The President’s Leadership Council here at Oklahoma State University offers a study abroad trip that is partnered with Tererai Trent, a former OSU grad . Students travel to Zimbabwe to see the work she is doing to create a more sustainable school system as well as provide a source to send women in Zimbabwe to college. This trip is a ten day experience in which students get to learn about Tererai’s leadership and her story to make a difference in the world.
This trip has prompted us students to make a difference in Zimbabwe by fundraising money to help the cause of sustainability by drilling wells to be placed for a source of water for the schools and the surrounding community.
Directors Spotlight
In this segment we will be recognizing all the directors in the Wishes For Water foundation, recognizing a few in every newsletter in the summer.
Lily Chavez (President)
I started the Wishes for Water Foundation because I saw first-hand the need for water in Zimbabwe rural schools. Deeper than just water, I witnessed the need for support of schools and their programs. Water is an important and vital need of these schools and the innovation and community support it creates is one of the many positive byproducts that Wishes for Water hopes to contribute to. My role as Founder and President is a managing role. With the help of my close friend and Vice President, Haley Velez, we manage a team of over fifteen volunteer directors. Every worker of Wishes for Water are volunteers that are full time undergraduate students. Our team is composed of students supporting other students and their learning environment in Zimbabwe. I started Wishes for Water because I saw a need, but I continue to further our foundation's efforts and grow our team because I know that we have the ability to transform communities no matter how old or experienced we are.
Haley Velez (Vice President)
Hi, my name is Haley Velez I am a junior marketing management communication major from Oklahoma City at Oklahoma State. I am someone who has always been involved in volunteer work from Infant Crisis Center to getting my Gold Award, by providing period products to low-income families, and Wishes for Water which is my favorite one yet. I have always loved helping people in any way I can and Wishes for Water is helping people in a massive way. My role at Wishes for Water is Vice President and, in that role, I work closely with the president to ensure that meetings and other activities proceed smoothly. When the president is unavailable, I assume her duties. I also communicate directly with all directors and make sure each facet of Wishes for Water is working well and is chaired properly.
