Same Sky is proud to announce that Shawn McClain is the Ambassador of the Month for October.  Shawn, the Director of Business Development for The Miss Universe Organization, MUO, has been an avid supporter of Same Sky’s mission and is responsible for forging a valuable relationship between MUO and Same Sky.    Shawn has even been to Rwanda to meet the Same Sky artisans with Francine and MUO.

Here is what Shawn had to say about women empowerment and Same Sky:

Q: Has women empowerment always been important to you?  How did you get involved in promoting women?

A: Women empowerment has always been important to me, but it became even more important after becoming a part of Same Sky and learning about the struggles of Rwandan women after the genocide. I have been surrounded by strong and intelligent women my entire life (Mom, Grandma, Aunt’s, etc), so I realize how crucial it is for women across the globe to have influence, access to education and to be a part of the world’s driving force on all levels.

Q: What does women empowerment mean to you?

A: To me, women empowerment means spending time working to help women who can’t help themselves. It means reinforcing the existing rights of women across the globe while working to provide economic assistance through job creation. Women from the developing world are especially in need of this guidance/assistance.

Q: How does the mission of the MUO reflect your own interests?

A: The MUO works to bring women’s issues to the forefront, empowering females and increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS and breast and cervical cancers. Its important for everyone to work together to combat viruses and diseases, to support these efforts in some way. Its amazing how much can be accomplished when people collaborate.

Q: Many people think MUO is simply a beauty pageant, can you tell me a little about what the MUO does behind the ‘pretty faces’?

A: The MUO is much more than a beauty pageant. The women who are a part of our contest use their beauty, intelligence and energy to drive a number of social causes. The brand awareness is immeasurable- which allows us to provide unmatched capabilities to tourism destinations looking to place themselves ‘on the map.’ The Organization’s popularity has allowed it to coordinate countless missions of goodwill across the globe throughout its 60+ year history.

Q: How did you become acquainted with Same Sky?  Why are you so passionate about the company?

A: After meeting the CBA (Chief Brand Ambassdor) Francine and hearing about the Same Sky mission, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. We are so lucky in the United States and even the ‘poorest’ person here is generally better off than poor people in other parts of the world. The genocide victims in Rwanda need our help and are so grateful to have employment. After working with the SSTI for years it is a passion but also a responsibility to keep the work orders coming in!

Q: How does Same Sky’s mission reflect the mission of MUO?

A: Same Sky and the MUO are very similar in that they both promote female empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness. Working together there are just so many synergies that we should share an office.

Q: What advice would you give others passionate about women’s empowerment?

A: Get involved!

Interview conducted by Tania Prizio