Executive director of the Green School Bali Foundation
I am proud to be part of a mission that is making a difference in the lives of young students and their families.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
Growing up in the US as a Balinese-American, I was privileged to experience life from a different lens. Enrolling in a life-changing American education system made me wish that more Balinese children would also have the same opportunities as I did. Feeling a sense of freedom that I could choose whoever I want to be, and receive acceptance no matter what I choose to explore – I wanted every kid to have that opportunity. When I learned about Green School, and I saw that the education it was providing for Indonesian children was progressive, holistic and sustainability focused – I could hardly believe it. However, the more I learned, the more amazed I became of the Local Scholarship Program, especially in the way that the school’s Founders – John and Cynthia Hardy – were committed to ensuring Balinese children were able to access this kind of education. Today, I have the privilege to witness the incredible growth of our scholars who are true changemakers in their communities and beyond.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud to be part of a mission that is making a difference in the lives of young students and their families. Being able to be a human bridge between their beautiful local wisdom and the global world of possibilities.
What impact have you made in Bali?
Through the Green School Bali Foundation, we have joined forces with thousands more supporters from all around the world who also believe in protecting the island of Bali through education. We have led impactful collaborations, turning ideas into action, spreading awareness on the importance of education, and nurturing our future generations.
What does 2022 look like for you?
2022 is the year I reflect upon the success in the past and the challenges I have faced. I will continue to prioritise the education of Green School Bali’s Local Changemakers, and I am excited to spread even more impact through the Green School Bali Foundation.
What do you love most about Bali?
That it is my home and the place where I feel most content. Having left the island for 12 years, and coming back – Bali is now very different compared to back then. There’s so much work to do, to redirect, and uplift the island’s potential. There’s so much to invest in the people of the island – they are the most creative, gentle, and warmhearted human beings on the planet, capable of taking on the world.
What's the one change in the world you’d like to see?
If only the education systems in the world were holistic, progressive and sustainability-focused, we might just be able to tackle the big environmental issues we are facing.
Who is your Local Legend and why?
My local legend is Chef Yudi, a renowned Balinese chef who has travelled around the world to cook authentic Indonesian food. Recently, he has given up his career as an international chef, due to his calling to become a priest in his village, Desa Les. He now opens his home in Les to anyone and everyone to taste his authentic cooking in his traditional Balinese kitchen. He has gained public attention mainly on social media in the past year, which has resulted in incredible collaboration opportunities with five-star hotels in Bali. The reason he is my Local Legend, is because he exemplifies how to live a happy life – all while keeping the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana close at heart. He is able to keep the balance of his spiritual journey and duties while still spreading happiness to people through his cooking. He is an inspiration, and certainly a character too!