Meet Beth Heckel

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Beth Heckel again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Beth, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I am the founder of a nonprofit organization, Think Humanity. The organization began in 2006 after my daughter, a journalist, traveled to Uganda to write a story about the people and conditions in a UNHCR refugee camp.
After she shared her experience and the people who she met, it wasn’t long before I also joined her on a trip to Uganda.
We began by providing education to several students. We received permission to take them 50 miles outside of the refugee camp. Soon after we realized the dangers of malaria and began to provide mosquito nets to young children, pregnant women, widows, and the elderly.
In 2010 we began constructing wells within refugee camps and isolated villages and in 2012 we began education for teenaged girls. In 2022 we opened our own secondary school.

Think Humanity’s mission is “To help save lives and provide hope for refugees and underdeveloped communities in Africa by improving provisions for healthcare, clean water, education, and socio-economic development.
Think Humanity is unique in that they provide education to refugees, orphans, and girls who would otherwise never have the opportunity to receive an education. We cover all their expenses, tuition, boarding, food, school requirements, and toiletries.

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
The last time that I spoke to SHOUTOUT Colorado was in 2020. So much has happened. As I mentioned, we constructed and opened a secondary school for teenaged girls, Think Humanity Secondary School (THSS). In 2021 we had 20 girl students living in a hostel and walking to a government school. Now we have 75 girl students living on a campus with a dormitory, kitchen, main hall, science lab, computer lab, tailoring room, and classrooms. The end of 2024, 20 young ladies graduated through the Think Humanity Secondary School and several Think Humanity ladies graduated from the university.
It is much different to have one’s own school. It required hiring teachers, security guards, cooks, a nurse, cleaner, and many others. Each year we continue to hold a Women’s Leadership Summit, as we did previously to constructing our own school. While the progress has exploded, it also requires a lot of funding, it is a lot of work to find sponsors for students, but the rewards outweigh any challenges. By 2027 we plan to have 105 students.
In October 2020, after COVID-19 began, we were providing food to help many families and children. We were helping orphans in the Acholi Quarter Camp. One donor asked if she could help a girl names Ayoo Mary with her education. Soon, all the orphans, boys and girls, had school sponsors. We named this group of children the Acholi Breakfast Club (ABC). Before schools reopened, the children met each morning for breakfast and activities. It was a safe place for the children to be. Previously, many had been used for child labor or were not eating. That was more than four years ago and many of these children are growing up. Six of them are attending the Think Humanity Secondary School. The ABC children love artwork, and the two rooms that we rent are full of art projects. The children continue to meet during school breaks for breakfast and activities.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Dead Poet’s Society

Favorite Book: Left to Tell, Immaculee Ilibagiza

Mountains or Beach: Mountains

Favorite Sport (to watch): Basketball

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Volleyball and basketball

Favorite Cartoon growing up: Jetsons

Favorite Childhood movie: Pollyanna

Favorite Breakfast Food: coffee

When you look back on your life, what are three things you expect to be proud of?
My reflection on what I hope to be proud of in life has been a deep commitment to personal integrity, the well-being of others, and the value of gratitude.
It is important to be a person of integrity. I hope to be remembered for consistently acting with moral and ethical principles, whether in my personal life or professional life. This highlights the importance of trustworthiness and responsibility, especially in the context of work in Think Humanity.
I have tried my best to make an impact on improving lives, particularly through clean water, combating malaria, education, and other vital nonprofit work. This focus on measurable outcomes reflects my desire to leave a long-lasting, positive legacy.
It is important to me to lead with fairness and respect for others. I want to be remembered as being a fair, respectful leader who set an example for younger individuals, encouraging them to adopt similar values in their leadership and interactions with others.
Additionally, my goal is to show gratitude to donors and supporters to reflect a strong sense of appreciation, key traits that contribute to a positive organizational value.
Overall, my vision speaks to a life focused on integrity, impact, and a commitment to those I have had the honor to lead and serve.