Send us Fan MailWhat if the solution to hunger isn’t more aid, but empowering women? Shannon Fernando, Founder and CEO of Alabaster International, is working on the frontlines of healthcare, food security, and female entrepreneurship across East Africa and South Asia. In this episode, she shares what she’s learned from nearly two decades in the field, why most approaches to impact fall short, and how women are the key to transforming entire communities. This is a real look at what it takes to create change that actually lasts.Show Notes In this episode: The rejection that redirected Shannon’s entire path  What it really looks like working in conflict zones and remote communities  Why most people misunderstand the communities they’re trying to help  The truth about empowering women and economic impact  The stat that changes how you think about giving and investing  How indigenous crops like Enset are helping fight hunger  What it takes to build trust and create sustainable change  The reality of fundraising and leading a global nonprofit  How Shannon stays grounded in work that is emotionally heavy  A powerful story that defines why this work matters  What women in business can do right now to make an impact Key Takeaway When women have access to resources, they don’t just improve their own lives, they lift entire communities with them.Guest Contact + Resources Website: https://www.alabasterinternational.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabaster_international/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alabaster-internationalGet Involved Support the work through one time or monthly giving  Learn about their programs and impact  Explore opportunities to volunteer or travel with the team  Stay connected to their mission and updates---Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  Instagram: @badass_women_in_businessLinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in BusinessWebsite: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.comAthena: athenaac.com