International Women’s Day 2024
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead, Cultural Anthropologist
Amidst the bustling corridors of TeachAids lies an unparalleled source of inspiration: its people. As the world gears up to celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we embark on a journey to uncover the tales of some of our trailblazing leaders. Beyond their exceptional expertise, they possess an intangible yet indispensable quality—a fervent dedication to a cause, an unwavering resolve to reshape the world, and an unshakeable belief in their ability to effect change. Today, we shine the spotlight on four of our extraordinary superheroes, whose narratives are as compelling as their remarkable contributions.
Diana Anthony‘s life has been a journey marked by exploration and a steadfast commitment to service. From her nomadic upbringing across Sweden, North Carolina, Ecuador, and California to her current role as a teacher in South Lake Tahoe, she has embraced change and diversity with open arms. “My passion for learning has always guided me, which is perhaps why I find myself in education now,” she remarks with a smile. While her childhood dreams briefly flirted with veterinary care for dolphins, Diana’s overarching ambition was clear: to dedicate her life to serving and protecting children – making sure their chance at life was as equal and fair as it was everywhere else in the world.
Navigating a path of diverse experiences, Diana’s resilience shines through. “From my early career in prosthetics to pursuing a master’s degree and transitioning to teaching, each step has been a challenge,” she reflects. Yet, amidst the uncertainties, her unwavering dedication to serving others has remained constant. “My driving force has always been to contribute to a better world,” she asserts. “TeachAids resonated deeply with this mission, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and drive.”
When she first met Dr. Sorcar’s team, Diana was working in the neurosurgery department at Stanford, which was a key partner of TeachAids’ CrashCourse program. What began as connecting over the use of scans blossomed into writing scripts and the translation of product science into bite-sized chunks that were relatable and memorable for students of all ages and backgrounds for the CrashCourse program as well as the CoviDB initiative. Collaborating closely with TeachAids, Diana’s passion for science and her commitment to accessible education flourished. “TeachAids rekindled the fire within me,” she shares. “It reignited my belief in the power of knowledge to effect meaningful change! I’m so honored and thankful to be part of this remarkable organization.”
When asked what she’s most proud of, Diana says, “I think I’m proud of being true to myself in everything that I’ve done. The singular goal or my driving force was that I just want to help make the world a better place. I never lost sight of that, and I feel like the work with TeachAids went right along with that. We are inspired by Diana’s determination, her commitment to learning and her inclusive approach to teaching.
Jeannette Cox is a testament to resilience, facing adversity head-on with unwavering determination. Despite enduring numerous trials, her indomitable spirit shines through. “When my twins arrived prematurely, the odds seemed stacked against us—75% chance of long-term disabilities, 50% chance of survival. Yet, here they are, healthy 24-year-old graduates flourishing as a financial analyst and in theater production work,” she recounts. Journaling became her solace during those challenging times. “It took me 18 years to revisit those pages, but the outcome is a testament to resilience,” she reflects.
Throughout her life, Jeannette has channeled personal hardships into avenues of service. “I’ve been involved in numerous fundraisers for Children’s Hospital, particularly during my children’s formative years,” she notes. Her commitment to volunteerism spans decades, primarily focusing on nonprofit accounting in recent years. Her altruism is rooted in gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her. “Coming from a financially strained background, I’ve always been thankful for the support I received,” she shares. From humble beginnings, she carved her path, recognizing the pivotal role of assistance programs like Job Corps in shaping her trajectory.
While her childhood aspiration was teaching, Jeannette’s journey led her to accounting—a decision influenced by financial stability. With over two decades of accounting expertise, she steers financial operations for Medic Mobile and contributes to the executive boards of several Bay Area organizations.
Serendipity led Jeannette to TeachAids, where she serves as the lead finance and accounting executive. “Introduced through another international nonprofit, my involvement started with CrashCourse—an educational initiative focused on concussion education. The self-awareness imparted by TeachAids on concussions is invaluable,” she remarks. Witnessing tangible impacts, such as revised protocols at sporting events, reinforces her dedication to the cause. “TeachAids exemplifies a cause close to my heart, aligning with my passion for nonprofit work,” she adds.
Jeannette’s generosity and unyielding spirit inspire all at TeachAids, embodying the resilience and determination emblematic of International Women’s Day.
Seble Kassaye‘s journey began in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she spent her formative years before embarking on a transformative path that led her to the United States. A pivotal moment came during her schooling when her fascination with observing a simple worm under a microscope at a clinic sparked a profound realization—she was destined to become a medical doctor. Immersed in biology classes, where the mysteries of free-living amoebas and the magic of chlorophyll unfolded, Dr. Seble’s passion for evolutionary processes found resonance in her work with TeachAids. “Witnessing the evolution of HIV-specific education into a versatile tool applicable to various health and life conditions underscores the enduring power of TeachAids’ foundation and framework,” she reflects. Today, as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases at Georgetown University, Dr. Dr. Seble expertise as an infectious diseases physician and researcher is unparalleled. While her focus predominantly centers on HIV/AIDS, her dedication extends to combatting a spectrum of diseases.
A staunch advocate since the early days of TeachAids, Dr. Seble continues to serve as a medical advisor, her unwavering commitment driving the organization’s mission forward. Beyond her professional prowess, Dr. Seble’s essence lies in her profound empathy and genuine desire to witness the flourishing of others. “My greatest pride stems from witnessing patients transcend the initial shock and fear of an HIV diagnosis, reclaiming ownership of their bodies and embracing hope,” she shares. Her ability to instill vitality not only in bodies but also in minds, infusing hope and positivity, serves as a cornerstone of TeachAids’ transformative endeavors.
Much like her fascination with cells under a microscope, Dr. Seble recognizes the significance of starting small—a principle embodied by TeachAids’ grassroots impact which has grown on a global scale. “TeachAids has blossomed into a community-driven initiative, nurturing thousands of individuals and offering foundational experiences for youth,” she remarks. “Dr. Sorcar’s visionary leadership has not only shaped the organization but also cultivated a close-knit family of affiliates, a testament to the power of one person’s resolve. It holds a special place in my heart,” Dr. Seble adds with affection. “I am immensely proud of Dr. Sorcar’s unwavering dedication and the remarkable journey she has charted for this invaluable organization. It underscores the profound truth that one individual can indeed move mountains through sheer determination.” Dr. Seble’s profound impact resonates deeply within TeachAids, where she stands as an exemplar of resilience and inspiration.
As a little girl, Aparna Khare dreamt of venturing beyond the confines of Earth, aspiring to become an astronaut—a testament to her boundless aspirations. Today, she harnesses the intricate power of language to forge pathways and close gaps in education as a distinguished speech scientist. “It’s fascinating how much information speech contains,” she explains. “Not just communicating what I am saying, but the layers of how I am saying it.” She works at Amazon as a Senior Applied Scientist in the field of artificial general intelligence and was part of the science team that developed Amazon’s Echo Dot.
An adept problem-solver, she also possesses an innate passion for learning. “I have learned so much about the world at TeachAids. For instance while building the Concussion Story Wall, and watching the videos, I experienced profound learning. There is so much that we do not know about one another’s challenges. I get to learn something new every day,” she adds. She manages technology at TeachAids – from overseeing admin and filing to managing the technology behind mammoth projects such as the Concussion Story Wall. In 2013, Aparna was introduced via close friends to Dr. Piya Sorcar, founder and CEO. Leveraging her proficiency in Hindi, she played a pivotal role in advancing HIV translation efforts, and spent almost the entirety of her semester break volunteering in the TeachAids office. Reflecting on her tenure with TeachAids, Aparna derives profound fulfillment from witnessing the tangible impact of her contributions. “If your objective in life is to leave the world a better place, this is one sure way of doing it. There are lots of organizations doing good work, but TeachAids focuses on more than just building world-class products,” she asserts. “While many organizations excel in product innovation, TeachAids transcends by prioritizing global dissemination. I am truly grateful to play a part in effecting widespread change,” she concludes. Within the TeachAids family, Aparna stands as a beacon of inspiration—an ‘out-of-this-world’ visionary whose trajectory continues to inspire.
TeachAids proudly acknowledges the invaluable contributions of these formidable leaders. As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we take great pride in honoring their exceptional achievements. We look forward to sharing more features on our inspirational leaders as we continue to celebrate empowerment and diversity.