Woman Philanthropists: Dr Nathalie Beasnael of Health4Peace On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful Nonprofit Organization
An Interview With Dina Aletras
Service without expectations — Doing community work isn’t about making money, it’s coming into this space with a passion and drive to make an impact in the lives of others.
The contributions of women philanthropists have reshaped communities and catalyzed change, yet their stories often remain untold. Women bring unique perspectives and approaches to philanthropy, using their resources, networks, and influence to address a wide range of global challenges — from education and healthcare to social justice and environmental sustainability. How do these women navigate the complexities of philanthropy to achieve meaningful impact? In this interview series, we are talking to diverse women philanthropists who have initiated impactful projects or led significant charitable endeavors, to share their insights and inspire others to take initiative and help solve pressing global and local issues. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Nathalie Beasnael.
Dr. Nathalie Beasnael is a renowned social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and philanthropist, and the founder of Health4Peace, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering essential medical supplies to hospitals in Senegal, Chad, and South Africa. A recovery nurse, mother of two, and a doctor of philosophy, Dr. Nathalie Beasnael is a leading advocate for African and multicultural representation in Los Angeles.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I was raised in a home where diplomacy and Christianity played a big role. My Dad was a diplomat and later on became a pastor. My maternal grandfather was also a pastor. There was a lot of creativity in my family too with my paternal grandmother being an accomplished potter.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
I have had to endure many challenges and disappointments in my professional life. Through them all, I never relinquished prayer nor lost hope in believing that the next day is going to be better. I am known to have a lot of patience but I’m also stubborn and refuse to give up.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
I noticed that everyone wants the same thing. We as humans want to be and love to be acknowledged and loved. That is such a core desire and is so interesting to me.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
Health4Peace creates social impact by focusing our efforts in communities that are underserved on the global stage. Most people know about English speaking African countries or counties in the diaspora that speak English. The majority of people forget about non-English speaking countries such as Chad where French is spoken, Angola where Portuguese is the official language, or Equatorial Guinea where Spanish is spoken.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
In short, my family. Over the years, I have lost so many close relatives to completely treatable illnesses. This year alone, I have lost two cousins due to a lack of care and treatment for high blood pressure and migraines. Other family members have died preventable deaths, while others passed because they didn’t have access to simple allergy medication.
I am saddened by the fact that we can’t provide basic over-the-counter medication to family members in my village, which leads to these health complications and death. My work with Health4Peace seeks to change this narrative so that other families can get the medicine they need and not lose their loved ones.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
Through my diplomatic background, I helped someone ameliorate their nonprofit by serving on their board. I shared ideas, suggestions, and my contacts to grow their organization. I also ensured I was present and provided mentorship when they needed it. This is the kind of work I truly enjoy doing.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
- Serve without expecting.
- Be transparent.
- Always see the possibility for a positive outcome.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.
- Transparency — Be honest in your work and have good intentions. Transparency builds trust amongst those your organization serves.
- Faith — Creating a running a nonprofit is not easy but having faith will give you the confidence to make the impact that’s needed. Faith is what drives me to keep going.
- Be Relentless — You must love what you do and have the mindset to work harder than the average.
- Consistency — When creating a successful nonprofit, be consistent in your work and your offerings.
- Service without expectations — Doing community work isn’t about making money, it’s coming into this space with a passion and drive to make an impact in the lives of others.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
I noticed that positivity quickly disappeared from people’s lives. We all want to be heard, loved, and acknowledged, but that was in short supply during the pandemic Most people just need a little word of encouragement. For me, success can be as simple as brightening someone’s day.
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
I reset by remembering a few key things I know that the worst is behind me. I look at what lessons were in the setback and how I could do better in the future. And through both of these, I prevent myself from being in that situation again.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
OPRAH!
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
Follow me on Instagram @ladydene and on Facebook under Nathalie Beasnael.
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.
About the Interviewer: Dina Aletras boasts over 20 years of expertise in the corporate media industry. She possesses an in-depth understanding of growth, strategy, and leadership, having held significant roles at some of the UK’s largest media organizations. At Reach PLC, the UK’s largest tabloid publisher, she served in various director capacities. Additionally, she held leadership roles at The Independent Magazine Group and DMGT. Her extensive knowledge spans editorial, digital, revenue, sales, and advertising.
Upon relocating to Switzerland, Dina took on the responsibility of managing and promoting the international section of Corriere del Ticino — CdT.ch pioneering the English page “onthespot.” She also was the Co-Editor of Southern Switzerland’s first official Italian and English bilingual magazine.
Woman Philanthropists: Dr Nathalie Beasnael of Health4Peace On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.