Chantal Pangula

This summer, as a Chuck Green Fellow at Give Us Wings, I took on the challenge of advancing economic development and community empowerment. Working closely with my supervisors, Betsy and Peter, I gained a deep understanding of Give Us Wings’ history and mission, which greatly informed my approach to developing and refining my ideas. I evaluated the Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods Development (ELD) program by researching its history, gathering data, and creating a comprehensive document to guide prospective donors as well as staff and board members. I proposed a program evaluation system for both the ELD and Education programs, aimed at enhancing economic growth for families and businesses through tailored strategies. Additionally, I developed a tracking system that automates the process of collecting data from Uganda to the U.S., allowing us to quickly identify areas where families can be helped. My work extended to leading a social media advocacy campaign, which focused on amplifying the voices and experiences of women and girls in Uganda. Through this campaign, I highlighted their economic needs and showcased the impact of Give Us Wings’ initiatives, raising awareness and engaging a broader audience in our mission. To support these efforts, I also researched development statistics in rural Uganda, created a needs assessment document, and identified potential nonprofit partners for future collaboration.

My internship at Give Us Wings has been an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the profound challenges faced by people living in poverty, particularly the disproportionate impact on women in Uganda. Through my work, I gained insights into the economic, health, and education struggles that these communities endure and learned how nonprofits like Give Us Wings are actively working to address these issues. I came to appreciate the complexities and challenges that international nonprofits face, especially in empowering the very people they support to take the lead in transforming their own lives. The Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods Development (ELD) and Family to Family program exemplify this effort, as they provide the tools and agency for individuals to create sustainable change. I also realized the importance of continuously supporting and empowering people globally, a mission that requires constant innovation and dedication. This was particularly evident in the monthly committee meetings with board members, where I had the opportunity to participate in brainstorming sessions on a theory of change document, working collaboratively to ensure that Give Us Wings can truly fulfill its mission.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my supervisors, Betsy and Peter at Give Us Wings, for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Their guidance, especially in teaching me about Give Us Wings’ history, mission, and values, has been invaluable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work on projects that further their important work. I also want to extend my deep appreciation to the Uganda staff, whom I had the privilege to meet with every two weeks over Zoom. Their kindness, warmth, and inspiring dedication have been truly motivating, and their shared expertise has greatly enriched my experience. A special thank you to Lisa Mueller, the Chuck Green Fellowship Facilitator, for her exceptional support and guidance during both the spring semester and the fellowship itself. Lastly, I am grateful to the Chuck Green cohort, an amazing group of peers who have offered constant support, shared their experiences, and provided invaluable advice throughout this process.