Adversity and sorrow can often put things in perspectives and reveal a clear path. For A Glimmer of Hope President Donna Berber, that’s exactly what led her to advocate for Ethiopia’s impoverished women. In this installment of Interviews with Influential Women, we discuss how she discovered her passion and what women can do to find their way too.
In 200 words or less, please give my readers a short background on your personal journey that brought you to today.
When images of the great famine in Ethiopia emerged in the mid-1980s, I was shaken to my core. I was in my 20s, sitting in my comfortable home in London as I witnessed the suffering of people a world away. This planted a seed for what would become my life’s work and passion.
Years later, after life took my family and I to Texas, the voice inside became too loud to ignore. It was then that I was moved to found A Glimmer of Hope in 2000 to empower women and girls living in the rural, impoverished villages of Ethiopia.
Over the course of this amazing journey, I have traveled throughout Ethiopia and met a forgotten people burdened by extreme poverty. The need to affect change in the world often starts from the broken places in our hearts. I realized through this work that my path here began at a very young age after losing my father in a plane accident. I find that the tragedies in our life can often become our inspiration, and this was certainly true for me.
Who are your top 3 female role models, and what about each inspires you?
Mother Teresa immediately comes to mind. Her outreach to the poorest of the poor is the most absolute reflection of selflessness I have ever witnessed or experienced. She fulfilled her mission to do God’s work—giving love and a place to die with dignity to so many. I am so humbled by her life’s work and how it lives on in others today.
Marianne Williamson, an author and advocate for women and the world’s poor and hungry, is also a true inspiration. She encourages women to step into their own power, enrich their lives, and honor their gifts—ultimately, fulfilling one’s own potential in the world. In her recent efforts to seek public office, she brings a level of consciousness never before seen in our political system.
Pema Chodron, as the first American woman to be ordained as a Buddhist monk, has broken a centuries-old tradition. She carries with her a message of the deepest compassion and self-love, as well as awareness for deep reflection of this human experience. Her teachings offer great insights and a wonderful roadmap for personal journeying, with Pema herself as a perfect example.
What challenge (s) did you face & overcome to get to where you are?
My greatest challenges stem from my childhood memories of losing my father and personal belief systems about not feeling worthy (both of which held me back in many ways). It curtailed my growth and contained me so that I shrank rather than expanded. Through many years of searching from within, I began to identify these belief systems as simply untrue. From that place, I have been able to extend and expand myself to fulfill the potential of being a woman in the world with a dream.
What are the 3 most important things you do (or did) that contribute to your success?
I followed my heart from a place where I was deeply moved. I witnessed an abhorrent sense of imbalance and injustice in the world, and I followed this thread as it pulled me along a journey into a completely unknown space. I trusted the thread not knowing where it would end, but knowing I was compelled to do so.
I listened to the inner and outer voices. I listened to the voice inside of me that became louder and louder as my vision became stronger—refusing to accept “no.” I also learned when to take outside counsel. I allowed myself to be mentored by those who had walked the path before me. Tapping into the shared experiences of others, during both challenges and successes, has been invaluable.
Finally, I tune into those around me. I listen to what is being said, and unsaid—allowing me to fully comprehend the underlying dynamics. The personal growth that has come through listening and honest communication has had a profound impact on the work we do at A Glimmer of Hope. Before we ever break ground on a project, we listen to community to fully understand their needs. Hearing directly from the people allows us to establish partnership and trust from the outset and create an environment that changes the lives of women and girls for years to come.
What are the 3 most important things women need to do or consider when charting their next chapter of life, whenever that may be for them?
I believe women need to connect with their passion. Incredible wisdom comes from the intersection of your passion, your gifts and what the world needs.
It’s important for women to respect and follow their instincts. Women are highly intuitive beings. We often have the answers we need and tapping into that wisdom is something women do exceptionally well.
I find as I move through this phase in my life, I get the best input from other women. Women can amplify and elevate their vision by garnering the support of those with like minds, like hearts and shared passions. Sharing knowledge, struggle and joy can be immensely inspiring and energizing.
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Donna Berber is deeply passionate about the issues of injustices relating to poverty and women in Africa. Born in London, England, Donna’s world was shaken as a young woman when she saw horrific images of starvation camps during the Ethiopian famine in the mid 1980s.
After Donna and her family moved to Texas in 1991, the call within became too loud to ignore, and she was compelled to take action. From that, A Glimmer of Hope was born in 2000. Glimmer works in four vital areas—water, health care, education and microfinance—to create a powerful force to lift villages out of extreme poverty in rural Ethiopia. Since its founding, Glimmer has invested more than $85 million and built more than 9,000 projects in Ethiopia.
In 2014, Donna stepped into the role of president of A Glimmer of Hope, building on her significant contributions and passion as founder. Donna lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Philip, and their three incredibly handsome sons.
