We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Dinan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
My parents! My parents are some of the most compassionate persons I know. My mother is that person who will help anyone in need, and I always witnessed both she and my father’s compassion towards strangers as I growing up. My parents have consistently placed a high value around respect and kindness. They are wonderful examples of generosity and compassion.
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?
10 years ago, I shared a sandwich with a man in Grand Central train station. At that moment, a lightbulb went off; I couldn’t do much, but I could at least help another make it to his or her next meal. That one sandwich led to a project on humanity and a mission to spread hope and nourishment. A conversation with a friend, George, led to us founding One Sandwich at a Time. We are a NYC based nonprofit with a mission to combat hunger and homelessness through kindness, community, and the action of making a sandwich for someone in need. To date, we have partnered with companies, schools, and our community to make and deliver over half a million sandwiches to those in need.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
A mentor gave me great advice at the beginning of our journey. She said it’s important to celebrate the small successes during your journey of becoming a nonprofit. That advice has stuck with me and helped keep me motivated during the more challenging times of my journey. If I had any other advice to share, it would be to do what inspires you and to hold tight to that passion you have.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are a grassroots organization and always looking to grow and expand our reach! We are looking for other nonprofit organizations to partner with, shelters and pantries to donate food to, and volunteers/team leaders to join our team! Please reach out if you are interested.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.onesandwichatatime.org
- Instagram: @onesandwichatatime
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/onesandwichatatime
