We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nuka Hart a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nuka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
One story that truly sticks with me is from my recent trip to Haiti. I hadn’t been back to Haiti, my country of heritage, since 2018. The country has faced civil unrest, natural disasters, and many challenges that leave people with disabilities especially vulnerable.
On this trip, I had the honor of meeting Fabienne, a sweet 16-year-old girl who was born with spina bifida and couldn’t walk. Her family is full of love, but her mother shared how difficult life was without a wheelchair. When Fabienne received her new wheelchair, she was beaming with joy, surrounded by smiles. Her wheelchair now allows her to safely get to school, where she loves studying math. She dreams of becoming an esthetician and enjoys singing at church—such a talented young girl. A wheelchair was essential not only for transportation, but also for the opportunities it opened for her future.
Meeting Fabienne and her family felt like being wrapped in warmth and love.
What stuck with me the most was Fabienne’s resilience and unwavering hope. We often hear negativity on the news, but meeting Fabienne’s family reminded me of real people with real needs. Fabienne’s mother’s strength and faith were uplifting, and it felt natural to offer her a hug. In turn, her hope and resilience poured onto me. Watching Fabienne break into song was a sweet moment, showcasing talents that often remain hidden due to her disability. Despite everything, she was full of joy and hope, which continue to inspire me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At Free Wheelchair Mission, we’re dedicated to transforming lives by providing brand-new wheelchairs to people with disabilities in developing countries. An estimated 80 million people need wheelchairs worldwide. Without mobility, people are often unable to work or go to school, and many are trapped indoors. Through our partnerships with distribution partners, we’ve provided over 1.4 million wheelchairs in 95 developing countries. Each wheelchair costs only $96 to build, ship, and deliver. Plus, our wheelchairs are specifically designed to suit the conditions of the countries we serve, allowing individuals to gain access to education, employment, and community.
When I think of what I’m most proud of when it comes to our mission, our compassionate and innovative team is what truly sets us apart. We’ve been able to keep our costs low while creating practical solutions that fit diverse environments. Despite limited resources, our dedicated team works tirelessly to advance our mission. I’m most proud to work alongside this talented group of people who are committed to our mission. Their dedication, combined with our creative approach to engaging partners and supporters, allows us to maximize our impact. Together, we’re able to bring the life-changing gift of mobility to those who need it most.
Any advice for managing a team?
When managing a team and maintaining high morale, it’s essential to balance strong leadership with genuine transparency. Establishing clear lines of communication is key to creating a safe space where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Prioritizing the team, building trust, fostering creativity, and pursuing excellence are core principles that guide my approach. Regular check-ins with all team members, not just direct reports, are vital for building an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Creating a positive culture extends beyond day-to-day work. Team-wide check-ins, especially in a remote and hybrid work setting, help me understand team dynamics and sustain morale. Acknowledging employees’ personal lives, encouraging them to prioritize family, and incorporating fun activities are essential strategies that strengthen relationships and foster unity, even during challenging times. It’s about fostering common ground that builds resilience.
Lastly, it’s crucial for leaders to be open to feedback. Regular leadership reviews ensure all voices are heard and help us refine our approach. Prioritizing these elements has shaped a culture that’s supportive, engaged, and collectively driven toward success.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the biggest tests of resilience I faced professionally was during COVID-19. Halfway into my seven years with Free Wheelchair Mission, the pandemic had the potential to disrupt everything—from our manufacturing and supply chain to our relationships with international partners and revenue. It was a crash course in quick decision-making and adaptability. With factories shutting down, costs rising, and our team stretched thin, we had to be innovative and cohesive to keep operations going. I wore more hats than usual, which forced me to understand every aspect of our work which made me a stronger leader. Thanks to the help of our innovative and cohesive team, our organization stayed on mission without drastic cuts.
On a personal level, navigating changes in my life while leading a team required finding balance. As a mother, I have had to strike the balance between being available for my family, while also needing to show up for my team and not letting personal challenges impact my professional responsibilities. My work reminded me that my struggles are small compared to the hardships of the people we serve. Drawing inspiration from the resilience of our wheelchair recipients has helped me find my own strength and stay grounded during tough times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freewheelchairmission.org/
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- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freewheelchairmission/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-wheelchair-mission
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fwmvideos
Image Credits
Free Wheelchair Mission