For Ameya and Carina, education isn’t an abstract concept—it’s a lived experience passed down through generations.
Ameya’s father began school later than most, growing up in a household where immediate economic needs often outweighed classroom learning. When education finally became accessible, he seized it fully by skipping grades, attending college and eventually becoming a professor. That opportunity not only shaped his career but also opened the door for his family’s future in the United States. Education became a cornerstone value in Ameya’s life, reinforced daily while growing up.
Carina’s story echoes a similar truth. Her grandparents grew up in Italy, where formal schooling often ended by third grade. They were fortunate to attend until fifth grade—an opportunity they never took for granted and often reminded Carina of as she grew up. Those reminders instilled a deep respect for education and its role in creating opportunity.
When Ameya first learned about Pencils of Promise through a book by Ramit Sethi, he was drawn to the PoP’s mission and results. After further research, both he and Carina found that PoP stood apart—not only for its focus on education, but for how it delivers impact. By partnering with local governments and communities, PoP ensures schools are sustainable, community-owned and built for long-term success.
That alignment led to action. In September, their company launched a fundraising campaign to support PoP’s work. With the support of PoP’s team and liaison Carly Mortensen, senior leadership and colleagues across the organization, the campaign exceeded its original goal. Encouraged by that momentum, the team reopened the campaign in November to fund a second school.
A defining moment came when Carly reserved a table at the PoP Gala, before the fundraising goal had even been reached, demonstrating confidence in the team’s ability to deliver. Once the goal was achieved, donors were invited at random, representing every giving level and reinforcing a core belief: every contribution matters. At the Gala, the team celebrated their success and heard firsthand from Jorge Bolom, PoP’s Guatemala Country Director, further connecting their efforts to real communities and real change.
Through their partnership with PoP, Ameya and Carina say they’ve gained a deeper appreciation for their own educational journeys. For millions of children worldwide, missing school isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity driven by family responsibilities and economic pressure. Education through PoP helps remove those barriers, giving children the chance to learn, grow and imagine a different future.
Their message to others is simple but powerful: look for ways to multiply your impact. The Hartford’s 200% donation match—and additional leadership contributions—transformed every dollar raised into meaningful, lasting change. Whether through corporate matching, team fundraising or individual giving, supporting global education creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Why Pencils of Promise? Because education is more than access to a classroom—it’s a pathway to opportunity, dignity and long-term progress. And with partners like The Hartford, that promise continues to reach children who need it most.
