A Letter of Thanks - My Journey with 33 Buckets

It’s with a profound sense of gratitude that I am stepping down from my position as Executive Director of 33 Buckets.?

Since 2017, I have served the organization as an intern, volunteer, and eventually as its leader and Executive Director. In the past six years, 33 Buckets has given me the opportunity to spend a total of over 2 years abroad visiting and working in 35+ communities in the Cusco region of Peru. We’ve delivered critical resources and transferred essential skills that have improved access to clean water and sanitation for over 8,400 individuals coming from thousands of multi-generational families in rural communities. I’ve met hundreds of local leaders, water managers, teachers, kids, and parents who have welcomed me and the 33 Buckets Team into their lives. While our life experience seriously could not be more different, we worked, struggled, laughed, and connected in a way that has positively and permanently changed my worldview. I never could have imagined the capacity that we have to connect with one another across cultures, borders, languages, and lifestyle. To these friends, I say: Gracias desde el fondo de mi corazón, hermanas y hermanos. Tukuy sonqoymanta a?ay wayki panaykuna.

Personally, I’ve developed deep friendships with our partners and the people of Cusco, making it a home away from home. I’ve had the pleasure of being a leader and a friend to the 50+ students, consultants, and volunteers who have driven our clean water mission over the years. Since our inception, 33 Buckets has enabled 34 individuals to travel internationally, engage in invaluable cultural exchange, and improve lives through our clean water and sanitation initiatives. I’ve also been greatly inspired by the hundreds of individual donors and small businesses who have given a part of their livelihood to make all this possible. Together we have faced challenges, celebrated triumphs, and ultimately created incredible experiences and positive change that is immeasurable. To the 33 Buckets community, from my friends in the Cusco region to our supporters in the US, thank you. To my friends and family who have supported 33 Buckets, I greatly appreciate you and look forward to supporting you in your life endeavors. And of course, to the 33 Buckets Team members, I can’t thank you enough! I could not have been successful in this position without your mentorship, friendship, and contributions.?

Moving forward, 33 Buckets will face necessary changes and adapt accordingly. While there is uncertainty, our Board of Directors and Volunteer Team are committed to making the best decisions for the future. I will continue to support 33 Buckets to the best of my ability, ensuring that our work continues to have a ripple effect, empowering families and communities and providing life-changing volunteer opportunities. I can personally attest to the value of the organizations’ work. If you have any interest in being a part of 33 Buckets, as a team member, funder, volunteer, or partner, send me a message or email me at [email protected]. You can also catch me at 33 Buckets’ year-end event, Art-4-Agua, on Dec. 17th in Tempe, Arizona!

As for me, I am looking forward to the next step in my journey. I am open-minded, optimistic, and patient in choosing the next opportunities to grow and create value for the communities that I am, and will be, a part of. Regardless of industry or company, my goal remains the same: drive synergy among organizations, people, and planet in pursuit of a more prosperous future. If you or your company share this goal, send me a message so we can connect. In the meantime, I look forward to reflecting on my 33 Buckets’ experience, pursuing personal and entrepreneurial goals, and spending time with friends and family! As my great friend, LeoQuispe (pictured at the top!), says: Haku purisunchik kuska wayki panaykuna. Let's walk forward together, brothers and sisters.