Comm-UNITY! | Season 13 | Episode 10 | Eco-Warrior in Vogue

Welcome to the Young Givers in West Africa podcast, a series that celebrates the spirit of youth philanthropy in the vibrant communities of West Africa. I'm your host, Isaiah, and I'm thrilled to have you join us for this week's episode. Before we dive into today's discussion, I want to tell you about Safe South Africa, the organization behind this podcast. Safe South Africa is a philanthropy support organization dedicated to refining the practice of philanthropy and elevating the footprint of civil society in Africa. We promote reflective, responsive, and accountable philanthropy practices that advance the dignity and voices of all people. This week, we have a special guest, Mary Alonso from Nigeria, who has been making significant strides in her community. Mary is a US giver and the co-founder of Global Eco Mentors Initiative, an organization promoting environmental and climate literacy, as well as sustainable production and consumption. She is also the founder of Alolo 365, a sustainable fashion business that upcycles textile waste into new garments and accessories. Mary's journey into this work is inspiring. Growing up, she witnessed the struggles of many young girls in her community who lacked the educational opportunities she had. Her experiences with her father's work in rural schools and the challenges faced by her friend motivated her to make a difference. Today, Mary is dedicated to empowering young girls and youth through training and mentorship, providing them with the skills and opportunities to create a better future for themselves. Mary's work is not just about numbers; she focuses on transforming the lives of 10 young girls each year, ensuring they receive the best training and support. Her initiatives extend beyond her immediate community, reaching out to various rural areas and collaborating with other organizations to maximize impact. In 2024, Mary plans to continue her training programs, expand her outreach, and work closely with persons with disabilities to provide them with the skills and support they need to thrive. Join us as we delve deeper into Mary's inspiring journey, her motivations, and the incredible work she does to uplift her community. Thank you for tuning in to Young Givers in West Africa, where we celebrate the power of youth philanthropy and the positive change it brings to our communities. _ To explore more seasons of the comm-UNITY! Podcast series ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ _ #InspireInclusion #communitypodcast #season13 #YouthGiversWestAfrica #YouthPhilanthropy #WestAfricaGiving #CommunityBuilders #GiversOfTomorrow #PhilanthropyRising #SocialGoodWestAfrica #FutureChangemakers #YouthGiversNetwork