Program Director Applications Due 8/14

11 MONTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR APPLICATIONS DUE 8/14!

Manna Project International is accepting applications for Program Director positions for in Nicaragua or Ecuador. Applications are due August 14th.

Manna Project International creates communities of young leaders that help break the cycle of poverty in underserved communities around the world. If you are a recent or soon-to-be college grad with a love of travel, culture, and international development, apply to join one of our teams in Latin America. 

During this 11-month position, you will experience life and work alongside other young leaders and community members. At one of our sites in Nicaragua or Ecuador, you will direct a variety of impactful programs designed to meet the specific needs and opportunities of the community. 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Manna Project equips volunteers with leadership development skills for a variety of career fields, including medicine, international development, law, the greater non-profit sector, education and international politics.

Top reasons to become a program director

Do you want to talk to a current Program Director about what it's like to work abroad with MPI?

E-mail info@mannaproject.org.

Meet MPI's New Executive Director

An Interview with Sam Church

After an exhaustive search for the next Executive Director of Manna Project International, the hiring committee reached the unanimous decision to offer the position to Samantha Church. We are pleased to introduce you to Sam. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and vision to lead this community into our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to have her on board! Who is Sam Church? Get to know her in the exclusive interview!

 

Sam, we’re so glad you have joined the team! Many in our community have anxiously awaited the announcement of our new Executive Director. Will you tell our community how the story of Manna Project intersects with your life?

Yes! First, I’d like to thank the Manna Project community for your warm welcome. I have a passion for international development and nonprofit program excellence and am excited to step into the role of Executive Director.

View fullsize

Sam with her students in the Philippines

I was drawn to Manna Project because of the organization’s emphasis on capacity building, training and building relationships, so that community change happens from within. My first cross-cultural experience was studying as an undergraduate student in South Africa, and my time there ignited a passion for collaborative community development. It showed me how immersing yourself in an entirely new culture can have a profound impact on your life and future.

After South Africa, I went on to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, where I learned the importance of establishing strong relationships with community members. Creating programs by building upon the strengths of the local community solidified my desire to work at the grassroots level of development.
 

Where did you go from there? How did it prepare you to lead the Manna Project community?

After more than two years in the Philippines, I worked with the Peace Corps as a Strategic Recruiter at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Since that time, I have gained extensive managerial and nonprofit program development experience. Like Manna Project’s volunteers and staff, I have seen firsthand and believe that working with community groups leads to sustainable change.

“It’s incredible to see how much Manna Project has grown and I’m thrilled to collaborate with our stakeholders to launch the organization into our next phase.”

— Sam Church

As the HIV Planning Manager at Suncoast Health Council, I worked with a group of community leaders to disseminate $10.5 million in funding to HIV care service partners in Central Florida. In my role as Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, I learned a variety of nonprofit leadership skills including strategic planning, grant writing, fiscal accountability, and evidenced-based programming. I’m excited to partner with Manna Project’s stakeholders to develop strategic long-term goals for the organization.
 

What excites you about MPI’s mission?

Since joining Manna Project, I’ve spoken with some of our alumni. Though this is a diverse group of people spread out around the world, they all have one thing in common: working with a developing community abroad completely changed their lives and worldview. My time abroad has done the same for me. International service helps develop empathy and grit and has the power to transform young people into leaders with the skills and understanding to bring about social change.
 

How has international service shaped your career?

International service taught me how to be creative, humble, adaptable, and collaborative. It taught me to step outside my comfort zone and experience life to its fullest. It has proven that real-world experiences are just as important as academic achievements.
 

What do you do when you are not working?

I love the ocean. I always seem to surround myself with beautiful beaches having lived in Florida, Hawaii, and the Philippines. I try and travel as much as I can. My most recent trip was to Costa Rica for my honeymoon! I enjoy spending time with my two rescue dogs...they are very spoiled. I also teach a weekly art class at the YMCA.
 

What are your top priorities during the leadership transition?

I am quickly learning that Manna Project has the best team. The staff, Board, alumni, donors, and volunteers are incredible. Getting to know our team is one of my top priorities in the coming months. I love hearing alumni stories as well as stories from our sites about our impact in the community. I can’t wait to travel to both Ecuador and Nicaragua to gain a deeper understanding of our organizational impact. I’m also partnering with our outgoing Executive Director, Lori Scharffenberg, to learn the day-to-day operations of the organization. Lori has devoted years to building Manna Project into what it is today and has been a tremendous asset to the organization.
 

What do you believe are Manna Project’s strengths?

I think Manna Project’s greatest strength is its mission to foster communities of talented young leaders to become the next generation of social change agents. I also believe we have an amazing staff who work tirelessly to fulfill our mission. The Manna staff deserve a lot of praise!
 

Given these strengths, what are the top three opportunities you see for Manna Project in the coming year?
 

#1

Boost our recruitment efforts
so we can continue to grow
our top-notch, short-term
and long-term
volunteer teams.

#2

Continue to build
strong relationships
with community partners
as well as potential corporate partners.

#3

To Increase the organization's fiscal resources, helping us improve existing programs as well as provide greater support for our staff and volunteers.

Is there a quote that inspires you?

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” - Kid President
 

Thank you, Sam, for Joining the Manna project family!

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Highlights from Sam's Résumé

Professional accomplishments

• Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii Designed and managed educational programs and support services, increased annual revenue as Executive Director

• Suncoast Health Council Disseminated $10.5 million in funding to HIV care service partners in Central Florida as HIV Planning Manager

• Hawaii and Pacific Islands Campus Compact (HIPICC) Facilitated strategic planning to develop mission, vision, values and organizational goals  

• Peace Corps Led life skills and therapeutic intervention programs in Baguio City, Philippines for 27 months; continued as Strategic Recruiter in Hawaii

• West Central Florida Ryan White Care Council Recruited, trained, supervised, and evaluated 40+ members

• University of Hawaii at Manoa Guest lecturer; planned and implemented college preparation program for youth from educationally/economically underrepresented backgrounds

Academic Accomplishments

• Master of Social Work, University of Hawaii at Manoa

• Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa

• Certificate in Volunteer Management, Nonprofit Leadership Center

• Leadership Development Certificate, United Way

• Bachelor of Social Work, Florida State University

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in progress, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling

Will you help us welcome Sam? She would love to hear from you!

MPI Board Announces New Executive Director

Dear MPI Partners,

I am excited and pleased to introduce you to Samantha Church, the new Executive Director of Manna Project International!

Samantha's impressive background includes leadership positions with notable organizations including the Peace Corps, the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, Suncoast Health Council, Hawaii and Pacific Islands Campus Compact (HIPICC), and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work and certificates in Leadership Development, Nonprofit Management and Volunteer Management. 

Samantha is extremely passionate about international development and has a proven track record of successfully implementing organizational vision, values and goals. We hope you will join us in wholeheartedly welcoming her to the team.

The Board conducted a vigorous and thorough selection process that vetted many, very well-qualified applicants for this position. The selection committee was unanimous in its decision to extend an offer to Samantha based on her results-driven experience, strong leadership skills, and a strong fit with Manna Project's unique culture.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Lori Scharffenberg, our current Executive Director and one of Manna Project’s founders. Lori is the reason this organization is in a strong place today, ready and able to navigate this significant transition. The solid foundation established by Lori ensures the Board’s confidence through this leadership transition. With your continued partnership, we expect that Samantha will take the organization to great places.

Thank you for your continued support of Manna Project through the years. It is because of you that we are able to provide incredible, life-changing opportunities to young leaders and community members at our international sites. 

As one of our core partners, we hope you will join us in welcoming Samantha to our community. Will you take a moment to let her know how Manna Project has impacted your life? You can reach her at Samantha@mannaproject.org. 

With gratitude,
Jocelyn Lancaster
MPI Chairman of the Board
Program Director, 2008-2009 (Ecuador)

Parent Series: A Wonderful Adventure

Welcome to the first installment of our Parent Experience Series! With a new group of Program Directors on site in Ecuador and Nicaragua, we know that some of our new readers are parents who want to follow along. It's a fact - sending your child to an unknown country can be a nerve-wracking experience! Liz Herr's son, Dan, is starting his second year at Manna Project's Nicaragua site, and she has some words of comfort, advice, and encouragement for you. 

"Mom, Dad, I'm moving to Nicaragua!"

When our son Dan announced last spring that he was planning to spend thirteen months in Nicaragua as a Program Director for Manna Project International, one of my first reactions was to buy a bunch of stuff for him to take along. He thought this was crazy. His intention was to throw some clothes and toiletries in a duffel bag and go. I hate to admit it, but he was partly right; my shopping spree was a little crazy and mostly a way to keep at bay my anxiety over having my son head off to an impoverished area of an unknown (to me), developing country. A few of my purchases, however, turned out to be quite useful. 

                Liz with Dan in Nicaragua

I thought I would share my thoughts on this in case you are a parent, family member, friend or prospective MPI Program Director yourself – in the hopes that you can avoid unnecessary anxiety and the need for retail therapy.

The Necessities

There were only two things that Dan felt that he needed prior leaving - a new daypack to replace his current one, which was falling apart, and an extra pair of sunglasses. Both of these truly were essential. He also threw in good, sturdy water bottle.

Collared shirts and shorts (not gym shorts) are what the guys seem to wear most. The best pair of shorts works for everything, from teaching math to coaching lacrosse. Clothing should be lightweight and quick-drying. Nicaragua is hot - and dusty. So while light colors are good, anything that is white will soon be a brownish-gray color from dust and multiple washings.  It’s more complicated for the girls, as shorts aren’t as socially acceptable for women in Nicaragua, but the general principles are the same.

Life as a Program Director

Program Directors walk (a lot!) in addition to running, hiking, volcano boarding and hanging out at the beach in their off time. Shoes get wet, muddy, and sweaty. Dan spends most of his time in athletic shoes or flip-flops. The athletic shoes he took in July 2015 were smelly and worn out by Christmas.

A good cell phone case is a good idea. Dan’s is the Lifeproof brand. It is waterproof, dust-proof and drop-resistant. Dan has always lived a life dangerous to cell phones; he gets tossed into some body of water about once a month, so he needed all these features before he left for Nicaragua. The case has been helpful in Nicaragua. He also chose to take his aging laptop with him. Fortunately, there is a Mac/ Apple store at Galerias Santo Domingo Mall in Managua that has helped him resolve computer problems. 

What to Pack?

                          The famous duffel bag

Some that things that are expensive or hard to get in Nicaragua include: sun block, insect repellant containing DEET, and powdered Gatorade. It’s nice to have a good travel mug for drinking coffee on that morning walk to catch the bus. Dan also really likes having English language classic paperback books (think The Count of Monte Cristo or Don Quixote). He took a couple along, and we’ve sent some as well. You can read a book on the bus or the beach - it doesn’t need wifi or an electric outlet and a book never needs recharging. (Editor's note: If there's no room in your suitcase, the Manna house has an impressive collection of books donated by past volunteers!)

Be sure to get a full 13 months supply of contact lenses, medications, etc. to take along. We haven’t had any problems mailing things to Nicaragua, but packages take a while to get there. It might be a little risky to depend on the Nicaraguan mail for really important things. 

A Wonderful Adventure

Hopefully, these thoughts and suggestions will be helpful. One disclaimer: these views are my own and don’t necessarily reflect those of MPI, other parents, or even my own son. Living and working in Nicaragua for MPI has been amazing and life changing experience for Dan - and by extension, for our whole family. It is a wonderful adventure.

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Thank you, Liz!

NEXT STEPS FOR PARENTS:

Do you have a question for Liz?

Do you want to read more from this series?

Sign Up for the Parent Experience Blog Series

Welcome, Parents!

Do you have a son or daughter who is interested in volunteering with Manna Project? Is your child currently on site in Nicaragua or Ecuador? Welcome!

Serving with Manna Project is a life-changing experience for our volunteers, but it can also be transformative for the whole family! You have raised a confident and adventurous young leader, and it's important that you feel connected to their journey. We are establishing a variety of resources for you, and the first is our Parent Experience Blog Series!

Over the next month, we'll be posting blogs shared by parents of past and current Program Directors. It is our hope that you will follow along, be inspired by the experience of other families, and connect with your child's work across the miles. 

Sign Up for the Parent Experience Blog Series

July Headlines

OUR JULY NEWSLETTER HAS ARRIVED!

THIS MONTH'S HEADLINES INCLUDE:

• The "Run with Manna" 5K in Ecuador
• Meet Jocelyn Lancaster, MPI's new Board Chair
• Wondermade.com will donate 15% of July sales completed with code "MANNAPROJECT" 
• Ecuador Summer Reading Program doubles participation
• Summer Venta at El Farito  
• New Partnership with Instituto Superior Tecnológico Rumiñahui 
• Building Confidence In Nicaragua through Girls' Health education
• Summer Intern projects in Ecuador and Nicaragua
• Lacrosse the Nations programs now offered to elementary students
• What's Oobleck, and why are these kids making it?
• All this and more in the July MannaMail - details below!

Watch It Now: the Program Director Info Session

You're Invited!

Did you miss our most recent Program Director Info Session? Never fear! Watch it here:

Want to know more about Manna Project's Program Director positions in Ecuador and Nicaragua? Watch the Info Session to learn if the Program Director position is right for you. Get all the details and hear from current Program Directors about their experience. 

The info session covers: 

• MPI's Health, Education and Livelihoods programs 
• The communities we serve
• Cost of working abroad and fundraising support
• Program Director process and timeline
• Benefits of international service
• Q+A with in-country staff
• The favorite programs and travel destinations of current Program Directors.

Want to join a future Info Session? Sign up here.

June Headlines

Our June Newsletter has arrived!

This month's headlines include:

• Slather's Story - how one community member used tools from MPI's English Vocational Training pilot program to land a life-changing opportunity;
• The Spring Fundraiser - how every dollar makes a difference;
• Treating parasitic infections in Villa Guadalupe, Nicaragua;
• Ecuador community comes together to support MPI's programs at the Second Annual Hornado Solidario;
• A new semester of classes begin at the MPI Community Center in Ecuador;
• Summer interns arrive on site; 
• Reaching single mothers with entrepreneurship training; 
• Jewelry cooperative featured by the US Embassy and Walmart of Mexico & Central America;
• Worcester State University team teaches environmental sustainability and honors moms for Nicaragua's Mother's Day; 
• MPI is now a platinum-level charity with Guidestar.org; 
• Joining the 2016 Combined Federal Campaign;
• and last but not least...calling all recent grads! MPI seeks Program Directors. 

Combined Federal Campaign Approves MPI

Manna Project has been approved as an official charity participant in the Combined Federal Campaign for the third year running! We are so grateful to be included in the the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with almost 200 CFCs throughout the country and overseas raising millions of dollars each year. 

MPI is Charity #64927!

If you are a federal employee, retiree or government contractor, you are eligible to donate to through the CFC. It’s simple! Just visit opm.gov, find your local chapter, and sign up for charity #64927. Thanks!

CFC FAQs:* 

What is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)?
The CFC is the official workplace giving campaign of the federal government. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. Pledges made by Federal civilian, postal and military donors during the campaign season support eligible non-profit organizations that provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.  

Who can donate to the CFC?
Federal workers, retirees, and government contractors are eligible to donate to the CFC.

How can a donor make a pledge to the CFC?
Donors to the CFC have the option of submitting a pledge via payroll deduction, cash, check, credit or debit card, or e-check/ACH. Pledges may be processed online or by completing a paper pledge form.  See our Pledging Tutorial for a step-by-step guide on how to submit a pledge to the CFC.

Will I receive a confirmation of my pledge and a tax receipt?
If you pledged by payroll deduction, you will not receive a tax receipt. For tax purposes, you will need to pair the names of the charities you designated (as shown on your pledge form) with the total amount deducted from your paychecks for the year, which can be found on your final leave and earning statement. 

If you made a donation by one-time or recurring debit/credit/ACH, you will need a copy of the receipt that was automatically emailed to you for tax purposes.  For a recurring donation, you will need that email receipt, along with copies of your monthly credit card or bank statement for tax purposes. 

Can I donate to more than one charity?
Yes. Donors may support as many charitable organizations as they would like in one single pledge. You may choose how funds are allocated to each charity. 

What are the eligibility requirements for a charity to participate in the CFC?
To be eligible to participate in the CFC, each charitable organization must be designated as a tax-exempt non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. An application to participate in the CFC must provide specific information about their auditing, governance and program functions, as specified in the CFC regulations. Applicants must also provide a completed and signed copy of their IRS Form 990 for their most recent fiscal year.

Thank you!

*Source of FAQs: cfcnca.org

MPI Alum Featured in Forbes

"If you can somehow manage to go to school full time while holding down a job, there is less than a 15% chance that you’ll ever earn your degree. If you need to go to school part-time—as 80% of community college students do—then your odds drop significantly. Nationwide, more than 30 million adults have earned some college credit but have failed to complete their degree."

MPI Program Director alum Hudson Baird is now working to improve these statistics as the Executive Director of PelotonU, an innovative Texas nonprofit with a comprehensive plan to help working adults graduate from college debt-free. 

PelotonU equips students for success by connecting them to high-quality online university courses and one-on-one support. “This is the least expensive and most effective college education option in the state,” said Rex Gore, co-founder and board member, “and one that will get even more affordable and effective as PelotonU grows.”

Read the Forbes article here.

Congratulations to Hudson and the PelotonU team!

Photo ©2015 PelotonU. All rights reserved.

Gain valuable experience abroad  - work as a Program Director with Manna Project International.

Applications due April 5

February News

Estela (back row, fourth from left) and classmates on the first day of English Vocational Training.

New English Vocational Program Prepares Students for Employment

Estela is one of MPI Nicaragua's top English students and has worked her way to level 5, our most advanced class. She is one of eleven people in our pilot English Vocational Training Program, which started this month in Cedro Galán.

Curriculum for the course was developed in partnership with Sitel, one of Managua's largest call center employers. Students will learn the specific English, listening comprehension, typing, Internet use and customer etiquette skills they will need to work for a company like Sitel. 

English Vocational Training is also a great motivator for students in the lower levels of English. Call center positions are well paid and can make a huge difference in the lives of our students.

"I'm excited to learn more skills - especially speaking, listening and the computer skills. I currently don't have a job but I think this class will be a great experience for me." - Estela, 35

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Business Training in Ecuador

After months of preparation, MPI Ecuador has started an exciting new class for jobseekers and aspiring business owners. Working in partnership with the US-based non-profit Education Global Access Program (E-Gap), this class teaches interview skills, resume writing, and all the necessary aspects of starting a successful business. Classes incorporate guest speakers and business leaders from the community, computer skills training, and the opportunity to participate in local business internships. Our students are putting their dreams into practice!

Run for Health in Cedro Galán

The women of MPI's Cedro Galán exercise boot camp class are teaming up with Program Directors to prepare for the third annual Cedro 5K on March 19th. Boot camp team leaders are busy signing up members of the community to join a team for race day.

All proceeds of the race go directly toward the health clinic serving the community. Sponsor a team today! From the 5K teams and the community of Cedro Galán, muchas gracias!

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Creative Science Club Makes Science Fun in Ecuador

Creative Science Club students with Gabby before their egg drop experiment

Creative Science Club is the biggest hit at the MPI Ecuador Centro this year! Program Director Gabby leads the Creative Science Club in cool, crafty science activities, ranging from engineering an egg drop experiment to "agua marina," a water and oil combination experiment with recycled bottles. 

Click here to meet the winners of the egg drop experiment -->

Education Program Prepares Students for a Career in Medicine

Generation students learn about a variety of career options at a medical job fair

MPI Nicaragua's third generation of students in the Youth Medical Career Education Program started classes this month. This program, called Generation, prepares young adults to work in the medical field. Students gain additional skills by volunteering in the Cedro Galán Health Clinic. 

Learn more about Generation here -->

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Cedro Galán Community Elects 2016 Advisory Board

The Cedro Galán community takes an active role in the development of the Cedro Clinic. Each year, the community elects an advisory board, La Junta Directiva. Fourteen newly elected community representatives will meet monthly to plan and give input for the direction of the clinic in 2016.

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In The News

“In this increasingly globalized world, it is imperative that we align public policy to support the transnational movement of the world’s most important and valuable resource — people."
- Dunc Fulton, Immigration Attorney and MPI alumnus

Dunc Fulton, an MPI Program Director in Ecuador from 2008-2009 and current board member, was recently featured by Tulane University for his work as an immigration attorney in Louisiana. Read the article here -->

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MannaMail, Issue 164 © Manna Project International 2016

Impact Report Published

"Your partnership is impacting
close to 5,000 lives each year.
Thank you for being part of the MPI community."

- Lori Scharffenberg Warren
MPI Executive Director

Your Year End Gift Makes a Difference!

Dear Manna Project Community,

There's still time to give in 2015! Your support means mothers have access to vital resources, children are receiving the support they need to stay in school, and entire communities have somewhere to turn to when they are sick.

We are 31% of the way toward our holiday fundraising need of $40,000. Please donate today - every little bit helps! Your tax deductible donation makes a world of difference for communities in Ecuador and Nicaragua. 

There are three easy ways to give - on our giving page, through Paypal, or by sending a check to:

Manna Project International
PO Box 536144
Orlando, FL 32853

:

Thank you!

Lori Scharffenberg
Executive Director, MPI

Jaqueling and Jefry's Story of Hope

"Now I feel better that I'm not living in [the landfill]. Thanks to the cooperative, I don't have to work out in the sun and breathe in the fumes. I'm now working in my house and I get to see my son...everything is good."

- Jaqueling, 20, Nicaragua

Jaqueling is a 20 year old single mother living in Villa Guadalupe, Nicaragua. For 13 years, Jaqueling lived in La Chureca, the largest open-air landfill in Central America. She was part of a community of 250 families who made a living by collecting and selling recyclable materials from among the trash. In 2013, the Nicaraguan government closed the dump and relocated these families to a new housing project called Villa Guadalupe. 

In this week's Story of Hope video (above), Program Director Dana Hanley will introduce you to Jaqueling as she shares her story with you.

The Power of One on #GivingTuesday

Have you ever considered giving to a nonprofit in support of a cause you care deeply about, looked up the organization’s overhead costs, and then decided not to give? 

I have. 

Why?

Because, like you, I’d rather know that my donation is going directly to the people who need it most. It just makes sense! Until last year, overhead costs were the main determining factor in my decision whether or not to donate to an organization. 

Then I saw Dan Pallotta’s TEDTalk, "The way we think about charity is dead wrong." His words turned everything I believed about nonprofit effectiveness on its head and changed the way I think about work, charitable giving and even my own impact in this world! 

““The things we’ve been taught to think about giving and about charity and about the nonprofit sector, are actually undermining the causes we love, and our profound yearning to change the world.””

— Dan Palotta

After watching Dan’s TEDTalk, our staff started dreaming. What could Manna Project do with an additional 1% of operational funding? "The Power of One" fundraising campaign was born.

Today, December 1st, our community is working together to raise $5,400 in new funding. This 1% increase to our annual budget can allow us to hire a new, full-time Senior Program Director in Nicaragua or Ecuador - a 17% increase in manpower for the coming program year.

I am so grateful that Dan Palotta challenged the way I think about empowering charities. It has led us to this day, and to a year of incredible possibilities for Manna Project and the communities we serve.

I hope you will take the time to watch Dan's talk. Find out if it revolutionizes the way you think about the entire nonprofit sector, like it did for us here at Manna Project. And then, help us put his words into practice by supporting Manna Project's #GivingTuesday fundraiser!

Thank you!

Click here to view Manna Project's Accountability page. 
2015 Audited Financials
2013 - 2014 Expenses and Revenue:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

RSVP: Your Story of Hope

Each year we share Stories of Hope to show the impact you are having on communities in need. In the last year alone, your support made a difference for more than 4,000 individuals. Watch the video below to learn how Alexandra and her whole family are utilizing the resources available through the MPI community center in Ecuador.

““We feel so lucky that Manna Project is working in Ecuador, and we can’t wait to see it grow to serve more people. There’s a lot of children, families, that can take advantage of what Manna Project has to offer.” ”

— Alexandra, 36

A Day in the Life with NYU

For the third year in a row, Manna Project had the privilege of taking over the New York University Wasserman Career Center's Twitter account to share "A Day in the Life" of a Program Director.

Program Directors Kristin (Ecuador) and Liz (Nicaragua) took more than 2,500 NYU students and community members on a journey through a day in the life of an international development director! We are so grateful to the Wasserman Center for the opportunity to reach NYU students with international opportunities.

If you are a student following the series yesterday and would like to apply, don't wait! Summer intern applications are due on November 15th, and Program Director applications are due on December 1st. 

Thank you, @NYUWassEmployer! 

October News

MPI Alumna Featured in Forbes

Congratulations to MPI alumna Jackie Weidman, whose work in clean energy leadership was recently featured by Forbes! After her time with Manna Project, Jackie went on to co-found the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI). See the article by Lyndsey Gilpin here or read more below. 

“Not long after she graduated from college, Jackie Weidman moved to Ecuador to teach environmental education with Manna Project International, hoping to focus on the impacts of climate change. After studying the subject in school and watching how the US remained in denial that climate change was occurring, she figured she’d be fighting a similar battle in the communities she worked with.

Instead, she experienced quite the opposite. “Everyone was like, ‘oh, duh,’ we obviously believe it.” The community got 80 percent of its water supply from a glacier that was melting at unprecedented rates, and because of that, Ecuador has some of the most progressive water conservation regulations in the world.

The people in Ecuador knew developing countries were at the root of the problem, too, and they couldn’t do much to stop it. So Weidman focused on agricultural and environmental education for the year she spent there, getting to know the stakeholders in the communities and how cliamte change impacted people at the local level.

When she arrived back in the US, ready to begin a career in federal environmental policy, she realized she felt incredibly removed from the politics of climate change. The BP oil spill and the fail of the cap and trade bill to reduce carbon emissions had both occurred the year she was abroad.

So Weidman decided to go straight to the source—to Washington DC to embed herself in the workings of energy and environmental policy, and she hasn’t left the District since.””

                                                                              MPI Ecuador Team, 2009-2010