Name: Nicole Kelley
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Parkland, FL
Relationship Status: Single
Major: Finance, Entrepreneurship
Involvement on Campus: Gamma Phi Beta, Global Peace Exchange, Young Entrepreneurship Society
Her Campus (HC): For those who don’t know what Little Big Africa is, can you explain a little bit about the organization?
Nicole Kelley (NK): Little Big Africa is a non-profit program that teams up with other university volunteer groups from the United Kingdom and the United States. After a week of intensive training from Little Big Africa, volunteers spend six weeks living in a rural village, undertaking different projects such as protecting the water, constructing a water tank in a primary school, training community members to construct smokeless fuel-efficient stoves, and teaching both students and adult community members [about] serious issues [like] water sanitation and hygiene.
HC: How did you get involved with Little Big Africa?
NK: I found out about the program through one of Florida State’s clubs called Global Peace Exchange.
HC: What is Global Peace Exchange?
NK: Global Peace Exchange is a student-led club. During the summer, teams travel to Ghana, Moldova, Nepal, Rwanda, and Uganda to implement these 8-12 week innovative empowerment projects.
HC: What was your favorite part about living and volunteering in Uganda?
NK: There are so many! One of my favorite parts about living and volunteering in Uganda was probably meeting all the different kinds of people while I was abroad. I’ve gained so much knowledge on their culture, language, and their everyday life.
HC: Was there a specific moment where you knew you had made a difference?
NK: It was probably the last week we were in the village. So many people in the village would come up to us and tell us how thankful they [were]. A lot of the students had written us letters, telling us how much they [had] learned from us and how they [were] going to maintain what they [learned].
HC: What does volunteering mean to you?
NK: Honestly, it has truly made me grow and become a better person. It has taught me that the simplest things in life are what truly matter.
HC: Why did you decide to sell pants to raise money for Little Big Africa?
NK: Little Big Africa is not your normal non-profit. I got to see first-hand how it has made a difference and that my money wasn’t just going anywhere. When I came across these pants, I wanted to buy the whole store. Being in the Entrepreneurship program gave me [the] opportunity to go out and buy these pants in bulk and sell them. Not only am I getting the experience of an entrepreneur, but I am also helping others along the way. I am truly blessed.
HC: How do you see your business expanding? Can you see yourself selling more than just pants?
NK: My goal is to become a business owner like “Toms” shoes. I could definitely see my business expanding into something else.
HC: How can people buy your pants?
NK: I will have a table at Market Wednesday! They come in all different colors! If customers do not have cash on them, I have a card reader. Each pair is $25 with all the proceeds going to Little Big Africa.
HC: Do you plan on going back to Uganda?
NK: 100%. Uganda almost feels like my second home. Africa is very misperceived in America. I recommend that everyone should take a visit!