What causes a person to achieve greatness? In Cynthia Kersey’s case it was the desire to create something lasting and impactful, like writing a book.  The title of her book, Unstoppable; 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You.  This also happens to be the name of her second world changing effort the Unstoppable Foundation.  Cynthia first left a successful corporate career to write the book, then shortly after faced the end of a 20 year marriage.  Reaching out to a friend and mentor of Habitat for Humanity, she was encouraged to take on a challenge bigger than her pain of divorce.

Cynthia enthusiastically supported Habitat, first building 1 home, eventually participating in building over 101 homes with Habitat for Humanity.  Cynthia felt good about that and it truly was a effort bigger than her pain.  Initially she had no idea how helping others and giving back would impact her.  It was life changing for Cynthia, an experience that is supported by research showing that Giving is a potent force impacting the giver.  She suggested a book entitled “Why Good Things Happen to Good People”.

For Rotarians, familiar with giving and supporting the communities, Cynthia noted that people want to do business with organizations that give back and have a “social purpose”.  Consumers are rewarding companies with a purpose, like TOMS Shoes who gives a pair of shoes to developing countries for each 1 pair purchased.  Cynthia was moved to create her foundation after attending a Women’s Leadership conference in Kenya.  She learned that only 1 in 10 worldwide have the privilege of an education.  Unstoppable works primarily in developing countries creating, building and providing resources for educating children.  Over 6,000 children have been educated, 62 primary school houses have been built and thousands of adults are receiving income training.

Cynthia Kersey is the Chief Humanitarian Officer of the Unstoppable Foundation and has a passion to ensure that every child on the planet receives access to the life-long gift of education.