We are only one week away from welcoming our first ever full time staff into the TGP office.
Thanks to Global Health Corps, we will have two GHC fellows to take up our Program Management for the 2013-2014 year. After a two week orientation, our new Program Managers, Casey and Odina will arrive to their new home, Washington D.C. Before their arrival, we decided to ask our new GHC Fellows some “get to know you” questions. Let’s all give one big Grassroot SHOUTOUT to Casey and Odina! Welcome to the team, we are thrilled to have you!
Casey Kilburn
Where are you from? Raleigh, NC
Favorite place you’ve traveled? Ghana (study abroad)
What inspires you about working for a non-profit like TGP? I have been drawn to the nonprofit sector for a good number of years after working in nonprofit camps for inner-city kids and volunteering throughout college. I love being part of an organization that is driven by a mission that seeks to help others in whatever capacity that may be. I was especially drawn to Grassroots after my year as an intern with Grassroot Soccer in Zambia, as it increased my desire to continue in the fight against HIV/AIDS. I also love working with other passionate young people who have chosen to devote their time and energy to such an important cause, and enjoy being part of something bigger than myself.
What are you most excited about doing over the next year with TGP? I am incredibly excited to continue to work in and learn more about the field of sport for development, especially learning how the field works and can be applied throughout the world. I can’t wait to be working directly with TGP coaches, student athletes, and DC youth. I’m also excited to be more hands on and involved with the implementation and delivery of TGP curriculum and being able to experience first hand the impact it is having on so many kids in DC.
Who is your greatest role model? My greatest role model is my parents. They have always supported, loved, and pushed me to become a better person and citizen of the world. I owe them so much gratitude and thanks for all they have done for me and know that I would not be here today without them.
What is you Grassroots nickname? Caseface or my Zambian co-workers call me “Rabbit” b/c I am a vegan/vegetarian and walk around the office munching on carrots
If you could give a SHOUTOUT to anyone right now who would it be? I would give a SHOUTOUT to the GRS Zambia team that hae taught me more than I could have ever expected and given me more knowledge and joy that I can’t wait to bring to Grassroots!
What is your favorite sport and who is you favorite athlete? Soccer, Lionel Messi
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring? My dog (yes considering her a person), Will Ferrell, my best friend
Odina Salihbaeva
Where are you from? Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Favorite place you have traveled? Bali, Indonesia
What are you most excited about doing over the next year with Grassroots? Learning more about NGO work, new approaches and skills, and working with a team of people coming from diverse backgrounds.
Whats your Grassroots nickname? I need help with this. My only nickname was when my brother shortened my name to Odi. Doesn’t sound that fun though. I would be happy to hear everyones ideas!
If you had to give anyone a SHOUTOUT right now, who would it be and why? My friend recently had a baby- I’d totally clap and do a ‘good job’ SHOUTOUT for her!
If you have a favorite sport and who is your favorite athlete? Tennis, Roger Federer
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring? 3 friends because we would totally take survival challenge as an adventure. Parents would worry too much))