In this Q&A, get to know Caleb Mejia, Humanity and Hope United’s Director of Engagement & Fundraising. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Caleb, you probably know his hilarious sense of humor and passion for serving others. But what was he doing before he joined H&H? And what is his dream job? Find out in our latest Q&A.
1. What were you doing before you joined H&H?
I used to work for a transportation company doing sales and logistics for them! It was a tough and toxic environment where people were just seen as animals and not real people. But, every time I think about it, I get a good laugh at the place I used to work and how much fun I have doing what I do now!
2. H&H believes that Hondurans are best equipped to lead and serve other Hondurans. Why is serving others and giving back important to you?
I believe that serving is a blessing. We are all gifted with different things in our lives, and we all have something to offer to the world -- something that makes us come alive. Serving selflessly makes me feel more and more alive. I believe we are all gifted with talents, and in order to contribute to others and this world, we have to give back. If giving to those in need was something we all learned at an earlier age, I think our world would be a better one! It would be selfish not to give back.
3. What's one thing that has surprised you the most during your time with H&H?
When we talk about a community, what truly amazes me is the people who make this organization. H&H is not built on money, greediness, or fame. It is built on people's hearts and desires to give and serve. Our community truly shines when it comes to looking out for others and helping them become the best version of themselves.
4. H&H's model centers around sustainability. What does sustainability look like to you, and why is it so important?
We often hear the analogy of "give a person a fish, and you'll feed them for a day, teach a person how to fish, and you will feed them for life." I want to take that a step further. To me, sustainability looks like this:
"A parent learning how to fish, bringing that fish home and feeding their family, to later send their kids to school so they never struggle the way they did, and then going back to the lake to work and teaching others to fish. But on his way back, he sees a family in need, and as he goes back home, he gives them a fish for a day and invites them the next day to learn how to fish."
Sustainability looks to me like a person going all the way from survival to self-sufficiency to generosity. Sustainability is important because it creates a sense of empowerment in those who were told that they were worth nothing to society.
5. What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I used to say that I would never ever work full-time in a nonprofit because they don’t make a lot of money. The joke is on me. I now have my dream job and would never trade it for another job. Even though we need money to live, I am rewarded with stories, meeting amazing people, and working full time to change generations.