Founder of Building Education “Well behaved women seldom make history.”
Wendy Shew is a passionate advocate for social impact, an experienced educator, and a dedicated humanitarian, whose life journey has been shaped by personal tragedy and a commitment to empowering others. Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Wendy is a first-generation American with immigrant parents from China. Her early life was marked by the profound loss of her mother at the age of eight, an experience that ignited her lifelong dedication to social change and education as a means of empowerment.
Professional Journey
Education and Early Career
Wendy's journey began with a focus on aviation, where she learned to fly single-engine propeller planes and worked in the international aviation business as a jet engine specialist. This unique background provided her with a strong technical foundation and an appreciation for innovation and precision.
Humanitarian Work
In October 2014, Wendy's life took a transformative turn when she volunteered at a girl’s orphanage in India. This experience inspired her to leave her job just four months later, selling all her possessions to travel the world. Over the next six years, she explored Asia, Europe, and Africa, immersing herself in diverse cultures while dedicating time to teaching in rural Thailand and mentoring young girls during her travels in India.
One of her most impactful experiences was volunteering at a widows' mission in Vrindavan, India, where she connected with over 6,000 widows residing in Hindu temples. During her travels, she also had the serendipitous opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and participated in worship with children from a local hospital in Tanzania on Easter Sunday.
Response to Crisis
Wendy's commitment to humanitarian work was further solidified when an earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, damaging approximately 9,000 schools. Three months later, she traveled to Nepal to assist with disaster relief efforts. This experience led her to found Building Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to constructing safe schools in developing countries as a means to end the cycle of extreme poverty.
Building Education
Under Wendy’s leadership, Building Education aims to transform rural villages into prosperous communities through education. The organization’s motto, "1,000 schools and 1,000,000 lives," reflects its mission to provide every child with equal access to education. By collaborating with local governments and partner organizations, Wendy works tirelessly to create sustainable educational environments that empower future generations.
Personal Interests and Achievements
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Wendy is an accomplished ultramarathon runner and mountain trekker. She has trekked mountains worldwide, including the Himalayas, showcasing her adventurous spirit and commitment to physical endurance. Her passion for fashion has also led her to model for various campaigns; she holds the title of Miss Nepal 2021 under The Global Citizen’s Collective.
Wendy lives by the quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” by Eleanor Roosevelt—an ethos that inspires her approach to advocacy and leadership.
Community Engagement
Wendy is deeply committed to community service and frequently engages with initiatives that promote education and empowerment for marginalized groups. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of the importance of inclusive leadership and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
Through her diverse experiences—from aviation specialist to humanitarian leader—Wendy Shew exemplifies resilience and dedication. Her unwavering commitment to social impact through education continues to inspire those around her as she works toward creating a world where every child has an equal opportunity for success. Wendy's journey is a testament to the power of personal transformation and the profound impact one individual can have on countless lives.
Citations: [1] https://futureaviationaerospaceworkforce.com/women-in-aviation-aerospace-defense/ [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5Xhij6vwPg [3] https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-riley-ceo [4] https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpflynn [5] https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliusritter [6] https://www.physics.purdue.edu/alumni/distalum/schecter_2020.html [7] https://www.colum.edu/academics/faculty/detail/mat-rappaport.html [8] https://www.shu.edu/profiles/BruceSchecter.html