A rising senior at the University of Virginia, Yashnica Mothersil is the newest member of ConceptLink’s team. We were inspired by Yashnica’s story and her motivation for working in the social good sector in Africa, so we wanted to share our conversation with her:
ConceptLink: Hi Yashnica. It’s nice to sit down with you and get the scoop on your internship with ConceptLink. Could you tell us about your background?
It’s nice to sit down with you too. I was born in America to Haitian immigrants. I’ve always had a strong pride and passion for my culture and its history, but I was always conflicted with the different ways Haiti was portrayed. Here in America, Haiti is too often seen in a negative light particularly due to bias in media that focuses on its poverty and corruption. However, in my Haitian household, I was only exposed to the beautiful side of Haiti – the rich Haitian culture, its rhythmic music, romantic Creole language, amazing spicy food, and my funny family members. That is how I have grown to have such pride in my heritage.
As I grew older, I developed a profound interest in learning more about my family’s country and how it has evolved to be what it is today. In the process, I became more interested in the beauty of Caribbean countries as a whole and how they are direct extensions of their homelands in Africa.
How did you get involved with social good in Africa?
I think Africa is beautiful. That’s where Haiti, Jamaica, Brazil, and any other place with a strong Afro-influence get their vibrant flavor. I love it, but it always frustrates me when the beauty of Africa is overshadowed by its poverty and instability.
On a more personal note, I had the good fortune to go to Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa during my Fall 2011 semester. It gave me a chance to experience Africa first-hand and it was the best experience of my life. I can’t wait to go back someday.
What do you hope to learn during your work with Conceptlink?
ConceptLink is a perfect fit for my interests. Through ConceptLink, I get hands-on experience with strategy planning and better understand the fundamentals of starting social good organizations, especially those that focus overseas. Plus, I’m getting great business tips for my general knowledge.
At ConceptLink, there’s so much passion for Africa and everyone shares the same mission. We all want to see Africa rise and fulfill its potential; the consultants here share the same goals as their NGO clientele. ConceptLink’s passion, integrity, and respect for others speak volumes.
Last question: How does ConceptLink’s passion relate to you?
When I was a kid, I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. But in the last few years, I’ve really grounded myself in the social impact sector. Whatever I do in life, I just want to be happy- that’s my goal. Doing something that increases the well-being of people, especially those who have been undermined and neglected for so long, is what makes me happy. I would love to see a poverty-free Haiti, a poverty-free Caribbean and Latin America, and a poverty-free Africa sometime in my lifetime. That vision is my lifetime goal.
Go Girl!!!!, It’s so overwhelmed to hear beautiful, good hearted, intelligent young ladies like you doing so well and know their cultures history and be proud of it. It’s a blessing and a gift that you working so hard and experience how the world is, that God gave you and you use his blessings and his gifts in a positive ways. I wish you continue your success and your journey and continue to do good for unfortunate people in this world,may he continue bless you, if more people in this world have a good heart like yours, the world will be a better place. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
So proud of you, Kika!
Great goals girl! I love to travel as well. I have never been to Africa though. Can’t wait to go.
Girl you need to go!! There’s so much to explore and so many things to learn- things you’ll never find in a textbook. If/ when you go, be sure to update me on all the great things you did!!
Congratulations Kika! It’s so exciting that you’re a part of ConceptLink now!!
Thank you so very much!!!
Thank you so much!! I truly appreciate it! If we can all just be on the same page, we can make some major changes together!!!!
Very well stated. That’s why it’s so important for us to experience other cultures first-hand. Otherwise we are left to take the opinions and insights of others as the absolute truth. I’m glad you were able to experience such rich and beautiful countries and thankful that I was there to see the impact that experiencing the world had on you.
Sorry for the delay but Wow. I gotta say that I’m highly impressed! As a role model to you, I feel like I’m doing a terrific job. I personally hope that you ful-fill all your goals and most off all to be happy. Wherever we travel next we shall concur it with intelligence, kindness and our willing to help others!
Proud of you! Love you sis!