Inspiring Women Magazine May 2023

Excerpt from the original article.
I grew up as the youngest of six children on a
small lake in the midwest where I learned to
swim before I walked or talked. I spent my
childhood living 90% of the day outdoors,
surrounded by a gaggle of neighborhood
friends for make-believe and mischief.
I studied English and psychology as an
undergraduate, and education in graduate
school. Since then I’ve worked in a variety of
roles in a variety of sectors, including research,
nonprofit management and higher education.
The common denominator throughout has
been a desire to improve children’s lives.
I’ve always been one to say, “Why not?” My
husband and I had four kids in six years; we
moved from state to state and eventually from
country to country. I believe that adding
discomfort and/or challenge to my day (and
life!) offers me the opportunity to expand my
world and live more vibrantly.
For me, activism = service. I put my whole life
toward service. It’s what gives me a sense of
purpose and pure joy. In order to best be of
service, I divide my days and my energy into
four pillars:
• z Family: Nurturing four children to be
citizens of the world, to follow their passions
and to take risks.
2023 update
Priscilla now lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Since my story was shared, I’m excited to
share that Thrive has expanded its reach and
is feeding even more hungry children a daily
school meal across Bangladesh and the
Philippines. Our growth reflects deepened
global and local community commitment
and mobilization.
“Goodbyes and New Beginnings”
Of all the people and situations you have said
goodbye to in your life, tell us about two that
you miss the most. Why is that?
My sister, Judy, died of cancer much too young.
I miss her continual sideline boost and
mischievous humor. I try to follow her deep
loyalty — being there for those you love no
matter what. I have found the practice to be an
immeasurable gift.
Nutritious food being handed out to Bangladesh school
children. (above left)
Helping Jaago school children wash their hands before
their Thrive meal. (below left)
As an expat, so many friendships stopped
unwillingly by distance, often suddenly and
unexpectedly. A few, such as Ebba Rusten, came
into my life with such a swoosh of connectivity
on so many levels that replacing it seems
implausible. Of course, modern technology
keeps us informed of each other's days, but
direct interactivity gives way over time.
Of all the “new beginnings” in your life, tell
us about two that you really remember/that
turned out to be unexpectedly important.
I grew up in a small midwest town and had the
same bedroom throughout. By sneakingly
applying (my parents didn’t approve) to study
abroad at Oxford, I think I set our unintentional
nomad life into motion. Unlike many expats I
met, I wasn’t running away from anything
stateside, but rather saying, “why not?” that has
led to an unimaginable, transformable life. A
decade overseas taught me to slow down (at
least a bit) to connect with my family and guided
me, unexpectedly, to find my life’s purpose,
Thrive (feeding school children).
Her brother, James Perry, joining Bangladesh
school visits. (below)
• z Passion: Developing Thrive, the
organization I founded with two other women
in Dhaka, Bangladesh in 2012, feeds more
and more schoolchildren in some of the
world’s poorest places.
• z Work: Managing Director at Smarter
Good, supporting non-profits around the
world to achieve their goals.
• z Self: Yoga or spin class most afternoons,
and long hikes with family and friends
for rejuvenation.
Read more/rest of original article by clicking here:
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/
read/62062427/inspiring-women-fall-2018/9
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