Empowering an at-risk generation through consulting

About Unite the World with Africa

Meet Anne Wells, Founder and Director at Unite the World with Africa Foundation

Q: What roles or responsibilities do you give your grad student team? 

A: At  Unite the World with Africa Foundation, we treat D'Amore-McKim graduate students as strategic partners. They take on high-impact projects that directly support our mission. For example, they've developed marketing strategies tailored to our limited budget, identified U.S. venues to screen our documentary films, and expanded our network of professional mentors for Tanzanian scholars. 

They also help us identify funders, corporate social responsibility partners, and global conferences that can elevate our visibility. Their contributions support many initiatives, from our scholarship program, which serves over 90 students, to a food distribution effort that moves 120 tons of staple crops each month. These students bring strong business skills and their contributions make a lasting difference. 

Q: What do you think students gain from this experience? 

A: Students walk away with far more than just a line on their resumé. They gain real experience solving complex challenges that nonprofits face every day. From identifying target audiences to designing focused outreach strategies, they learn to think creatively and act strategically, often with limited resources and tight budgets. 

They also build meaningful relationships rooted in shared purpose and gain firsthand exposure to the realities of life and development work in rural East Africa. That kind of global perspective is hard to teach in a classroom. Combining practical business skills and social impact awareness prepares them to lead with empathy, resilience, and confidence in any environment. 

Q: What qualities do you look for when hiring? 

A: First and foremost, I look for genuine interest and commitment. Students who take the time to learn about our organization before the interview really stand out. Preparation shows me they care about our mission and are ready to make a meaningful contribution.

Creativity is also key. I appreciate when students bring fresh ideas to the table, especially when they suggest solutions I haven't considered. Flexibility and openness to feedback are essential as well, since nonprofit environments often require teams to adapt quickly to changing priorities and circumstances.

Persistence is another big one. The students who succeed are the ones who stay engaged, ask thoughtful questions, and keep going even when things get challenging. I'm always impressed by those who are eager to learn, adaptable, and committed to making a difference.  

Q: How do D'Amore-McKim students stand out? 

A: D'Amore-McKim graduate students consistently impress me with their professionalism, resilience, and the quality of their contributions. They come to every meeting prepared, meet deadlines without fail, and communicate clearly and promptly. Their presentation skills are especially strong. Each session includes a well-organized, thoughtful presentation that reflects their attention to detail and strategic thinking. 

Over the semester, I've had the chance to see how each student approaches problems, and I'm continually impressed by their intelligence and work ethic. Compared to other student groups I've worked with, they are better prepared, more adaptable, and bring real value to our mission. 

What also stands out is their collaboration. Even though each student has individual responsibilities, they actively share insights and support one another. That level of teamwork, combined with their professionalism, makes them exceptional partners. 

Q: Would you encourage students to participate in a Community Impact Initiative? 

A: Yes. What sets the Community Impact Initiative apart is the level of access students have to organizational leadership. They don't just observe from the sidelines. They collaborate directly with me, my partner in Tanzania, and one of our board members. That kind of close engagement gives them a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how leaders shape strategy, culture, and priorities in a mission-driven organization. 

This exposure helps students understand what decision-makers focus on and how to develop practical, innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. They leave with a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics and the confidence to lead with purpose in their own careers.