Philly to the Philippines

I feel like I should introduce myself…. My name is Danielle Branch and I’m not a blogger. You’ve been warned:)

Please note the following may occur:

• rambling and internal conversations
• random thoughts and opinions
• occasional bad grammar and misspelled words
• sarcasm and humor

 I want this blog to be 100% authentic Danielle, which isn’t perfect. My goal is to communicate my experience from my perspective in honest and timely way.

Now that we’ve got that out the way, let me tell you how I got here. Here being my PULSE assignment with Save the Children in the Philippines.

Long story short, this is my mission statement. I wrote this mission along time ago. Not really knowing how I would accomplish it but just knowing this is what I wanted to do.

To influence, advise and collaborate with the people/organizations that have the authority and resources to impact people and communities of color. (specifically African American women and youth)

I’ve been blessed to have a career with GSK/ViiV Healthcare that has allowed me to do just that. I wanted to work in the HIV community because I wanted to make a difference in a disease that disproportionately impacts people that look like me. I can honestly say I make a difference in my community, the community I grew up in every day.

 I’ve tried moving closer to accomplishing my mission personally and professionally every day. Whether it’s being a mentor to youth, volunteering a local NGO or working with ViiV’s Positive Action for Children Fund it has gotten me to this point. This day, to this PULSE assignment. During this assignment, I have 3 goals for the next 6 months:

1. Get out of my comfort zone
2. Give more than I receive
3. Engage and immerse myself in the work, Save the Children and the Philippines

I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

To be continued……..

Danielle