We were lucky to catch up with Erika Plunkett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

You could build the 9th wonder of the world, but are you someone who can inspire love, kindness, compassion, and make the world better for someone else? This is the thing—it’s not about what you do; it’s about who you are. It’s more important for me to be remembered for who I was than what I did. How did I make people feel? Did people feel my kindness? Were they touched by my generosity?

I’m going to be real—I want to make generosity super, super attractive. I hope it’s beyond a trend. I want people to see how powerful it is to give and be generous, and I hope that it creates a cosmic shift in culture, inspiring people to believe that generosity is more powerful than greed. The power to give is greater because, with greed, you are so insecure that you have to hold on to everything you have until your cold, dead fists are buried in the ground. With generosity, baby, you are free. You are a channel that flows. The best part? I am not alone. We are going to spearhead this movement through Ama International, alongside dozens of community partners who share the same passion.

My greatest hope is that people will say, “She loved well.” I want to be remembered as someone who loved deeply and with a pure heart, whose passion drove her to serve the Kingdom of God, unify rather than divide, practice generosity, sing her guts out, and never stop creating. I want them to say, “Nothing held her back—not unwritten rules, lack of resources, naysayers, or even borders. She was free.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve spent years as an independent consultant in the international nonprofit sector, helping businesses, philanthropists, and nonprofits grow and make a real impact. But my heart has always been with those on the margins, the underserved, and the vulnerable. This passion led me to Ama International, where we strive to empower communities through education, job training, and access to essential resources. We’re not just another nonprofit—we’re a movement of love without borders, “ama sin fronteras.”

At Ama International, we tackle a variety of challenges. Our ‘Back to School’ initiative ensures that students have the supplies they need to succeed, while our Marcus Memorial Scholarship Fund opens doors for students to travel abroad and gain transformative experiences. We’re about holistic change—addressing immediate needs while creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities to break free from cycles of poverty and vulnerability. Right now, we are raising 1,000 backpacks for students who don’t even have running water.

What sets us apart? It’s our relentless drive to innovate and stay agile. We’re not just solving problems; we’re reimagining how generosity can shape the world. We believe in partnership, philanthropreneurship, creativity, and innovation.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the incredible network of community partners and volunteers we’ve built. It’s the people for me—the lives changed through giving and through receiving. Some hard data: we’ve provided over $3 million in resources, distributed 44,300 school supplies last year, awarded $5,000 in college scholarships, and received a $1,000,000 donation to enhance our curriculum and supplies. But it’s not about the numbers—it’s about the lives touched and the hearts inspired.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a little bit obsessed with the socials—in the best way possible. I want to make them work for me and for good. Cause-based marketing and fundraising are particularly fun for me because they’re a challenge, and who doesn’t love a challenge? Well, I for sure do. Ha!

I’ve found immense joy in connecting with people and sharing our mission through social media. It’s all about making genuine connections and showcasing the heart of our work at Ama International. I plan to do a Reels series on social media growth and tips, especially since I just recently started to monetize my efforts. I’ll share more then, but let me at least say this: be yourself!

Whether it’s a personal brand, your business, or your cause, shine as who you are. Use what you have, focus on what you’re good at, and lean all the way into what you know. Authenticity is the fundamental step #1. People can sense when you’re genuine, and that’s what builds trust and engagement. So, get out there, be real, and have fun with it!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Recently, I saw a reel of a woman crying in her car with the caption “being a woman in corporate America.” It really hit home for me. I used to believe that I could always lead with my heart, be super kind, and everyone else would be the same. But reality check—they’re not. Sometimes, it’s like the wild wild west out there.

This tough but valuable lesson taught me that while it’s important to stay heart-forward, we also need to protect our own heart and health. Taking care of ourselves is crucial. Whether it’s taking a walk, talking to a friend, laughing, loving our family, or doing things that keep us grounded, we need those moments to recharge. We need friends who support and love us because, let’s face it, it can be rough out here for us soft girlies.

My goal is to always stay graceful and see the best in others, no matter the circumstances. It’s about being “wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.” Balancing wisdom and kindness is key. We can be strong and soft, savvy and compassionate—all at the same time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amawithoutborders.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikadawnie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amawithoutborders
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikadawnkellerplunkett/

Image Credits

Arianna Plunkett
Nathan Gaston
Joshua Terrell