Ep 15 – Adam Stieglitz – Community-Led Development in The Highlands of Peru

Adam Stieglitz discovered his passion for culture and service through traveling the world. His passion led him to get a Masters in Public Administration with a focus in International development at The Middlebury Institute of International Studies. He then co-founded The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development, based in the highlands of Peru. Adam and his organization’s mission is to harness collective intelligence to support community-led development. Programs they work include school and family greenhouse building, graduate student research programs and working with local governments to affect policy change. What’s awesome about Adam’s story is the how he made the choice to follow his passions, question societal norms and in turn this has given him a purpose and perspective on life that is very inspiring. What’s also inspiring, is by bucking the regular non-profit funding model, his organization has the freedom to focus on sustainable empowerment over meeting short-term goals. Episode highlights include: * Dissatisfaction with the music industry led him to teach English in South Korea * Leading his first trip down to Peru with his cofounder and student peer group * Philosophy about creating lasting change and building long-term relationships * How he develops and runs graduate student research programs in the local communities * Perspective on the U.S. way of life after living a more simple and present lifestyle Adam Stieglitz Bio Adam is originally from South Florida and graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s of Business Management and Administration in 2004. He has extensive experience in international development, having worked in South Korea, Honduras, El Salvador, and Peru.  His passion for helping those who are less fortunate drove him to the Monterey Institute of International Studies (now the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey), where he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a specialization in International Development.  Adam is a co-founder of the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development and one of the original leaders of Team Peru. Links Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development Donate Now Link