Anna Reed Phillips
Director of Development
Hometown: Marinna, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
A: I co-founded the Bridge2Rwanda Scholars Program 16 years ago and now serve as the Director of Development for Bridge2Rwanda, helping to raise funds, develop partnerships, and create awareness about our programs.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Not necessarily....but I always knew I would be in a profession that helped and served people. It just took me moving across the world to find this specific purpose! I started out as a Speech and Language Pathologist, and through divine intervention, found myself moving to Rwanda and becoming involved in international development. I have definitely found something I am extremely passionate about, but it is a career that I never would have imagined for myself earlier in life.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: My father was always a great source of inspiration in my life - he was an Arkansas farmer who valued faith, education, family, and people. He overcame so many challenges in his life, but had an extremely hard work ethic and genuine care and kindness for everyone he met. He instilled the values in me that I hold dear to this day and that I now try to instill in my own children.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Work hard, learn to listen first, and be humble! I also love the advice that I have heard our CEO/Founder (Dale Dawson) say many times - "standing at the edge of uncertainty is where you see God work the most!" So, I would advise to not be scared to take risks in your career.
Q: What's been the secret to success?
A: I tend to define success a little differently than most would. To me, success is finding contentment, joy, and satisfaction in the work you do and knowing that you are making a genuine contribution to the world based on your own specific talents. I think part of the secret is finding out what your gifts are and what you are passionate about....and marrying those two.
