E4 Standing up for What You Believe in with Ramona Macintyre

Stream on:

Standing up for What You Believe in

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ramona MacIntyre, the Development Manager at Love146, to delve into her inspirational journey towards finding her purpose and making a meaningful impact at a non-profit.

Ramona’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of aligning one’s work with their values. As she shared her experiences, it became evident that her path was not a linear one, but rather a series of unexpected turns and challenges that ultimately led me to a role where I feel fulfilled and truly make a difference.

Throughout our conversation, Ramona recounted her transition from serving as the CEO of a chamber of commerce to her current role at the non-profit Love146. Her departure from her previous position was marked by a pivotal moment that pushed her beyond her breaking point – a situation that led her to reevaluate my priorities and seek a career that aligned with her values.

One of the key themes that emerged from our discussion was the importance of work-life balance and mental well-being. Ramona candidly shared the mental toll that her previous role had taken on her, recounting frequent panic attacks and even moments of crying under her desk. This highlights a prevalent issue in today’s society – the need for workplaces that prioritize employees’ mental health and well-being.

When she found the opportunity at Love146, she was drawn to the organization’s unwavering commitment to ending child trafficking and exploitation. Despite initial reservations about working on such a heavy topic, she was captivated by the organization’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their core values of defiant hope and steady perseverance.

As she settled into her role at Love146, she found a sense of balance and fulfillment that had been missing in my previous endeavors. She emphasized the importance of finding an alignment between personal values and professional pursuits, a sentiment that resonates deeply with those seeking purpose in their careers.

This episode further delved into the work of Love146, shedding light on the organization’s multifaceted approach to combating child trafficking. From survivor care programs in the United States and the Philippines to prevention education initiatives, Love146’s reach extends across borders, working tirelessly to protect and empower vulnerable children.

In summary, her narrative serves as a testament to the resilience and tenacity required to forge a meaningful career path. Ramona’s journey underscores the significance of finding work that not only provides financial stability but also fulfills one’s innate desire to contribute to a greater good. As we navigate our own purpose journeys, let’s draw inspiration from her story. A reminder that no matter the challenges we face, it is possible to find purpose and create a positive impact in the world.

 

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.

"Why am I spending 12 hours a day working at something that doesn't make me happy? Like, what's gonna make me the happiest? And it's helping other people and empowering other people."
Ramona MacIntyre
Topics in this episode:
  • From crying under a desk to choosing yourself
  • Decision to leave her CEO role due to a conflict of values
  • Initial doubts about working in a nonprofit focused on child trafficking
  • Going from corporate to non-profit
  • Discussion on finding balance and purpose in the new job
  • Love146 mission to end human trafficking 
  • Impact of mental health in the workplace
  • Discussion on the value of ongoing learning and self-improvement
  • What it’s like working from a non-profit

Bio: Ramona MacIntyre

Ramona MacIntyre worked as the CEO of a chamber of commerce in Pleasant Hill, California. Despite loving her job and the people she worked with, the long hours and stressful environment took a toll on her work-life balance. The board chair of the chamber of commerce added to her stress by expressing outright dislike for her. This experience pushed her to reconsider her career path and prioritize her personal life.

Connect with Ramona:

Learn more about Love146

Donate to Love146