WTL 5: Meet Staci Summers

     Five provocative questions answered by an inspiring and fabulous woman  – a woman with something to say.

Meet Staci Summers 

Former fashion magazine advertising saleswoman, Staci Summers turned her professional efforts to making the world a better place in 1995, serving Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity as an AmeriCorps VISTA in fundraising and community leadership development.  She then went on to earn her master’s degree in international training and education with a focus on NGO management and participatory development from American University in Washington, DC.  Afterwards Staci was a consultant for the World Bank, product developer for Manaca Ecotravel and professional photographer in both Washington, DC and New York City.

Now a wife and mother, Staci enjoys raising her children and focusing her volunteer efforts on her first love, building houses around the world with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI).  A passionate advocate for crossing cultures and partnering with people in need, Staci uses her talents and skills as a Global Village Team Leader with HFHI.  She’s visited 30 countries and has no plans of slowing down.

When she is not globe-trotting and collecting fodder for her website and blog globalstaci.com, she enjoys her second favorite pastime, cooking and throwing parties at her home in Baltimore, MD.

People would be surprised to know that:  I’m an open book so it’s difficult for me to think of something truly surprising.  I think some people might be surprised that I am a Bible-reading and believing Christian.

The WTL 5:

What’s the conversation that changed your life? 

Jason, “Will you marry me?”

Staci, “Yes!” 

What are you most conscious of today? 

Two things.

More than ever I am conscious of living in the moment.  “Be Here Now” is my unofficial motto.  Although I love to make plans and enjoy the pleasure of anticipation, I have learned that all we have is now.  I enjoy giving my attention to whatever or whoever is in front of me.  If you dwell on the past or live in the future you will miss your life!  Switch off your electronics.  Be present.

The other thing I am most conscious of is how insanely blessed I am.  I have the life I always wanted! 

What part of you have you yet to give voice to? 

This makes me laugh because I am a complete extrovert and love to talk!  Does closet lounge singer count? 

What’s the conversation women need to be having collectively? 

Let’s talk about empathy.  Most Americans could stand to be more empathic – women and men.

Empathy is about seeing through the eyes of another.  The culture of the other.  The circumstances of the other.  The experiences of the other.  And if you want to know about another person’s life you need to connect with them by asking intelligent questions and listening carefully.

If we can understand people from their own perspective we have a shot at remaining non-judgmental.  Then, we have the best chance at becoming compassionate, hospitable human beings with great capacity to love, forgive and live in peace.

What needs to be said bigger, louder, stronger? 

Your life is bigger than you and your corner of the world.  Make it count for someone else too.

***

 Thank you, Staci, for sharing your powerful voice
with WomanTalk Live.