By Kim Smouter
Managing Director, Foundever.org
A new chapter
As the newly appointed Managing Director of Foundever.org, I am excited to share insights from my first month in this role. With a background as the Executive Director of the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) Foundation, I bring extensive experience in activism focused on equity, human rights and employability. I am eager to leverage this expertise alongside global resources of Foundever to drive transformational change for the communities we serve.
The warm welcome I have received has reinforced my commitment to connecting with stakeholders and creating collaboration. I look forward to meeting more individuals in our network to discuss how we can collectively contribute to meaningful initiatives that address community needs.
Foundever.org is the evolution of the company’s long-standing dedication to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our mission is rooted in the belief that upskilling and employability are critical levers for empowering distressed communities. Through our programs, we aim to provide individuals with the tools necessary to thrive in the labor market.
This ambitious vision requires collective efforts, and I am committed to keeping our stakeholders informed as we progress. It is essential that we build a shared understanding of our goals and the pathways to achieve them.
Initial activities and achievements
In my first month, I have focused on outlining a strategic roadmap that clarifies our objectives and mobilizes resources effectively. This roadmap will serve as a foundation for our future endeavors and help facilitate engagement with stakeholders.
Recent highlights:
During a recent presentation at the IAOP OWS25 in Chicago, I had the opportunity to showcase Foundever.org’s achievements across key markets, including:
- United States: Initiatives such as The Tent Partnership and Project Rousseau, supported by Ana Moran.
- Philippines: The U-Go Program, led by Willy Lim.
- Mentorship Program: Our collaboration with the Global Mentorship Initiative (GMI), supported by Laura Chauvet.
- Egypt: The Freelance Mama program, where we empowered over 100 mothers thanks to the efforts of Shorouk Rabei and our local team.
The positive response from industry peers and competitors underscores the potential for significant change within our sector.
Strategic partnerships for social good
We are actively exploring new projects that align business objectives with social impact. By collaborating with clients, we aim to create joint ventures that leverage financial resources, technical expertise and our project management capabilities to benefit communities globally. Engaging in such partnerships is essential for maximizing our impact.
Our partnership with GMI has been particularly impactful. Through the #CXforGood initiative, we have sponsored 200 mentorships for students worldwide, supported significantly by Orange as well.
GMI connects underserved students and refugee learners with mentorship and job readiness training through a structured 12-week program. This collaboration allows us to provide essential resources and support to those navigating their professional journeys.
Looking ahead
As I reflect on my first month, the focus has been on understanding our current initiatives and the substantial groundwork laid in just over a year and a half. Moving forward, I aim to develop a programmatic strategy that consolidates our efforts under clear priorities and pathways for partnerships. This strategy will be instrumental in enhancing our community impact and guiding our future actions.
In the coming months, I will provide updates on Foundever.org’s progress and share insights regarding our ongoing initiatives. Together, we can shape a project that reflects our commitment to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve.