Wendy Shew is a visionary in social impact and global education advocacy. Born in San Francisco, California, to immigrant parents from China, Wendy has devoted over 17 years to transforming personal tragedy into a mission-driven life with a deep understanding of education as a pathway to opportunity.After earning a degree in aviation and logging over 100 hours flying single-engine planes, Wendy built a successful career as a jet engine specialist in international aviation. However, volunteering at a girls' orphanage in India in 2014 changed her life’s direction. She left her corporate career to focus on disaster relief, female empowerment, and education across Asia, Europe, and Africa. In 2017, Wendy founded Building Education, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of extreme poverty by constructing safe schools and sustainable ecosystems in Nepal, where the 2015 earthquake destroyed 9,000 schools. Under her leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones: - 5 schools completed (6th and 7th under construction), serving over 1,200 students in safe, supportive environments with 3 playgrounds built.- 3 water systems installed, benefiting 300+ households and reducing death rates by 90% in the first village. - Impact across 6 villages and 800+ households, including the creation of 2 roads and access to energy in 3 villages.- Implementation of hydroponic farming systems, growing over 320 plants to feed students and teach sustainable agriculture. - Celebration of the first university graduate, now a working pharmacist. Wendy’s innovative "Schools of Life" model integrates education, infrastructure, and sustainability, offering a holistic approach to community transformation. Her vision is supported by a dynamic team of 30+ volunteers, 5 board members, 3 advisors, and a global network of 1,200+ donors. Honored as Women of the Year 2024 and a former Miss Nepal Global Citizen 2021, Wendy is an ultramarathon runner and mountain trekker who has explored the Himalayas. Her journey has been featured in San Francisco Magazine, Silicon Valley Podcast, Beyond the Fog Podcast, ECS Living Magazine, Annapurna Express, and Janata Television.Wendy envisions a future where every child has access to quality education. Her goal to build 1,000 schools globally aims to transform lives and end generational poverty. Through Building Education, Wendy empowers communities to dream, grow, and thrive, proving that education unlocks limitless possibilities.A quote she lives by, "Well behaved women seldom make history." - Eleanor Roosevelt