For socially-conscious entrepreneurs, it is a given responsibility to help others through their positions of leadership. For Social Enterprises such as the GiveLight Foundation, the giving spirit is what has provided the organization with purpose and a continued desire to help those in need all over the world, especially the orphans.
The GiveLight Foundation was founded after a devastating tsunami hit the coast of Indonesia in December 2004 with over 200,000 lives lost, and 30,000 children were left without their homes and families. The founder, Dian Alyan lost her uncle, cousins, and friends from childhood. The tragedy was a turning point in her life that propelled her to found GiveLight. Although Alyan is Indonesian by heritage, she knows that poverty isn’t an isolated issue — she envisioned GiveLight to be a global entity serving children all over the world.
Prior to running this Social Enterprise, Alyan worked in Brand Management at Procter & Gamble, managing iconic brands such as Pantene Shampoo and Pepto Bismol, among other initiatives. During her time there, she learned the skills required to build a business and her team. Among the most critical skills she gained were leadership and marketing technique. Equipped with these skills and a crystal-clear vision to help the world’s orphans, Dian was able to galvanize a team of passionate volunteers since the inception of GiveLight.
In the organization’s own words, “GiveLight’s work is driven by the altruistic love for the merciful Creator and the desire to help vulnerable orphans around the world. Our mission is to build beautiful homes and futures for these children, focusing on areas that are affected by natural disasters, poverty, and war.” The foundation began with one home built in Indonesia, but has now expanded to 11 countries, supporting more than 1,000 children. GiveLight focuses on the long-term impact of the children under its care. So far, 15 children have graduated from universities, some have gotten married and even have children of their own. GiveLight has seen consistent growth year after year in terms of revenue and the numbers of volunteers from around the world, currently reaching over 300. This past June, despite COVID and having to cancel four sold-out events, the organizations reached a record number in donation amount (over $500,000) and the number of donors (over 1,000).
Social entrepreneurs measure the effectiveness of their business by taking steps to create positive change and improve the world. In an often chaotic world, Alyan is committed to upholding these values.
“The world is a troubled place with many misfortunes and injustices. A calamity of epic proportion led me to the intellectual and spiritual fulfillment I had been seeking all my life,” said Alyan. “Instead of waiting for the world to change or to be drowned by sorrow, I changed myself. I used to travel to make a profit — now I travel to save lives. I hope that long after my physical trace in this world is gone, the legacy of my children and my greater family of children will live on in humanity.”
