What We’re Grateful for in 2023: Part 1
While this year has been challenging in many ways, there’s also been much to be grateful for. Hear from TechnoServe staff as they share what they’re most thankful for this year, then share your gratitude reflections with us on social media.
TechnoServe’s work fighting poverty around the world wouldn’t be possible without its talented, dedicated staff, grateful that the work they do brings them purpose every day. We employ more than 1,200 people, 90% of whom are from the country where they work. Our staff combine business expertise with local knowledge, context, and relationship building. In doing so, TechnoServe helps hardworking men and women generate income, jobs, and wealth for their families and communities.
As we approach the end of 2023, we asked TechnoServe staff to share what they’re personally and professionally grateful for this year. Read a few of their responses below, then share with us what you’re thankful for by tagging @TechnoServe on social media.
2023 TechnoServe Staff Reflect on Being Grateful
I’m grateful for the way my producers energize me. They remind me every day of the reason I chose my career. They talk to me and express their feelings, then I feel like a safe place for them. Personally, this year has been full of experiences that I never imagined. I met people who changed my perspective of the world, and I was able to make my friendships stronger than ever.” – Kimberly M., Farmer Trainer, Guatemala
I’m grateful for an amazing country program team, led by a driven and thoughtful leadership council, to create the change we embark on in Kenya (and to enjoy each other and learn while doing it!). Personally, I’m grateful to have a supportive and adventurous family who have my back by my side.” – Kris A., Country Director, Kenya
I’m grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with new people (and travel to new places to see them face-to-face!) I’ve been deeply enriched by these professional connections and have learned so much. I’m finally beginning to feel settled after moving back to the U.S. a year ago. I’m so grateful for my family for being so supportive, resilient, and loving with each other throughout life’s changes.” – Gwyneth C., Program Director
I’m grateful for meeting and getting to know new colleagues. Personally, I’m grateful for my daughter, who was born in February.” – Katie C., Manager, Annual Fund
![Adesuwa Akinboro (TechnoServe Nigeria Country Director) [left] & Funke Baruwa (Ford Foundation) [right] at the launch of the Women’s Economic Empowerment – Gender-Based Violence Nexus report on November 24, 2023. Part of the 2023 TechnoServe staff reflections on being grateful.](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=OTQwOjE3MTY=-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNzY4IDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI3NjgiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
I am grateful for my work, my colleagues, our donors, all the beautiful projects we have implemented, the lives we have changed, and the impact we have had. I am also grateful for my family (my dad, siblings, husband, children), the good life God has given to us, and good health.” – Adesuwa A., Country Director, Nigeria
I’m grateful for having joined TechnoServe – an organization that allows me to enrich my knowledge and put it into practice in the field supporting many producers. Personally, I’m grateful to be healthy, to have my family, and to have a job.” – Oscar R., Supervisor, Guatemala
Stay tuned for the next installment of our gratitude reflections series later this month.
