Mimi with one of our students in Laos

What makes Pencils of Promise unique is our approach.  While 51% of our mission is purely dedicated to the global education crisis, 49% is dedicated to empowering people to create social good.  We refer to this as The Global Generation, which is comprised of Gen Y-ers on our side of the World and the students we are helping across the globe.  Each week, we’ll highlight a different member of the PoP Movement in what we call “PoP Profiles”.

Our first PoP Profile is on Mimi Nguyen, a member of the PoP Leadership Board and a founding member of the organization.

#1: What is your role with PoP?

As one of the  founding members and senior directors, I’ve been involved in the development of the organization from internal to external. I honestly can’t pinpoint an exact “role” or title– I like to find a spot where I am needed or can add value and ask to help! That makes it difficult sometimes to explain my role, but I figure this is the best use of me.  I have even gotten on my hands and knees to pick up cups and bottles at events.  Call me Jack [of all trades]! Currently, I am overseeing the “Get Involved” program and upcoming Pencils of Promise events.

#2: How did you first get involved with PoP?

It happened to be that birthday that Adam mentions where he put $25 in his bank account and invited people to come to his birthday for the initial seed money of his dream to build Pencils of Promise. Through friends of friends, I came and met Adam that night and the rest is history. I mentioned to him that I had been looking for an organization to work with and help develop since I had a strong interest and background in nonprofit. My first project was The Masquerade which was less than 2 months away at that time! And from there the Annual Masquerade was born and the money for our first school was raised that night.

#3: What is the most exciting thing about working with PoP?

Working with PoP is a continuous flow of excitement and joy. No matter how stressed or thin I get from balancing my day time job/personal life/PoP, I am always looking forward to any PoP work. It’s not even work to me! It’s an amazing feeling knowing you are contributing to a worthwhile cause that helps better the lives of other. Everyday I am thankful for the blessings that I have received in life, and feel strongly that my energy is best utilized to empower and enrich the welfare of others.  Through this journey, I have also uncovered other passions and met such inspiring people! PoP was the missing piece I had felt for so many years after I had moved to New York.

#4: What else are you passionate about?

My other passions lie in the simplicity of enjoying what life has to offer, capitalizing on my opportunities, working towards my personal definition of success, and laughing as much as I can.

#5: What else do you do outside of PoP (hobbies, work, etc)?

I work in commercial real estate investment for a private firm in New York City. My next challenge is law school. I’m awaiting to find out which school I’ll be attending this fall! My hobbies are eating, traveling, photography, and reading.  My vices are shopping and reality television. My part time job is being a starving stand-up comedian. My wish is MAGIC.

Be sure to follow Mimi on Twitter @Meemso.