By Jennifer Ploskina, Business Development Manager, BI WORLDWIDE and WLC member

We all have a purpose in life. I feel my purpose is to spread compassion to others without benefit to myself.  While this was only revealed to me a few short years ago, as I look back on my life and work, I see how the seeds were planted at various times in my life.

To have compassion requires feeling and experiencing the sufferings or misfortunes of others. I have not experienced a crisis in life myself, but when I learn of others that have, my compassion can be overwhelming – literally feeling the despair and wanting to help.  I am especially drawn to women in crisis, whether due to domestic violence, single mothers juggling work and children, job loss or health issues.

As a member of the Women’s Leadership Council for the last five years, I have had the opportunity to financially support the United for Women fund, review agency proposals for funding and volunteer at agencies supported by the fund.

Why do I do this?  Because I believe if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.  I believe we are on this earth to provide companionship and help those in need.  We all need to recognize that at any moment, any of us could face a critical life event where we need help.  One cannot survive on an island.  We need each other – family, community, business partners.

I am an Electrical Engineer with an MBA, and have had a successful career thus far primarily in the electrical manufacturing industry and now in an industry that motivates people to be the best version of themselves.  I am also a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. By all accounts, I have had a great life.  But, what makes me truly happy is making a difference in the lives of others.

The power of women helping women is incredible—we can make an impact if we work together. We can help single mothers afford transportation to keep their jobs or find a better one; we can help women escaping an abusive situation find shelter and safety; we can help coach women on job skills and networking, so they can support themselves; and so much more.

Give your time. Take the time to give back to your community. Identify an opportunity for which you feel passionate and start helping those in need.

Give your talent. Use your expertise to help struggling women in our community reach success. You can offer your assistance with job skills, financial guidance, resume writing and more.

Give your treasure. Consider making a donation to a local agency or joining United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, where your donations help struggling women in our community every day.

I would think we all want to make an impact during our short time on this earth. Remember, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. I hope you will join us in solving our community’s issues for our local women together.

To start your journey helping local women in need, join us for our 15^th Annual Women’s Leadership Council Breakfast on Wednesday, September 7. Learn more here.