.

Inspiring Others

Ultimately, the speaker aims to empower those around them to recognize and harness their potential, likening themselves to a pilot light that ignites the capabilities of others.

Inspiration from Others

The belief that individuals can light the way for others stems from personal experiences of being uplifted by mentors and supporters who listened and respected their unique journeys.

Community Impact

The notion that one can create a beautiful meal symbolizes the importance of nurturing and providing for families and communities, highlighting a commitment to collective well-being.

Personal Growth

The idea of reaching heights previously thought impossible reflects a journey of self-discovery and growth, often spurred by encouragement and belief from others.

Valuing Stories

Acknowledging and respecting individual histories is crucial, as it empowers people to embrace their identities and motivates them to pursue their goals.

Supportive Environment

The environment at Fuqua fosters connections that encourage students to share their stories, thereby creating a culture of mutual respect and inspiration.

Celebrating Diversity

The emphasis on listening to varied backgrounds promotes a rich tapestry of experiences that enhance personal and professional development.

Future Aspirations

The excitement about what lies ahead after graduation indicates a belief in continuous growth and the pursuit of dreams beyond the academic setting.

Gratitude for Mentorship

Expressing thanks to those who have supported the journey underscores the importance of gratitude in personal and professional relationships.

Legacy of Light

The metaphor of being a light suggests a commitment to uplifting others, indicating a desire to leave a positive impact on the world.

Collective Journey

The shared experiences and aspirations among peers at Fuqua highlight the belief that success is not just individual but a collective journey, where everyone plays a role in each other’s achievements.

Key lessons

Embrace Diversity of Experience

Kandasi’s journey through 17 different places emphasizes the value of diverse experiences. Each location taught her unique lessons that shaped her understanding of the world and its complexities.

Pursue Passion with Purpose

Transitioning from a politics major to international development and eventually founding a social enterprise illustrates the importance of following one’s passions while maintaining a clear purpose.

Seek Comfort in Discomfort

Kandasi’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone, whether it was teaching in France or working in Afghanistan, highlights the growth that comes from facing challenges head-on.

Community Matters

The significance of community and familial support is evident in Kandasi’s life. Her strong ties to her family and their matriarchal influence showcase how community shapes identity and values.

Empower Others

Kandasi’s commitment to uplifting women of color through her social enterprise underscores the power of empowerment. She believes in enabling others to thrive, which creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Learn from Failure

Her admission of needing to be more comfortable with failure is a crucial lesson. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities is essential for personal and professional growth.

Cultural Sensitivity in Development

Kandasi’s experiences in various countries taught her that effective international development requires understanding and integrating local cultures and practices, rather than imposing external solutions.

The Importance of Listening

Throughout her career, Kandasi emphasized the need to listen to community voices. This approach ensures that solutions are relevant and sustainable.

Home is a Feeling

Kandasi’s evolving definition of home—from a physical place to a feeling of belonging—reminds us that true comfort comes from within and from the connections we cultivate.

Be a Catalyst for Change

Kandasi views herself as a “pilot light,” igniting potential in others. This metaphor serves as a reminder that we all have the ability to inspire and uplift those around us.