Sydney Schaef
Executive Director
Kujali International
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Completed an internship in New Orleans that exposed me to urban poverty & educational inequity.
Studied abroad in Tanzania to expand my worldview & experience life in a "developing" nation.
Started a non-profit, Kujali, to address educational inequities in TZ with a local partner NGO.
Joined Teach For America, taught middle school science in South Central LA, and earned a M.ED.
Moved to TZ to work full-time for Kujali to support our first school launch for orphaned youth.
Was awarded the Skoll Scholarship for Entrepreneurship to attend Oxford University and get an M.B.A.
Returned to the U.S. to work to improve education here at home, finding love & ready to grow roots.
Stumbled upon a chance to help innovate in school model design in the district of my new home city.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
University of Florida
University of Florida
Career
Executive Director
I run a non-profit that leads innovative programs in education, youth advocacy, and social enterprise for disadvantaged youth in East Africa.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Entrepreneurship
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
My typical work day varies quite a bit. Most of my time is spent managing our communication, fundraising, and program oversight efforts from my home office, but I also travel in the U.S. for meetings and events, as well as to and from Tanzania to support our field team. I monitor and evaluate programs & services on the ground, and host our annual Adventure Travel events (www.kujali.org). I also dedicate time to personal creative projects that keep me inspired, engaged, and learning.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for middle school students
Start thinking about the things that inspire you, or anger you, about the world. Get as much exposure as you can to different ways of living, thinking, being. Ask lots of questions. Look for "pain points" in the world - places where change is needed, where people are suffering - and ask yourself how you could help, how you would approach a problem. Find positive, open-minded, inquisitive people - and keep them close! Finally, believe in yourself, have courage, and hold onto your dreams.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"'Those who can't, teach.' In my early twenties, I was discouraged from entering the field of education by some members in my family who believed it was a dead-end career, for people lacking talent and real capabilities. I didn't take it personally!"
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
LGBT
