In recognition of International Women’s Day, we interviewed The Orangutan Project donor Christen O’Brien about what inspires her to give and how women can support each other through philanthropy. Like many of our donors, Christen’s interest in orangutans started at a young age.
“I’ve always had an unusual interest in primates,” says Christen. “I remember going to the elementary school library and selecting the encyclopedia “O” so I could read about orangutans.”
Decades later, Christen and her husband discovered The Orangutan Project and its Founder Leif Cocks while searching online for an eco-tourism trip to see orangutans in the wild.
“Joining Leif’s experiential trip to Sumatra has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. To be able to walk through the rainforest and look into the eyes of an orangutan was truly a full-circle moment.
“It was all the more meaningful as I had Leif there as a guide. A person who has dedicated his life to being an advocate, ambassador and steward of these beautiful beings. That experience transformed me from someone who had an interest in orangutans to someone with a mission. I’m proud to say that I am a donor and a patrol of The Orangutan Project.
“I’m still that young girl with the “O” encyclopedia, except now that I’ve found a way to be part of the solution.”
A history of philanthropy
Christen has always been philanthropically inclined. In her early life, she volunteered with the Peace Corps. As she achieved professional success as a marketing executive and technology entrepreneur, she began to support several causes close to her heart, including the Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
As she began to increase her donations, Christen realised she wanted to do more and was ready to make a long-term commitment.
“My experience getting to know Leif demonstrated the kind of mindset and approach that I was looking for in a charity. As well as being an international orangutan expert, Leif has that inextinguishable ’fire in the belly’ approach to conservation that inspires others to join him in his mission.
“For me, The Orangutan Project ticked all the boxes that I was looking for in a charity. Expertise in the system they are protecting, a demonstrated commitment over many years, a strong leader and team who do not waiver no matter how hard things get, a strong ability to be a public advocate for the cause, and a determined gentleness that comes from realising lasting change takes consistent, calm action over a long time.”
Supporting women through philanthropy
Having achieved a lot of success in her career, Christen is also a strong advocate for giving back and supporting women through her philanthropy.
“I think it’s quite impactful as a woman from the for-profit business world to be able to transfer my knowledge and skills to young, aspiring women in local communities where both environments and economic equality are most vulnerable.
“By doing this, we not only empower the next generation of conservationists, but we also position these women to become leaders in their communities. The more equality arises in communities worldwide, the more we can protect animals and environments for future generations.
“Right now, I am mentoring a young South African woman in online marketing for a non-profit she works for. It feels like a gift to me that I’m finally able to take what I’ve learned over the years and pass it onto someone else.”
And her advice to others looking for a charity to support or who want to make a more lasting contribution?
“Start small – make small donations, volunteer, do whatever you can manage. Get to know the landscape of organisations and causes that you are passionate about. Then, if you can, try and take part in meaningful experiences. Give yourself the gift of seeing and participating in the real work they are doing. Then finally, think about the ways that you transfer your knowledge and skills to help others.”