Beyond the Classroom (continued)

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Opening doors for others

Noticing needs, however small, and actively filling them can create countless life-changing opportunities for others, observes Yvonne Martin, assistant professor of business administration. Martin recently completed a nine-year term as chair of the board for Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair-trade organization, and she currently serves on boards for Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA). Through marketing and loans, MEDA and Ten Thousand Villages help individuals and families throughout the world move from poverty into sustainable livelihoods. And, guided by Christian principles, MMA offers a plethora of services, including financial services, conscientious investment opportunities and loans to individuals, and outreach programs.

“I’m inspired by these organizations,” explains Martin, “because each started with one or two people who saw a need and gave a little gift of time or shared an idea that evolved into a multimillion dollar enterprise making a tremendous impact.” Martin says her volunteer service connects her with business groups all over the world that are both compassionate and economically viable. She adds that these connections enable her to use real-life examples to teach her business students—both in and out of the classroom—about how cutting-edge economic principles can and do alleviate poverty by opening doors of opportunity for many.