For the second year in a row, Google partnered with NVC Foundation for its Google Reach program, which lets Google staff from their offices all over the world to share their time and talent with NGOs in developing countries.
From June 24 to July 7, 2015, coming all the way from the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, and Canada, Cece Choi, Conor O’Rourke, Pascal Gienger, and Teresa Yee based themselves in Bacolod City and served as consultants/experts for NVC.
Working daily except weekends, the Googlers provided NVC with a truly useful package of research, tools, and technology aimed to help us deal with our rapid growth as a foundation, tap new donors who share our values, better manage online donations, and improve the ways we communicate with stakeholders.
We asked the Googlers what they thought of their experience with NVC, and here’s what what they said.
Cece Choi
Mountain View, California
“Before I landed in the Philippines, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect working with NVC. As our third and final week come to a close, I am truly amazed at the heart, compassion, and commitment of this community. What has really struck me throughout my time here is something I didn’t quite expect to see in an NGO in the Philippines – a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Being an entrepreneur is something we see or hear about daily at Google and the Silicon Valley world. It is ingrained in our company culture to proactively seek solutions to existing problems, and often work beyond the limitations and resources that we are given. NVC embodies all these things. With tremendous leadership from Millie Kilayko and her dedicated staff, NVC displays this exact entrepreneurial spirit.
I am proud to witness and play a small part in NVC’s mission to relieve poverty, hunger, and provide access to training & education for Filipinos.”
Cece is a partner manager on the channel partnerships team at Google. In this role, she focuses on driving growth for franchise and real estate partners. At Google since 2010, she previously worked as a policy specialist for Google AdSense partners.
Conor O’Rourke
Dublin, Ireland
“The two weeks working with NVC were incredibly inspiring and humbling. I am overawed at the impact NVC has on those most in need. Seeing first hand the beneficiaries showed me how NVC is making important long term changes to people’s lives, giving them hope, dignity and a future to build on.
The dedication of NVC’s volunteers is something I will never forget. Their selfishness in giving up their time and talents to a great cause is what inspired me the most. NVC’s mission will succeed because of these people and Millie’s incredible spirit and leadership.
I couldn’t think of a more noble NGO to support.”
Conor spent 9 years in the Netherlands working at the United Nations, then spent almost 2 years travelling and volunteering, visiting 20 countries during this time. He started at Google in 2012 and works in people development.
Pasgal Gienger
Zurich, Switzerland
“The most astonishing fact (in a positive way) was the openness of the Filipino society, embracing people all over the place, and placing invitation to participate higher in the first moment than finding differences to be able to discriminate (my perception of some European societies).
This boosted my well-being and motivation.
Then I have been overwhelmed by the history of NVC, how fast they grew due to the big hurricane Yolanda/Haiyan and the large help the fishermen needed to be able to retake their place to nourish their families. And all this organized by a small (at that time) organization which many full hearted volunteers.
I hope the contact remains active in the time to come and thank you very much for allowing me to be part of that wonderful mission. I feel very honored for that.”
After studying and working at the University of Konstanz, Pascal built his own consultancy company, serving customers in the financial field . He has worked network planning engineer, worked on projects in emerging markets (Senegal and Nigeria) and was hired by Google to join the geodata team in Zurich.
Teresa Yee
Mountain View, California
“Over the past 3 weeks, I’ve been working with NVC and learning about the amazing ways they help fight hunger and poverty. On one occasion, I had a chance to meet Mary Jane, a beneficiary of NVC. Shortly after meeting her, she broken down into tears of joy because she was so grateful for the sewing machine her donor had given her. Before receiving it, she was producing 1 piece every 2 days. Now, she produces 5 per day, and has a steady income. Seeing her joy felt incredible, and it reinforced to me that we can all make a difference simply by reaching out and taking action. Every little bit counts. While this is only one example, it can be multiplied across the many other beneficiaries NVC also serves. I’m so impressed by the impact NVC has been able to make across their community in only a few short years with programs like the Peter Project, Project Joseph, and their feed-a-child program.
To Millie, and the entire NVC team, you’re truly inspirational in your passion, energy, and drive. Thank you for letting me play a small role in your mission.”
Teresa was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She moved to San Francisco, California 2 years ago to join the Google fiber marketing acquisitions team. As product marketing manager, she oversees the marketing website and also helps with product partnerships.
Thank you, Googlers, for your kind words. But more importantly, thank you for sharing your knowledge, skills, creativity, and what could have been your vacation time with us and our beneficiaries. Your generosity inspires us to continue the fight against hunger and poverty in the Philippines!