How to Build a Lasting Engagement
| This blog post is part of “20 Years, 20 Stories,” a series celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 60 million girls Foundation. Over the next eight months, we will share the stories of the people who have shaped our journey — volunteers, partners, donors, and the girls at the heart of our mission. We hope their voices inspire you as much as they inspire us. |
Two Women, Twenty Years, One Mission
There are donors who give once, moved by a moment. And then there are people like Chantal Carrier and Marisa Trottier — who showed up at the very beginning and never left.
Both women have supported the 60 million girls Foundation since its founding in 2006, through fundraising campaigns, annual conferences, and two decades of change in the world and in the organization itself. We recently sat down with Chantal and Marisa to ask what drew them in — and what has kept them here. Founder Wanda Bedard joined the conversation to share what their loyalty has meant to the Foundation.
Longstanding donors Chantal Carrier and Marisa Trottier. Photo credit: L’Art de Capter.
For Chantal, the pull was both personal and political. In 2006, she was already involved with Free the Children, so education for young people in developing countries was close to her heart. But it was the Foundation’s dedication to girls’ education that sealed it. “As a feminist, the fact that the focus is on young girls particularly resonated with me and drew me to 60 million girls,” she says.
Marisa’s connection also runs deep — all the way back to her own family history. “The basic tenet of education for girls is something that has been dear to my heart and crucially overlooked historically,” she says. “My own mother recounted being removed from school after she had learned basic reading and writing at age eight — and yet here we are still fighting to right this injustice.”
When Wanda shared her ambitious goal of raising $100,000 in the Foundation’s very first year, Marisa didn’t hesitate. “I asked to be part of her team immediately,” she recalls. “I quickly joined forces to help achieve the fundraising goal and organize the first annual conference.”
What keeps them coming back
Twenty years is a long time to stay committed to anything. So what has kept Chantal and Marisa engaged for two full decades?
For Chantal, a large part of the answer is Wanda herself. “Wanda’s leadership is extraordinary. She has successfully brought together and engaged a team of high-caliber volunteers. I am proud to be part of this team.” But it goes beyond personal loyalty. “What has kept me here all these years is that Wanda and the R&D team are true pioneers in developing innovative and effective methods to educate the most vulnerable young people on the planet.”
“I am so proud to have been a part of this groundswell movement to educate the future female leaders of the world.” — Marisa Trottier
Marisa echoes that sense of pride in something larger than any one person. “It has been an honour and a pleasure to be associated with the continued success of this Foundation and its many incredible achievements,” she says. “I will continue to champion this cause at every opportunity.”
Trust, transparency, and a running joke
When it comes to why they support 60 million girls financially, both women point to the same thing: the knowledge that their money goes where it’s needed most.
“We don’t spend money for nothing, which is extremely commendable,” Chantal says with a smile. She’s even made it something of a running joke with Wanda — who is legendary among the volunteer team for wanting to keep expenses at an absolute minimum. The result? An organization that directs 99% of every donation directly into girls’ education.
For Wanda, having Chantal and Marisa at the Foundation’s side for twenty years has been more than a financial contribution — it has been a statement of values. “Donors who stay with a foundation for years do so because their values closely align with the organization’s core mission,” she says. “Having longstanding donors like Chantal and Marisa has meant the world. Their support indicates trust in the Foundation’s leadership and stewardship — that we use funds efficiently and transparently. And as leaders in the community, their generous support serves as a powerful endorsement that helps attract new donors.”
In other words: lasting engagement isn’t just about money. It’s about belief. And after twenty years, Chantal and Marisa’s belief in the power of girls’ education hasn’t wavered for a moment.
Inspired by Chantal and Marisa’s story? Lasting change is built on lasting commitment. If you believe, as they do, that every girl deserves access to a quality education, consider joining the 60 million girls community — as a donor, a volunteer, or simply an advocate. Learn more or donate here.