This year has presented some especially unique challenges for everyone. As we’ve all fought to find our footing in an uncertain time, it’s easy to get lost in the struggles and forget the triumphs. We are thankful every year for our customers, our Sseko Fellows, and our teams working hard all over the world. But our gratitude has absolutely exploded this year as we watched everyone work harder than ever to adapt, grow, and thrive in this new landscape.
Individually, we have all had a chance to reflect on the things in our personal life too that have flourished despite the struggle. We hope you are able to take this time as well to consider any and all positive changes this year has brought so we can finish up 2020 with our hearts and minds focused on the good in this world.
From our Founder and CEO
“In the midst of one of the most challenging years we’ve ever faced, I am grateful for the grounding JOY my kids bring me, the brave and powerful and necessary work happening around racial justice (and most specifically the work — hundreds of years in the making — of the BIPOC community) in our country and for my Sseko colleagues (here and across the world) that have never worked harder and been more faithful to our belief that we are better together. And to those of you who have been a part of the Sseko story in ANY WAY — liking, sharing, purchasing, hosting or joining — I am deeply, deeply grateful for YOU.” –Liz
From the Team
“I am grateful to be a part of the Sseko family and be able to contribute the skills I have to something that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is truly amazing to see the positive changes that Sseko makes in the lives of women both here and in other countries. I am thankful to be part of this community and to have work that is both meaningful and fulfilling!”
–Keith Padilla
“Thankful for the opportunity to join an incredible Sseko team spread across the globe. Smart, energized, inspired, and inspiring. This is a photo of me and my wife Juliet, my daily inspiration for creating opportunities for women worldwide!” –Steve
“I am grateful for the community of people I have in my life including here at Sseko. I have been blessed with people who encourage me and so much joy!” –Natalie
“In the midst of a pandemic I have been so grateful to find a company to work for that operates with integrity and purpose. I have been increasingly grateful for the basics in my life that are easy to overlook—my health, shelter, food, and family.” –Kacy
“I am grateful for the opportunity this year presented to me to slow down, connect with myself, and make time for the things and people I love! Although it has felt weird and uncertain at times, I have found a lot of good in this year as well like finding my new love for running and having more free time to spend on things that fill my cup like reading (I actually made it through a book this year!), writing and pursuing creative dreams. I am grateful for new friends I have made this year and old friends I’ve stayed connected with (shoutout to Facetime), a new job, and lastly, I am grateful for my parents, who let me move back home with them in the midst of a pandemic!” –Aleah
“With 2020 being the year of the unexpected, I am thankful for so many things. I am most thankful for all of the beautiful people in my life that support me and keep me going. Life would not be the same without them.” –Amber
“I’m eternally grateful for my husband. I’m the dreamer. He’s the realist. I believe in possibilities. He believes in probabilities. I see silver linings. He sees holes. We are the epitome of opposites attract but are better together and I am better for it. I’m so grateful to have him in my corner and could not imagine building this life without him.” –Anna
This year I’m thankful that my hubby + I got married 24 hours before the COVID shutdown, for Penny, my new cat I adopted while adjusting to work-remote life, and for learning again how to build deep-rooted connections while social-distancing. – Kayla
We all get just one chance to love and live this life. Our team’s joy, willingness to adjust, and ability to embrace the good in troubling times have been a wonderful reminder of how to live with our hearts wide open and how much better we all are together.
Share your gratitude for the people and opportunities you’ve been presented within 2020 below. And thank you for being a part of our journey!