This experience inspired me to introduce my team at Samsung Electronics America to the nonprofit, which distributes meals to schools, orphanages, humanitarian agencies, and missions around the world. After we launched the Galaxy S24, I helped organize a team-building experience with the Retail Operations and Channel Management teams, spending a morning at Feed My Starving Children. In a few short hours, we packed 111 boxes, providing enough food to feed 65 children in Haiti for an entire year! We not only strengthened team bonds, but also discovered that volunteering can be more fulfilling than traditional team-building exercises. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-received the activity was and its impact on shifting the team’s mindset.
Even when you’re unable to volunteer in person, there are ways to support organizations remotely. I am involved with a summer camp called Wa Wa Segowea in Massachusetts. I attended this camp for many years as a child. This camp was a cornerstone of my childhood, profoundly shaping who I am today. There I gained independence, alongside practical abilities like building a campfire and setting up a tent. The camp also introduced me to diverse people and perspectives from an early age. Living close to nature for a few weeks, unplugging from technology, and stepping outside of one’s own little bubble is amazing and life-changing. In gratitude for my wonderful experiences, I’ve supported the camp’s scholarship program for over 15 years. I’m also currently involved in fundraising efforts to help make the camp ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible. About 40% of Wa Wa’s campers rely on financial aid to attend camp, and it’s fulfilling to know that the camp caters to children from various backgrounds.
At Samsung, we are fortunate to have Citizenship programs like Volunteer Time Off (VTO) and corporate matching for employee charitable donations, demonstrating the company’s commitment to community support. As Bree Abel wisely noted in Chicken Soup for the Soul, “You never know what happiness a simple act of kindness will bring about.” I strongly encourage everyone to engage in VTO and contribute to causes close to their heart. Together, let’s continue to foster a culture of giving at Samsung and in our personal lives to make a lasting impact on our world.
About “Humans of Samsung”
Inspired by Humans of New York, our blog series features intimate stories from Samsung employees sharing their triumphs over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) challenges, immigration experiences, coming out journeys, cultural celebrations, and accomplishments in the face of abilities-driven obstacles. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the impressive individuals shaping Samsung’s inclusive culture, showcasing their resilience, and celebrating the strength that diversity and inclusion bring to both personal and professional journeys.
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