Success Story: CameroonONE: Fostering A New Life

"For many years, I’ve been in horror as the countless negative situations in the world overwhelm me with their intensity. While I was in community college I did a presentation on poverty around the world and the information I uncovered during my research left me with a burning desire to do all I could do make the world a better place for everybody. I was already donating what I could to charities that were doing great work, but I knew that my impact needed to be greater in order to be a light in a world that can seem so dark at times.

For a while I wandered aimlessly in life, knowing that I wanted to make a positive difference in the world but not even knowing where to begin. I checked off boxes, kept my head high, and pushed through many personal trials that life threw at me. It wasn’t until I arrived at Northern Illinois University and was halfway through my first semester there that I realized a path I could take in my life where I could truly make a profound impact.

One of the most inspiring and humble people I’ve ever met in my life, Dennis Barsema, came into my classroom and told us his personal story – one full of strength, endurance, and compassion. He had been massively successful, and was now using his money and time very generously to help inspire future leaders of tomorrow – people who would give back just like he has. He spoke to us about the emerging field of Social Entrepreneurship, which I immediately knew was my calling and passion in life. Finally, after all these years of just filling in boxes to finish school and get a good job I had found something I was also passionate about.

Social Entrepreneurship is essentially using business as a way to create not only financial wealth, but social wealth as well. I am very fortunate to be working with CameroonONE, as they are very focused on building social wealth for the communities they work in. I was drawn to CameroonONE because they are working on addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and they believe in building a better world for future generations. It warms my heart to know that great organizations like CameroonONE exist that are making a positive difference in this world, and I’m thrilled to be part of their team."

Check out Josh's crowdfunding campaign page below: