Inspiring Women Magazine May 2023

Thrive started on a whim without a plan. I
and two others had just arrived in Dhaka,
Bangladesh, and were alarmed by children
begging on the streets. We asked a school in
the nearby slums how we could help, and the
resounding response was to bring food. The
children were either not showing up or, when
they did, were too tired to learn. We started
with bananas, and with international and local
community support, including many women
from the American Women's Club, we grew to
become an organization that provides healthy
meals to over 2,500 children each school day
at 17 schools.
These “new beginnings” are strung together by
the same motto — “why not?”
What goodbyes do you anticipate for you
in the next two years?
How do you feel about them?
We are gearing up to move back to the States.
Will it happen? Maybe. And if so, what are
the trade-offs? The walk-out-your-front-doorguaranteed-unexpected
will likely carry initial
relief, followed by potential dullness. I know the
daily awareness that I am a visitor in a foreign
land will dissipate, but I hope both are woven
deep within to keep my senses and curiosity
forever heightened.
What new beginnings do you see for yourself in
the next two years?
How do you feel about these?
I plan to continue with the mantra my father
passed to me: life is a leap of faith. I will
continue to jump into many more deep-endof-the-swimming
pool opportunities along the
way. So far, it seems life’s wonder resides in
the unexpected.
Volunteers bring bananas to Bangladesh schools. (right)
Co-founder Regina Landor selects market fresh eggs for
today's school delivery. (below)
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