SOIL Executive Director Dr. Sasha Kramer Speaks at Reed College Commencement
We are thrilled to share that SOIL’s Executive Director, Dr. Sasha Kramer, was selected by the graduating class at Reed College to deliver the 2024 commencement speech. It was a momentous occasion, not only for Sasha as a Reed College graduate, but also for SOIL as an organization which has benefited greatly from the contribution of Reed students and professors over the years.
Sasha spoke to the new graduates about the ways in which her work at SOIL and in Haiti has taught her the importance of empathy, perspective and perseverance, honoring the courage and everyday heroism of her colleagues. She also spoke to how deeply she values education in a world where educating your children should be a right but remains a privilege, especially in Haiti and other conflict zones around the world.
One particularly heartwarming aspect of Sasha's invitation to speak at Reed was the opportunity to reconnect with Professor Noelwah Netusil, an esteemed economics professor at the college. Professor Netusil has been a staunch supporter of SOIL's mission for years, encouraging her students to engage with our work in Haiti. Her advocacy has led to four graduates from Reed dedicating a significant portion of their post-graduate lives to serve with SOIL; as Sasha noted in her address: “our organization would never be what it is today without the amazing contribution of my fellow Reedies…for moving to Haiti and sharing [their] brilliance and compassion with SOIL.”
The four remarkable women are — Leah Nevada Page Jean, who served as SOIL’s Development Director for over 10 years, Molly Case, who worked as a Program Manager and Deputy Development Director, Shannon Smith, who served as a Marketing and Program Advisor, and Claire Remington, our former Director of Research and Innovation.
After completing their studies at Reed, each chose to move to Haiti and work at SOIL in various capacities. Their combined contribution of 28 years of service to our organization is nothing short of inspiring. They each played pivotal roles in a number of projects, contributing to the advancement of sustainable sanitation solutions and community development initiatives in Haiti.
SOIL is deeply grateful for the partnership and support we receive from academic institutions like Reed College who support our vision. Together, we’ll continue to help foster a generation of change-makers who are committed to addressing global challenges and creating a more sustainable future for all.
You can find the full commencement ceremony here along with Sasha's remarks beginning at the 24 minute mark.