Name: Erin Zaikis
Age: 26
Job Title and Description: Founder of Sundara, a nonprofit that recycles hotel soap in India, Uganda and Myanmar
College Name/Major: University of Michigan, Public Policy
Website: www.sundarafund.org
Twitter Handle: @sundarafund
Instagram Handle: @sundara_fund
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Erin Zaikis: There’s no such thing as a typical day—which makes it both stressful and exciting. On any given day I have a few calls with India, Uganda and Myanmar, write fundraising proposals, speak to donors, and plan awareness events and site visits.
What is the best part of your job?
EZ: I love getting to travel to our country sites and hearing from single mothers and victims of domestic violence how much it means to them to have regular employment. Going to bed feeling like you’ve helped someone, somewhere in the world has got to be the most satisfying feeling. Another great part is the random emails and Facebook messages from people who say they heard my story and were inspired to take the leap to pursue their passion, too. That sort of encouragement makes this journey worth it!
What inspired you to start Sundara?
EZ: In 2013, I was working at a school in Northern Thailand and met children who didn’t know what soap was. I asked a group of teenagers if they had any soap, and they shrugged and said, “What’s soap?” It blew my mind that these children lived their whole lives without something I took for granted every single day of mine. How could the world be so unfair? I brought them soap and watched as they clawed at the bars, some smacking it against their heads, having no idea what to do with it. I realized there is a strong focus on clean water but who is working on providing soap and hygiene education to these communities? I really felt that if I didn’t do it, no one would. That was a pressing obligation and it inspired me to act.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
EZ: It’s OK, and in fact good, to ask for help. People act as though there is some sort of glory to have by “doing it all,” but it’s just not possible. Acknowledge your weaknesses (mine are making budgets and building websites) and go find someone to help you do them. And make sure to return the favor some day!
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
EZ: Having a backup plan…or two! I took a lot of side jobs and freelanced when I was starting Sundara because I was so afraid that it wouldn’t work out and I wouldn’t have anything to fall back on. Now I’ve realized that if you just plunge in and really commit, that provides motivation like nothing else. You will succeed because you have to succeed.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
EZ: Giving a TEDx speech last year. It was the scariest thing—I have a huge fear of public speaking. However, I realized it was such a privilege to use my voice to speak for others who don’t have that platform, and realizing that I was doing it for someone else felt wildly empowering. I think the best things in life happen when you come face to face with the thing that scares you the most.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
EZ: There was a quote by Jackson Kiddard that really resonates with me about living your dreams. “The price you have to pay to live your dream is facing your deepest darkest fear and the reward you receive from this courageous act is the realization that your fear was an illusion and that your dreams were always real.”
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
EZ: The world needs more people who take big risks and feel ALIVE! If you have a dream that seems wild, but you really believe in it with all your heart, go with it! Don’t let anyone stop you. And oh girl…there will be so many bad days and mistakes in the process. These mistakes won’t kill you; in fact, they build character and one day (in the not so distant future) you’ll be laughing about it. The world needs more people who inspire and take risks—be one of them!