I was first introduced to World Pulse while reading "Half the Sky" by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. A few chapters of the book were assigned for a Women's Studies class I was taking, but the stories about women throughout the world were so compelling that I couldn't put it down. I finished the last page with a tear in my eye and a new resolve: to do my part to help lift oppression for women worldwide. That's when I paid a visit to World Pulse and decided to get involved.

I have been engaged in the field of journalism since the 8th grade, and previously worked as an editor and multimedia director for a student-run news magazine in Hawaii. During this time, I had the opportunity to help a friend from Burundi document her tragic but inspiring life story. I currently work as a communications director for a small company that produces a skill-building program for at-risk youth throughout the world.

My websites:
Happiness-val.blogspot.com