"Success is not a state of who you are or who you are not, it’s an awareness of moving on the right track towards virtues and principles you want to work on." - Liam, HerStart International Fellow in Mpigi, Uganda.
Fellowship Alumni Spotlight: How Liam Redefined Success
By Hannah Lou Malena-Morin | Uganda
Author: Hannah Lou Malena-Morin, HerStart International Fellow
Growing up with a single mom, Liam Clifford quickly became aware of the disproportionate barriers women face in society. When searching for an international volunteer opportunity to gain global experience and learn from different cultural perspectives, HerStart became a clear choice; the program’s mission—to economically empower women facing social inequities—aligned perfectly with his ambitions and values.
Liam joined the YCI Uganda team as a Program & Partnerships Fellow in 2023, collaborating alongside our HerStart partner, Social Innovation Academy (SINA), a local organization that believes social entrepreneurship can create systemic change for disadvantaged youth. After you finish this article, you can check out this 2 minute video all about SINA and the HerStart partnership.
Liam with YCI staff and other International Fellows on the SINA campus in Uganda
For Liam, the HerStart International Fellowship was a bold step into unfamiliar territory, marking his first long-term volunteer experience abroad. His previous work with the Canadian Red Cross in emergency management had helped him honed his adaptability and flexibility skills —both proved invaluable during the program experience. Encouraged by a mentor from the Red Cross, he seized the opportunity not only to expand his professional experience but also to deepen his understanding of cultural diversity and humanitarian efforts on a global scale.
Working directly with inspiring and committed local women entrepreneurs was the highlight of Liam’s time in Uganda. Providing coaching and training support in key areas, he had the opportunity to meet with HerStart entrepreneurs regularly, supporting the growth and development of their businesses and leadership skills. He shared how witnessing their progress and dedication firsthand, in real time, was incredibly rewarding. By forming meaningful relationships with diverse stakeholders in the program, he felt strongly connected to the community and the impact of YCI’s mission.
Meeting with diverse entrepreneurs on a regular basis sparked ongoing self-reflection for Liam. Overall, the fellowship reinforced his confidence in navigating new challenges—an essential skill in emergency response work. Even more importantly, it reshaped his mindset on success.
“Success is not a state of who you are or who you are not, it’s an awareness of moving on the right track towards virtues and principles you want to work on. As long as you are on the path to those personal virtues, that is a path of success.”
– Liam, HerStart International Fellow
Liam believes many international volunteers arrive in their placement country with preconceived notions of success and impact, only to find themselves re-evaluating those expectations through the challenges and lessons of their real life experience.
Liam’s passion for emergency management was further shaped by his experience with HerStart. This opportunity became a pivotal moment in his career, giving him clarity on his next steps.
“The placement fundamentally changed the course of what I was doing and the direction I was going. I was able to really sit down and plan my intermediate future, which gave me the ability to scrutinize what I was doing and internally reflect on the why of it.”
– Liam, HerStart International Fellow
Throughout his time in Uganda, Liam adopted a c’est la vie mindset, embracing new experiences and finding peace within uncertainty. The fellowship taught him to welcome challenges, take calculated risks and trust in his ability to navigate new situations.
Liam leading a skills building training session for HerStart entrepreneurs in Mpigi, Uganda
Choosing a path that aligned with his values and goals, over one of comfort, Liam is now working in Northern Canada as an Emergency Management Technician at the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness in British Columbia. His journey with HerStart not only reinforced his commitment to social impact but also provided him with invaluable skills and insights that continue to shape his career today.