Meet Candice Young

We recently connected with Candice Young and have shared our conversation below.

Candice, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

To be honest, my journey with generosity didn’t start with money—it started with time. When I began my travels, I was still figuring out my own life, making my way through Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget. I didn’t have much to give financially, but I began to see that just by holding an American passport, I already had access to opportunities and resources that many others didn’t.

It hit me especially hard when I traveled to places like India, where I saw people living with so much less than I had ever known—and yet, their spirit was rich with generosity. I realized then that even if I didn’t have money, I had time. And time, I could give. The initial spark came from fundraising for a disaster relief organization that I got involved in during my time abroad, driven by the desire to reciprocate all the kindness and generosity I had experienced as a traveler.

The real turning point came when I was 26, standing amid the wreckage of a village in the Nepalese Himalayas that had been devastated by an earthquake. I felt an overwhelming need to do something, anything, to help. That’s when Trek Relief was born—from the idea that I could use my time, my energy, and my privilege to make a small but meaningful difference.

So, where does my generosity come from? It comes from the recognition of my privilege and the understanding that generosity doesn’t have to be grand. It starts small—with time, a little effort, and a lot of heart. It’s a continuous journey of finding ways to give back, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or starting a project that brings people together for a greater cause. It’s about building bridges, sharing stories, and creating opportunities for others to experience the beauty of connection and compassion.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Candice Young, founder of Trek Relief, where we believe in the power of travel to make a positive impact. Alongside a passionate team of travelers who’ve joined me on this journey, we’ve created a platform that gives every adventurer a way to give back.

At Trek Relief, we invite you to be more than just a traveler—you can be a changemaker. You can join one of our trips to incredible places like Nepal, Mongolia, Peru, or Patagonia, where you’ll be directly involved in projects that support local communities. Whether it’s rebuilding schools, planting trees, or helping to strengthen community resources, there are so many ways to contribute.

What makes Trek Relief unique is the range of opportunities we offer to make a difference. You don’t have to be wealthy or have lots of free time; you can donate, fundraise, or even receive financial support to join our trips. We believe that everyone should have the chance to experience this kind of purposeful travel. But it doesn’t end with just one trip. We offer training for those who want to step into global leadership roles, empowering them to create their own programs and initiatives, beyond just being participants. It’s about building skills, confidence, and connections that last a lifetime.

So, whether you’re looking to join an adventure, lead a trip, or launch your own initiative, Trek Relief is here to help you make it happen. We’re all about empowering individuals to make the change they want to see in the world. Let’s journey together and make a real difference.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have truly shaped my path: empathy, adaptability, and a mix of resourcefulness and gratitude.

Empathy: At Trek Relief, empathy is the foundation of everything we do. It’s about understanding the needs and perspectives of the communities we work with and the travelers who join us. Developing empathy has allowed me to create programs that are not only impactful but also genuinely meaningful. For those starting out, I encourage you to actively listen and engage with people from different backgrounds. Volunteer, travel, or simply have conversations with those outside your usual circle. Cultivate curiosity, approach others with an open heart, and remember that every story holds value and wisdom.

Adaptability: In the world of nonprofit work and adventure travel, adaptability is a must. Things rarely go as planned—a sudden change in weather, a shift in community needs, or unexpected challenges in fundraising. Embracing the unexpected as an opportunity to learn and grow has been crucial. My advice is to intentionally put yourself in situations that stretch your comfort zone. Practice staying calm and flexible when things don’t go as planned. The more adaptable you become, the more resilient you will be in the face of uncertainty.

Resourcefulness and Gratitude: When you’re building something from the ground up, like a nonprofit, resourcefulness is key. I’ve learned to find creative solutions with limited resources, whether it’s fundraising in unconventional ways or finding new ways to collaborate. Alongside resourcefulness, gratitude has been equally important—being thankful for every opportunity, every lesson, and every bit of support received along the way. For those starting out, practice looking for opportunities in every challenge, think creatively, and don’t be afraid to seek out support. Stay grateful for both the big wins and the small moments of growth, because they all add up to something powerful.

These qualities have been essential in navigating my journey, and I hope they serve as inspiration for anyone embarking on their own path. Every step, no matter how uncertain, is a chance to learn, grow, and make a difference.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely! At Trek Relief, we are always looking for people who are eager to travel and make a difference. Whether you’re an adventurous soul ready to join one of our trips, fundraise for a project, or even lead your own trip to create positive change, we’d love to have you on board. There are many ways to get involved—by participating in our trips to Nepal, Mongolia, Peru, or Patagonia, helping us raise awareness and funds, or contributing your unique skills to our projects.

We’re also looking for partners who believe in our mission to support communities through meaningful travel experiences. This could be local businesses, nonprofits, adventure companies, or anyone who wants to collaborate to amplify our impact. If you’re passionate about supporting sustainable travel, community development, or environmental conservation, let’s connect!

If you’re interested in collaborating or joining us on this journey, send us a message! We’re excited to work together with like-minded individuals and organizations to create a world where every journey has the potential to change lives.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Candice Young
Kylie Zarmati
Weston Boyles
Yahya Mourad

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