“I’m not Melinda Gates,” says Joy Kolin, the founder of Giving Joy, an organization that encourages and strengthens women entrepreneurship world wide through micro grants and mentorship.  “But you don’t need to be. What we’ve learned is that you can do a lot with a little.  We can all make a difference —and we should.

A self described Tex-Israeli, Joy Kolin was born in Texas but spent most of her formative years in Israel. It was those international beginnings that led her to a love of travel. Of a curiosity for exploration that would pave the way for finding her true passion. 

She’s spent her professional life working in the area of international relations —making a global difference. From health care to peace negotiations, she’s been a part of some interesting work. Work that many of us could only imagine. But it wasn’t until she made the choice to shift her focus to supporting women directly through her innovative micro grant program that she experienced the joy of truly making a difference.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• We often worry that we don’t have the capacity to make an impact —that what we have to offer might be too little. But Joy teaches us that it doesn’t take a lot to make a difference.  What is one small thing you can do today to help someone else? 
• Joy talks about the multiplier effect, the idea that even the smallest action can produce big ripples. How can you extend your reach by doing something that has a multiplier effect.
• Practice curiosity. Try something new today.   What did you learn? 

Learn more about Giving Joy here.

Do you know someone who has a story to tell? Someone who is giving back to their community? Working to make our world a better place? Send an email to [email protected]. Nominate them for a future episode of From Sparks to Light.

To learn more about Robert Maggio, the composer of "Where Love is Love," our theme music, please check out his website.

To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website.

To learn more about the inspiration for this podcast, please check out Suzanne's memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago

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