There are many things I do not know about Phoebe; she is a shy woman. I do know her passions, values and convictions! These things resonate through Phoebe’s being. Her respect for every person always astounds me. Her patience while listening to others is to be deeply respected. Read about Phoebe’s desires for the future … more importantly, the present.
What drove you to choose a career in philanthropy?
“I always knew that I wanted a job where I was helping people, but I wasn’t sure what it would be. I was finishing my undergrad and began to think about how I could turn my major in Diversity and Equity studies into a practical job. And then I came across the Fundraising and Volunteer Management program and it just felt like the right fit. I’ve always been sensitive to social inequality and intolerance, in particular those instances in Canada. We are supposed to be a nation that accepts people’s differences, but there is still so much widespread intolerance and inequality. I want to change this, especially for women.
A really pivotal moment for me was when I took a class in my third year of university.On the first day the professor asked us to raise our hand if we considered ourselves to be a feminist. I was the only one of two people who did, and this was a women’s studies class FULL of women! I think that there is a general acceptance in my generation that feminism is no longer important; that we have reached all the goals of the previous eras of feminism. But this isn’t the case, certainly not worldwide, and not here in Canada.
It might not be easy to see, but we still have a far way to go to reach gender equality. In Canada women are still more likely than men to live below the pverty line. Half of Canadian women have experienced some sort of physical or sexual violence. Facts like these make me angry and sad, but they also make me want to take action. I want to make a difference in the lives of Canadian women, and bring awareness to these issues, change the stats.
That is why I chose a career in philanthropy.”
How does your work fulfill you?
“Helping people feels good. At the end of the day I want to come home and feel good about my job. There is so much suffering in the world, every time you red the news there is another act of violence, another disaster. I want to know that what I am doing is helping relieve some of that suffering; to make someone else’s life better, even if it’s only on a small scale, even if it’s just one person.”
What else would you be doing to make you happy?
“Pottery and Canoeing! Those are the two most relaxing and reenergizing things I can do. Unfortunately, I don’t get to do either enough. I love being able to create something with my hands, and there is something so satisfying about getting dirty while you do it! When I’m creating a piece I will literally get covered in clay, up to my elbows, on my face and in my hair. It brings out my inner child.
As for canoeing, I grew up canoeing at summer camp and getting to go on canoe trips. There is nothing more peaceful, or beautiful, than paddling on a lake that is smooth as glass somewhere off the beaten path in Northern Ontario, with nothing but trees and rocks around you. That is definitely my happy place!”
How have your travel experiences effected the way you view the world, the way you view philanthropy? Is there anyone you met along the way that pushed you (with them knowing or not) into this field?
“I have been lucky enough from an early age to have done my fair share of travelling, thought I wish I could do more. Travelling, going to new places, experiencing other cultures, really changes your perspective on the world and your own life, at least for me. It’s like taking a break from real life. It’s a chance to reflect and think about the things that are really important to you. Travelling makes me realize how lucky I am to have the opportunity to go travelling, to be able to afford to do it. Not everyone gets those opportunities.
Travelling helps me recognize the position of privilege that I am in and I think if you are in a position of privilege you should use that privilege to help other people. I don’t think there is one person in particular who inspired me; I think it was more the experiences themselves as a whole that helped shape the person that I am today and lead me to choose a career in philanthropy.”
What is your dream for your children’s world?
“I want my children to grow up in a world where we are not only tolerant of people’s differences, but one in which we accept and celebrate those differences. If I have a daughter I want her to feel safe walking home alone at night and not shamed for what she wears or how she chooses to express her sexuality. My dream is for a world where everyone feels safe from discrimination, from violence, from hate, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability etc. For me philanthropy goes beyond the money, it is about raising awareness and pushing for social change to make the world a better place any way we can.”
Who is ready to share Phoebe’s story? Spread equality!
