Hearts are touched and lives are changed with every volunteer effort. Those who choose to dedicate their life to assist people in less fortunate circumstances are what gives this world a glimmer of unequivocal hope. Recognition for these continuous efforts are not typically why a person strives to achieve such results for others. However, when the opportunity does arise, it can lead to awareness for the very cause they are trying to shed light upon.
Dr. Shellie Hipsky is the recipient of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for dedicating over 4,000 hours of volunteer work in her lifetime thus far! Talk about an empowering way to recognize that Dr. Shellie Hipsky has spread a global sense of community!
An award of this caliber is a high honor to receive, as it is the most prestigious of the President’s Call to Service Awards. The award was orignally created in 2003 by then President George W. Bush, with the intention of encouraging individuals to dedicate their time to volunteerism. Included with the award, Dr. Shellie received a letter written by President Joe Biden and in it he states, “I know I’m not alone in recognizing that those who are willing to step up and volunteer in service of community and country are essential to ongoing work of forming our more perfect union.” These are exceptionally powerful words that can propel a mindset of desirability toward seeing each and every one of us are helping one another. Hipsky was extremely humbled and in her true nature, included immense appreciation for her support system.
Intentional action when helping women and children around the world in such an awe inspiring ways is a key component to Dr. Shellie’s impressive volunteer record. As the Executive Director and CEO of The Global Sisterhood, a non-profit that provides resources and assistance for women and children worldwide, Dr. Shellie understands the needs that face our current world today. Through the efforts of this organization Hipsky and her volunteers have, “provided services, fund, resources, and connection for women and children who have experienced homelessness, domestic violence, extreme poverty, mental health issues, and more over the past decade.”
One of many of the powerful stories that exhibit the influential impact of the far reaching effects the Global Sisterhood has is one that begins in the United States, and expands to the beautiful people of Nepal. A former Harvard Researcher, Dr. Meena left her beloved position at this Ivy League University to return to her homeland of Nepal, and with the resources provided by the Global Sisterhood, she was able to teach over 87,000 women and children how to read and write! This is just one example of the beauty in collaboration.
Another role that Dr. Shellie Hipsky takes on is that of our very own Editor-in-Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine. Through this publication, she is able to publish the works of incredible caring souls who spend selfless time giving back to worthy causes. After all, generations to come are counting on us, they are watching how we treat each other, and there is a ripple effect to kindness. The power of the written word leaves a lasting imprint for present and future readers to absorb and learn how they too can become involved. Dr. Shellie’s magazine does this with each story, as she always says, “inspiration is just a story away.”
Dr. Shellie Hipsky is also a mother, this is her most valued role. Dr. Shellie always follows a family first motto, and strictly adheres to this in her life. From a very young age Hipsky has taught her children the fundamental importance of giving back to others.
It is through the varying avenues of her life that Hipsky is paving the way for so many to achieve the ability to create lasting change. From her being the CEO of a non-profit that has done countless humanitarian works from building water wells in Nepal to providing computers for the entrepreneurial school in Tanzania global to close to home raising her children up with philanthropic mindsets. It is no wonder that she was presented the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Shellie is clearly effecting change in many ways.
To end with an appropriate thought to ponder that aligns with what Hipsky is doing, let me leave you with the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
If you would like to find more about how you can get involved with the Global Sisterhood 501(c)(3) or to see how else Dr. Shellie Hipsky is impacting the world for good, please visit her website at: www.ShellieHipsky.com
*** Also, please SAVE DATES for the Women of Impact and Innovation International (WOIII) Summit and Fundraiser from August 25 to 27th which will include a volunteer activity to help give back to women in need with Dr. Shellie Hipsky and the Global Sisterhood.