We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miyo Macario. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miyo below.
Miyo, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
“Bote, dyaryo!”
The Kariton Boys shouted, their calls echoing through the bustling city. Their small frames maneuvered heavy carts piled with recyclables, their laughter juxtaposed against the weight of their burdens. Nearby, Sampaguita children darted between parked cars, their delicate garlands of jasmine held high as their eyes pleaded with passersby: “Bili na po kayo!”
Like the Kariton Boys, many of them would continue their work well into the night, often still out on the streets at 12 a.m., walking along traffic-filled roads under dim streetlights, searching for customers. I was visiting family in the Philippines, a trip meant to reconnect with my roots, but what I found was something deeper—a new lens to see the world. As I spoked and watched these children labor under the glow of dim streetlights, I could not ignore the stark reality before me. They deserved more than this. They deserved the chance to learn, dream, and simply be children.
We may not see their invisible battles, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening. For these children, they are in a daily fight for opportunity, survival, and hope.
That moment stayed with me long after I returned home. It planted a seed, a gnawing question that wouldn’t let go: What could I do?
The answer came in the form of Shared With Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing educational opportunities and school supplies to underserved students and communities globally. From its humble beginnings as a small project, Shared With Care has grown into a global initiative. Our volunteers, over 50 strong, have touched lives across 12 countries, delivering $6K worth of school supplies, hosting tutoring sessions, and raising awareness about the importance of education.
Through initiatives like our Starbucks fundraiser, which collected over 120 school supplies for Aeta children in the Philippines, which were distributed by the Black Pencil Project and Mayantoc Youth for Peace, and partnerships with organizations such as Shanti Bhavan’s Children’s Project, Develop Africa, Kumon, and local libraries, we have been able to provide tangible support to those in need. Each campaign, each volunteer effort, and each supply drive is a testament to the power of community and compassion.
One of the most fulfilling moments in my journey occurred on a quiet afternoon when I picked up a donation box from a Kumon center in California. Expecting just a few supplies, I was astonished to find several overflowing boxes beside our initial donation box filled with books, workbooks, stationery, and roughly 200 reusable water bottles. The overwhelming generosity reaffirmed my belief that even the smallest actions, when driven by purpose and compassion, have the power to ignite waves of transformation—ripples that can grow beyond what we can see or imagine, and ultimately shape the future.
Shared With Care has taught me that true leadership is not about standing in front, but walking alongside others, lifting them up, and moving forward together.
Ultimately, finding my purpose has been about embracing the values of kindness, service, and education. I have realized that true fulfillment lies not in personal success, but in the impact we make on others’ lives.
Through this journey, I have learned that purpose is not something you find—it is something you build. Mine was constructed in the heat of a Manila afternoon, fortified by the stories of those I have met, and sustained by the belief that no child’s future should be limited by a lack of resources.
As I look ahead, I carry the voices of the Kariton Boys and Sampaguita children with me, their words now a rallying cry in my own life: to push forward, to advocate, to care. Because when we invest in the potential of others, we don’t just change lives—we illuminate futures.
Many of the struggles faced by these children often go unnoticed by society. Our mission at Shared With Care is not only to provide resources but also to create visibility in an invisible world. By sharing their stories, amplifying their voices, and advocating for their right to education, we strive to bring their realities to the forefront.
I have found my purpose: I will continue building a world where opportunity is shared with care.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am Miyo Macario, the founder and CEO of Shared With Care, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential school supplies, educational resources, and community support to underserved children globally, particularly in areas where education resources are scarce.
What excites me most about this work is the potential to directly change lives through something as simple yet powerful as a school supply, a book, or a reusable water bottle. As a Save the Children Student Ambassador, I have seen firsthand how providing essential resources can empower children and uplift entire communities. Education is the foundation of a better future, and I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow without barriers. Seeing the impact of our work—whether it is in the form of a child receiving the tools they need to succeed or witnessing a community come together to support one another—is what makes this journey so special.
At Shared With Care, we are in the process of expanding our efforts to reach even more children through a new initiative aimed at addressing the growing educational disparities in underserved communities. We are developing a series of direct educational videos tailored to K-8 students, providing free, accessible tutoring across a variety of subjects. This new platform is designed to help children reinforce and supplement their learning outside the traditional classroom setting, ensuring that quality education is available to all, regardless of circumstance.
In addition to this new tutoring initiative, we are also launching a mentorship program that pairs underserved children with tutors in various fields; this program is designed to inspire the next generation of leaders by providing them with guidance, career insights, and role models to look up to. We are excited about the possibility of opening doors to new opportunities for children who may not otherwise have access to such networks.
We see this initiative as more than just a resource—it is an opportunity to empower students to take control of their own education.
To date, we have touched the lives of over 572 children, but this is only the beginning. As we continue to grow, we are also exploring ways to collaborate with other nonprofits, schools, and community organizations to amplify our impact. We believe that by combining our resources and efforts with others who share our vision, we can create a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive future for all students.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The first quality that has shaped my journey is to have a big heart. Let compassion and kindness guide you. Having a big heart is the cornerstone of what makes Shared With Care special. It fuels our mission, guides our decisions, and reminds us that no matter how small the gesture, when done with care, it can leave an extraordinary impact. If you’re just starting out, embrace the power of compassion—it will not only shape your journey but will also inspire those you touch to do the same.
The second quality that has shaped my journey is perseverance. In starting Shared With Care, I faced countless obstacles, from securing funding to navigating the complexities of working across borders. One of the most challenging aspects was the patience required during the process of applying for tax-exemption status. Waiting for approval took months, and there were multiple legalities to navigate and forms to fill out. This period tested my determination, as I had to trust that all the paperwork and bureaucracy would ultimately come together, even when there were no immediate signs of progress.
My third quality is creative problem-solving. In the world of nonprofit work, no two days are the same. Whether it’s finding a way to ship resources internationally or developing new educational content for underserved communities, creative problem-solving has been vital. At times, resources were limited, but I learned to think outside the box, finding innovative solutions that allowed us to continue our mission. It’s not about having all the answers upfront; it’s about being resourceful and adaptable enough to find a path forward. Adaptability is not about changing your goals; it’s about adjusting your path to reach them.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mother was born a leader. She never sat me down to teach me about leadership. She didn’t have to—her actions painted the picture clearer than words ever could.
From an early age, my mother instilled in me the belief that no challenge was too daunting if approached with persistence and heart. I have watched her take action—always consistent, thoughtful, and purpose-driven. Whether it was navigating government forms and tax-exemption documents as I built my nonprofit, Shared With Care, or making difficult decisions about my future, she was always there—guiding, supporting, and believing in me. My mother is not the kind of person who demands attention because her presence has always been impossible to ignore. She leads by the heart, and that alone commands respect. I have watched her earn the respect of everyone she meets—not through titles or accomplishments, but through the consistency of her character.
Through her, I’ve learned that life isn’t about waiting for the right moment; it’s about creating it.
Through her, I’ve learned that the impact we leave behind is our greatest legacy.
And as I reflect on the person I want to become, it’s clear—the person I most want to be is my mother.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://read.cv/sharedwithcare
- Instagram: @sharedwithcare_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shared-with-care-2090022b2
- Twitter: @sharedwithcare_
- Other: http://linktr.ee/sharedwithcare
Image Credits
Shared With Care
Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project
Black Pencil Project
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
