More Than 85 Broads

Adventure by its very nature involves risk. It's supposed to be hard. It's supposed to be uncertain. It's supposed to be daunting and sometimes overwhelming. But it's also supposed to be exciting. To be exhilarating. And ultimately to be self-defining.

Alison Levine

Alison spent 11 years in the healthcare industry working in sales, marketing and business development in both the US and in Asia prior to earning her MBA at Duke University. In between starting business school and starting a job at Goldman Sachs, she "accidentally" climbed the highest peak on 6 continents. In May 2002 she was invited to serve as the team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition. Today she runs 2 companies: Daredevil Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in organizational health and leadership development, and The Climb High Foundation which trains jobless women in western Uganda to be trekking guides.

"In March 2002 we began our climb. Mt Everest's summit is 29,035 feet above sea level, and the climb would take us approximately two months. Many of the major media outlets-CNN, CNBC, Fox, NBC, etc.-were tracking our every step and millions of people at home were cheering for us, watching our daily ascent. Discovery Channel was posting dispatches from the mountain on their Web site every few days. People from all over the world were sending us e-mails supporting us, which really helped keep our spirits high throughout the entire trip. I always knew climbing was the ultimate test of teamwork. The people on this trip were amazing. There was not one day when the women did not get along with each other, which is really amazing given the amount of time we spent together and the stressful conditions that Mt Everest can throw at you."

Kate Reid

Kate graduated from Hollins University in May 2000 and has since worked at the New York Stock Exchange, Goldman Sachs and Expedia. Before going back to graduate school she spent two months teaching in Dhading, Nepal, at one of two schools constructed in partnership between 85 Broads and Room to Read.

"The most important lesson I learned is that one person alone can make such a huge difference in this world. About a month and a half into my volunteering experience, I met another volunteer and shared with her my classroom struggles and frustrations. She reminded me that, "It's about that one kid who gets it. That one quiet girl in the third row who, while the rest of the classroom is shouting 'green' when you are holding up an orange sign, she's learning it. To her you are making all the difference in the world." There are hundreds of ways we can make the world a more peaceful, civil and just community-and often opportunities await us that are within walking distance of our very own homes."

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