Seva in Haiti

Sikhism. A religion founded more than 500 years ago, and one of the 5th largest in the world with more than 20 million followers. Based on the teachings of the ten gurus, it is a religion that is open to all that emphasizes truthful living as well as equality of all mankind. One of the core principles of Sikhism is doing seva (Sanskrit word for “selfless service”). I am not a super religious person. I do consider myself spiritual and believe in the fundamentals of Sikhism. I have always enjoyed volunteer work since I was in high school, and was thrilled to spend two weeks in Haiti to do just that — seva.

My flight landed on Nov. 3rd, and the excitement and anxiety set in, as I started my journey. I was put at ease once I walked out of the Port au Prince airport to see a familiar face – Shilpa Alva (Surge’s Executive Director & Co-Founder). My journey began by hitting the ground running! We embarked on a 3-hour drive through the back roads of Haiti and into the mountains to Cayes Jacmel where we would spend one week with our partner, Patrice Talleyrand. The Talleyrand family was generous enough to open their home to us and help us navigate through the week.

SEVAPIC1 The week consisted of meeting with our local partners – Mabouya Dlo Pwop and ASSHLA. The local water solution we use in Haiti is a silver-impregnated ceramic water filter that sits in a 5-gallon plastic bucket.

With the help of Mabouya Dlo Pwop and ASSHLA, Shilpa and I were able to distribute 50 brand new filters to families in need. For me personally, this was a highlight of my field trip. We distributed them on a very auspicious day in Sikhism – Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday (the first Guru). I was so deeply touched to do seva on this day and to see the look of joy on the community member’s faces upon receiving their filters.

ASSHLA tends to the holistic needs of the community (mobile clinic, medical trainings, micro finance, kids club, etc). We were very fortunate to meet Dr. Erol from the ASSHLA group and see all of his hard work firsthand. We got to be a part of some of these programs and developed a deep respect for this amazing man who we are so proud to partner with. His dedication to his community was awe-inspiring. Dr. Erol has a children’s club every Friday and was gracious enough to designate the Friday we were there to let Surge educate the children on proper sanitation.

On our way to the club, I realized we were trekking almost 30 minutes deep into the mountains. I was a bit uneasy as I knew that it would take the same time coming back, but this time it would be in the dark. Once we arrived we were able to hand deliver the care kits that were made in March at our youth summit in Chicago. The walk back actually was a lot better than I anticipated. It just goes to show that this is everyday life for those in this community. Day or night doesn’t matter to them. The week in Cayes Jacmel was very fulfilling. Every evening we watched the sunset over the Caribbean Sea – life doesn’t get any better than that! Among the poverty and distress, it’s a beautiful beach town with equally beautiful people.

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Our second part of the trip was spent in Port au Prince. On a whim, we found a wonderful place called Haiti Communitere (HC). HC is a Haitian-based organization that allows different grassroots organizations to dwell together. My first impression was a little weary since we were going to sleep in a “Geo-Dome” with bunk beds and share communal facilities. As a child, I never went camping, so this was my equivalent! The community members at HC were very warm and inviting from the minute we arrived. One of the managers, Samuel, took us under his wing and took us to a local orphanage where we dropped off rice, pasta and cookies. We visited with schools that were in need of water solutions. We also met Ronald Lacrete from Life Giving Force who has engineered an amazing UV filtration solution. We hope to partner with him in the future.

Finally, in our last week we spent time in Croix des Bouquest at the Ecole Shalom School we have partnered with since 2012. Lorinord, our contact at the school, was a wonderful host. My favorite moment was when we arrived at the school, a little boy instantly came running up to me and threw up his hands motioning he wanted to be picked up. For the remainder of the few hours the children were still at school, he was constantly by my side. SEVAPIC3I wasn’t able to catch his name, and that evening he was weighing heavy on my heart. The following day, Lorinord took time out of his day to walk us through the community to assess current water filters in the homes. We stopped at a local orphanage that had our donated filters and to my surprise – that same little boy came running up to me! I can’t describe in words how I felt. I instantly became teary eyed and picked him up. I heard a young lady call him Mono. I learned his name! For the hour we spent there, he melted my heart. It was very difficult to leave the orphanage, but it was comforting to know how well kept it is. He’s just one of the many special Haitian children we met.

The two weeks spent in Haiti touched my heart in ways I didn’t know was possible. Everything that encompasses the country from the beauty, people and culture was incredible to see firsthand. I have been proud to be a part of Surge; however, my appreciation for the organization has deepened after this field trip. There is still a vast amount of work that needs to be done, but it’s moving in the right direction. It’s not possible to make a dent in Haiti … We definitely have made drops. I will continue to do seva, as it is one of the things that warms my heart.

Chris Kayondo

Chris Kayondo

Treasurer, USA

Chris Kayondo

Rachel Pringle

Global WASH Manager

Rachel Pringle

Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.

Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.

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Lorraine Alva

Lorraine Alva

Director, UAE

Lorraine Alva

I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.

Laila Al Yousuf

Laila Al-Yousuf

Director, UAE
Design Director at Say Studio

Laila Al-Yousuf

I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.

Jennie Stallings

Jennie Stallings

Director, UAE
Partner/Commercial Manager at ChelseaGREEN

Jennie Stallings

With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.

Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.

Suvai Gunasekaran Md Phd Candidate At Northwestern University

Suvai Gunasekaran

Governing Board, USA
Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Suvai Gunasekaran

Scott Minger

Scott Minger

Development Chair, USA
Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger

I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.

Sarah Lynch

Sarah Odde Lynch

Marketing & Communications Director, USA
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BevSource

Sarah Odde Lynch

I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.

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Josh DeBartolo

Governing Board, USA
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Purview

Josh DeBartolo

Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.

Avish Jalota

Finance Director, USA
Senior Engagement Manager at Northern Trust

Avish Jalota

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Chris Beukenkamp

Governing Board, USA
Senior Director, Technology and AI Strategy at Salesforce

Chris Beukenkamp

Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.

Anna Paul

Anna Paul

Operations Director, USA
Director of Administration for the Village of Barrington Hills

Anna Paul

We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.

Florence Ringe

Florence Ringe

Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda

Florence Ringe

I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Director, ASSHLA, Haiti

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.

Ashley Quinlan

Ashley Quinlan

Operations & Development Manager

Ashley Quinlan

As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.

Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.

Marita Peters

Marita Peters

Executive Director, UAE

Marita Peters

Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.

Shilpa Alva

Shilpa Alva

Founder, Executive Director, Board Member

Shilpa Alva

I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.

See our founder, Shilpa Alva at TEDx