our mission
Engage Globally enables community-led sustainable development by engaging local partners in education, job training, small business development, food security, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
We envision a world in which communities have the educational, economic, and environmental resources they need to develop equitably and sustainably.
our vision
Engage Globally enables community-led sustainable development by engaging local partners in education, job training, small business development, food security, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
our vision
Engage Globally enables community-led sustainable development by engaging local partners in education, job training, small business development, food security, women’s empowerment, and environmental conservation.
We envision a world in which communities have the educational, economic, and environmental resources they need to develop equitably and sustainably.
Engage Globally was founded on a simple, powerful belief: when communities lead, change lasts.
In 2014, while teaching sustainability and development at American University, Dr. Heather Heckel traveled with students to observe the effects of international aid. What they found was heartbreaking—projects left abandoned, unused, or broken. Wells that no longer worked. Buildings that never opened. Promises unkept.
But in one village in rural Northern Ghana, something stood out. A community organizer named Walisu had mobilized five villages to take initiative, form a local organization, and begin planning for their future. What they lacked in resources, they made up for in determination and vision.
From that moment, Engage Globally was born—with a commitment to support communities, not dictate solutions.
meet our board
Heather Heckel, PHD
Founder and Executive Director
Before founding Engage Globally, Heather taught courses in sustainable development, environmental advocacy, and child rights for 15 years at American University. Her background as a public school teacher, youth advocate, and international researcher informs every part of this work. She believes strongly in local leadership, authentic relationships, and the power of small, meaningful actions to create global change.
jessica mardo
board President
sam walsh
vice president
joe coyle
board Treasurer
seth armentrout
board secretary
emily bissenger
board member
shaya gregory poku
board member
Sandra Sohne-Johnston
board member
Eileen Patten
board member
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