By Hazel Geary, U.S. Fellow
I am so grateful for the opportunity to have participated as a Professional Fellows Host in May, 2024 in the Washington, DC area and then as a U.S. Fellow visiting El Salvador and Honduras in November of the same year. This journey began when a friend I met through the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program introduced me to ITD and the Professional Fellows Program. One day, I came across her LinkedIn post about her experience in Honduras and El Salvador, and my curiosity was immediately piqued. I reached out to learn more, and I’m so thankful I did. In that moment of curiosity, we gained knowledge about this incredible personal experience.
Hosting Andrea Alonzo (Honduras, above, center) was an absolute blessing and a perfect match. She is deeply committed to helping businesses thrive, particularly those led by women entrepreneurs. What stood out to me most when I first met Andrea was her incredible wisdom and insight – qualities I believe are her superpowers. Our in-country trip to Honduras was an amazing experience because it allowed me to witness firsthand the way she leads with her heart – sensitive, intuitive, and always offering thoughtful advice. Watching her in action as she worked with her Chamber of Commerce members was nothing short of magical. Andrea is a beacon of light for her community, forging genuine connections and uplifting those around her. Witnessing the impact she has on others was both humbling and inspiring.
During our visit, U.S. Fellow Rachel McFadden (above, right) and I had the privilege of sharing our entrepreneurial journey and the essence of our business in a talk at the Tegucigalpa Chamber of Commerce. We offered our best advice to fellow entrepreneurs, focusing on lessons we have learned along the way:
- Invest in Relationships: Relationships are the foundation of any successful venture. You never know how one connection can shift the trajectory of your business—or how your experiences might profoundly impact someone else.
- Embrace Evolution: While our core offerings have remained the same, the way we serve, what we stand for, and the methods we use have evolved. Staying adaptable and embracing growth is essential for longevity.
- Seek Out Mentorship: Mentors have been pivotal in our journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and hard truths. They come in many forms, whether they’re business veterans, peers, or community leaders. The best mentors not only support but inspire you to reach beyond your comfort zone.
- Leverage Sponsorship: Sponsors have played an invaluable role in our success. Beyond financial contributions, they’ve boosted our credibility, introduced us to new networks, and provided resources and insights that have propelled our growth.
Following our talk, we had the opportunity to engage in meaningful networking with those in attendance. It was amazing to connect with a diverse group of entrepreneurs who resonated with our story. These exchanges highlighted the collective power of sharing experiences, collaborating, and supporting one another’s growth. Such connections inspire open dialogues about what we all need to grow and support our businesses. The biggest insight I gained from my in-country experience is a profound understanding of the importance of internal support. We all need people and communities to uplift us – it’s simply a matter of finding them and being open to receiving their love and encouragement. This realization has filled my heart with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
I am reminded of the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The Professional Fellows Program perfectly exemplifies this wisdom. It serves as a powerful reminder to take the time to seek out support systems that can help us grow, whether by learning new skills, embracing new cultures, or exploring fresh ideas. We have a collective social responsibility to help one another, and this program is a beautiful conduit for fostering connections that might never have existed otherwise.
Through this experience, as both a host in the United States and an outbound U.S. Fellow interacting again with Andrea in Honduras, I’ve seen firsthand how we can profoundly influence one another when we come together with an open mind and a full heart. My heart is truly full.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
