S A R A.
- s o u l p u r p o s e
- Apr 8, 2020
- 4 min read
#PEOPLEWITHPURPOSE A series celebrating wonderful people, doing wonderful things, something the Japanese call 'IKIAGI'.
1./ Hi! Please introduce yourself.
I’m Sara Parry, a freelance consultant based in London (England). I have spent the past 15 years dedicated to human rights advocacy with significant experience in the non-profit sector, specialising in fundraising and international development. I have built a portfolio of work across national charities, large international NGOs, start-up campaigns, and long-established organisations.
2./ WOW, you have a very impressive career path. What is your IKIAGI and how did you come to finding it, why you love it and how it makes you feel?
My IKIAGI is using my skills and expertise to improve the lives of marginalised people and fundamentally, to make the world a better place.
That is why I have dedicated my career to working in the charity sector. I am purpose-led, and so what matters most to me is knowing that the work I do is tackling the root causes of social issues.
3./ Tell us about what you used to do before your found your 'IKIAGI' , how that made you feel and why you knew it was time to change.
I had intended to be an academic, and was planning to study for a PhD in moral philosophy - eventually becoming a lecturer. I had always volunteered for charities alongside my studies, in particular as an Amnesty International rep running letter-writing campaigns with anyone I could persuade to join. However, in 2005 this all changed when I used a grant award to fund a volunteering placement. For two months I lived in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon teaching English at a UN school to children aged 13-16. My compassion for those living in deprivation was amplified, and I realised that whilst becoming an academic would have been fascinating for me, I needed to put charity work at my centre if I wanted to really transform lives.
This challenging experience living in a refugee camp is what inspired me to pursue a Master of Science in Forced Migration at the University of Oxford, and set my focus on working in development. That was 15 years ago and I haven’t looked back.
4./ What an awsome way to discover your passion. Please do tell us about your products/ services and what you offer.
In 2017 I launched Think Aloud Consulting, which is dedicated to supporting non-profit organisations through a selection of comprehensive services.
We provide expert advice to both charities and funders to help connect their causes and create change.
We cover three main areas:
1. Developing strategies and fundraising plans for charities;
2. Identifying and cultivating partnerships for donors; and
3. Providing interim management and support.
If you manage a charity and need strategic input, or you’re a philanthropic foundation and want expertise to identify and assess projects to fund, or you need interim solutions to build capacity - then that’s where I add value.
5./ What sets your soul on fire & what is your dream for your business for the future?
The rights of women and girls is a cause that I am particularly passionate about, and was recently appointed to the Board of the Young Women’s Trust.
YWT is a feminist organisation working to achieve economic justice for young women in the UK. As a Trustee I provide strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy and defining goals. The fact that it is 2020 and there is still not one single country in the world that has gender parity is the injustice that keeps a fire burning inside me – sometimes with anger and sometimes with determination – but always with the ambition to ignite it in others. At its current rate of change, the gender pay gap will take another 200 years to close. There are so many issues around education, health, employment, political representation, violence and abuse, exploitation - it can feel insurmountable.
But I will continue to smash gender stereotypes and support organisations with their work to lift-up women and break-down barriers. That’s not just the dream for my business, but also a better future for everyone.
6./Thank you so much, what an incredible story, passion and service you provide. Where can we find you, what is your website address/ social handles?
Website: thinkaloudconsulting.com/
I have know Sara for around 24 years, she is in fact my best friend from school. My best friend forever actually. There are not enough people like Sara in this world, naturally caring, compassionate and considerate since childhood it is very easy to see how her instinctive tendencies have become her life mission. I have never met someone with as much passion and determination to make a difference to better peoples lives. Sara really is one in a million and I am very lucky tohave her, and very proud to share with you what an amazing service she provides.
With these strange times it is highly likely that many non-for-profit and charities will be born, as well as many people wanting to find areas in which hey can support; Please do give Sara a call to see how she may be able to help you / your organisation.
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