Who We Are | Team | Advisors | Ambassadors | Partners |
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Ambassadors
JÖrgen Christiansson
"Yoga gives back is a simple but powerful way to bring about a profound change in someone's life. It is a way for us to motivate Indian women and their families to become independent and secure. It is also a method to give something back to the country of Krishna and Buddha and so many enlightened souls, which gave us yoga, it's philosophy, Ayurveda and all other teachings, which improved mankind. I personally, feel grateful for what it has taught and molded me into, whom I am today."
Kino McGregor
"I believe in the ingenuity of the human spirit and that when given the chance people will rise to their greatest potential. Yoga Gives Back is more than a charity and fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of the rural women and families they work with. The axiom that says that you cannot feed the world but if you teach a person how to fish or make bread they can feed themselves for a lifetime is at work in Yoga Gives Back. Recipients of YGB loans are rewarded for their hard work, given a chance to succeed and find a way to break the relentless cycle of poverty they were born into.Yoga helps Westerners find peace and thus make their lives more sustainable. With the power of micro-financing Yoga Gives Back helps Indian women gain access to opportunities that would otherwise simply not exist."
Sophie Herbert
"I never imagined how drastically a country could influence my life. My regular visits to India, which began in college, have transformed my ambitions as an artist, yoga practitioner/teacher, and human being. They inspired the most empowering realization: to never underestimate our ability to positively transform the world through small, tangible actions. Additionally, the incredible hospitality I've encountered in India constantly reminds me that there is no wealth without love.India has reinforced my appreciation for all I have and all I can do. It is my duty to give back to a place that has given me so much. I am so grateful to work with Yoga Gives Back, an organization that understands the enormous power of working one small step at a time."
Chaz Russ
"As the founder and former owner of Sisters Yoga, an all-female yoga studio in Fresno, CA., it seemed only natural for me to join the YGB team. When founding Sisters Yoga, my aim was to create a space where female Spirits of all ages could come together in community, tend to the gardens of their self-esteem and empower themselves through the self-discovery and strength building practices of yoga. There's a divine power in sisterhood, and that power is felt amidst sisters of all ages, backgrounds and economic status. We feel our deep rooted connection through the practice of yoga. For the 7 years I've been teaching and the 17 years I've been practicing, I continue to be reminded of the beaming light that shines so brightly within us all. Equally, if someone thousands of miles away suffers, so I suffer. But if I can help and make a difference here in LA, for instance, by raising awareness and money for our sisters in India , then the consciousness of LA is raised and we benefit equally.Every woman deserves a shot to reach her God-given dharmic potential. I'm honored to be a part of the YGB team, as YGB provides the opportunity for women in India to tend to the gardens of their heart's entrepeneurial yearnings and therefore, support themselves, their families and villages in the long run. Such big impacts can be made with small monetary contributions. Some of the biggest leaps in evolution and healing are made with the smallest of steps. I look forward to continue to host yoga classes in LA for YGB and our sisters in India."
Aparna Khanolkar
"Yoga Gives Back is a cause that is dear to me as an Indian woman. To empower a woman with skills and loans to encourage sustainable financial independence is exciting for me as a single mother. To know that women in India can receive this level of support gives me a sense of satisfaction."Aparna Khanolkar, also known as "The Mistress of Spice", is a private chef and caterer in Santa Barbara. A former chef at the Chopra Center, Aparna is the author of "Happy Belly Happy Soul" a vegetarian cookbook. Aparna believes that cooking is a great act of self-nurturance and teaches cooking classes in Santa Barbara and L.A.
Ally Hamilton
"As a yoga teacher and studio owner I'm committed to and excited about supporting Yoga Gives Back. The practice of yoga has changed my life and given me so much. It seems the very least we can do as a community is try to give something back to the country from where it came. Sometimes it can feel like the problems of the world are insurmountable. The fact is, a very small amount of money (what most people spend on a couple of yoga classes), can really change someone's life."
Hali Reid McQuillan
"An attitude for gratitude is what I have when I think of yoga. I have been a practitioner since I was 18, I took my first Teacher Training in 2006, and I founded Yogadown Studios Canada in June of 2007. After attending Level 2 Training that same year, I felt like I had tapped into a flowing energy and unbreakable confidence. In October 2010, my husband, 2-year-old angel Bili Be and I took the plunge and moved to Costa Rica to pursue our dream of opening a retreat center.As we journey toward our dream, I continue my teacher training. My husband and I offer Yoga Alliance approved trainings, courses and retreats in Costa Rica and Canada. I also offer Counseling and Coaching worldwide. Yoga has enabled me to live from my heart and follow my dreams. To be a part of the Yoga Gives Back global community is a chance for me to give back to my practice which has given me so much. I am proud to be part of the YGB team and look forward to promoting and coordinating YGB fundraising events both in Canada and on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica."
Isabelle Du Soleil
YGB's core mission to "give back" and support women through micro-lending truly resonates with me as an effective and empowering approach for Indian women, tackling poverty at its roots. It allows me to to express my gratitude for India's transformative teachings that I embraced more than 20 years ago, while being of service. I also truly enjoy working with YGB: a wonderful team of visionary and kind individuals."
Elena Brower
"Yoga Gives Back grants us a direct way to offer concrete, valuable support to our sisters in India. Rather than giving them funds that will eventually be depleted, Yoga Gives Back inspires and encourages their creative vision, enabling them to become businesswomen who sustain their homes and families with their ideas. With Yoga Gives Back, the women served have same chance that we have in our society."
John Sahakian
"Just as the pull of gravity is a natural force in the universe that enables us to experience true relaxation, so is our ability to be of service to those in need. All we have to do is cooperate. I am honored and thankful to Yoga Gives Back for giving me the opportunity to cooperate with what is natural. Thank you, Yoga Gives Back!"
Clay Kyle
"I support YGB in order to turn my feeling of gratitude into action. I am thankful that I have a good, comfortable life, and I am so deeply thankful that yoga has benefited me in countless ways -- and I see it in my students every day that I teach yoga. But there are so many whose lives are far from comfortable. YGB has provided me with a brilliant way to turn my appreciation into a little lift-up for some of the world's poorest people. That's what microfinancing is -- a lift-up, rather than a hand-out."
Dena Graziano
"When I first came to yoga, it was for selfish reasons such as getting back in shape after the birth of my first child, getting some time to myself while I was in the throws of new motherhood. As months went by, I realized that yoga was so much more than just the silly poses that we bend our body into. The practice of yoga has made me a better person all the way around. Yoga has taught me that the way I treat my friends, children, husband, and family deeply reflects how I treat myself. Yoga has shown that there is peace and contentment and bliss deep inside each and every person â€" it may just hide a little deeper in some of us. Yoga allows you to find that. Yoga Gives Back is such an amazing organization. It allows us as devoted yogis, to give back to the place that gave us such an incredible gift. With everything that yoga has taught me, there really isn't a question as to IF I should give back, it's only a question of how. YGB provides me that "how" and really allows me to practice my yoga!"
Denise Woods
Denise Woods is a classically trained dancer with a degree in Dance and Communications from California State Long Beach. She has performed professionally in Los Angeles, New York City, and Santa Barbara. As a graduate of the Rainbow Kid's Yoga and the White Lotus Foundation, she now teaches throughout greater LA. Teaching at various dance and Yoga studios, corporations and schools she has the opportunity to work in various settings and has learned to adapt to the unique needs of each class. Denise is continually inspired by the way Yoga can positively transform a life at any age by setting constructive thoughts and habits. Supporting the growth of two organizations that are dear to her heart she takes on the role of Ambassador to lululemon athletica Glendale and Yoga Gives Back. Denise finds the sparkle in each day by bringing out the essence of a person through the sacred practice of moving from within. By instilling a deep sense of joy, balance and awareness, her hope is that students take these virtues off the mat and into their lives. Denise is forever grateful to her teachers and students for all of the guidance and support along the way."Most of my life I have worked with kids. From dance lessons to Yoga lessons my aim is to foster their growth and development so they can be their best selves. I share this gift each day and I know that providing children with a strong foundation is the best way to cultivate lasting change. When I learned about YGB I was so amazed at the way they were providing the women and children of India a solid foundation through the process of micro loans. Yoga Gives Back is a brilliant organization because it is not a temporary aid to the problem of poverty, but has put forth a sustainable way to empower and create a lasting positive impact on society. If you have been empowered by Yoga, sustained by Yoga and felt your foundation grow more solid by Yoga... let's give back."
Julee Yew-Crijns
Norwich, U.K.
"As many seasoned practitioners will tell you, yoga nourishes your life in ways you never think possible... just by starting to stretch the body. I realise now, like all things, when you plant a seed and feed it well, it will flourish into an amazing beautiful thing. Yoga has been that seed for me. With deep gratitude, I have been exploring ways to share this experience and to serve through the very thing that offers so much joy. When I came across Yoga Gives Back, I was so inspired by their mission and by the team's sincerity and commitment. It is brilliant that through YGB, we have a direct avenue to support the descendants of our practice and to stay connected to the seeds we plant. I am so honoured and grateful to be a part of this."
Sarah Ezrin
"I am incredibly honored to join the Yoga Gives Back family. Being not only a yogi, but also a woman, Yoga Gives Back is a particularly special organization to me, as it provides micro financing to the women of India. A huge part of being a yogi is being of service to others, or seva. Yoga Gives Back selflessly serves the needs of not only women, but as a byproduct of the small loans, the entire country of India, the birthplace of Yoga."
Claudia Fucigna
"I support YGB because I have seen first hand how India needs our help. Yoga has given me so much and if there is any way I can contribute to a sustainable future for those living in poverty we can't even imagine, then I feel impelled to do so. What's amazing is how the smallest effort can help. All creatures have a right to freedom and happiness, that should be our goal for All rather than just ourselves. "On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure." Bhagavad Gita"
Mark Robberds
"My life has been blessed by the gift of Yoga and India is the source of this wealth of knowledge that has the potential to uplift the lives of all people from all walks of life across the planet. When we take part in the journey of Yoga there is a natural and spontaneous opening of our own heart of compassion, and we want to help our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, especially those less fortunate than us. This is why I am proud to be an Ambassador for YGB. It is the greatest honor to be able to share my love of Yoga with others and at the same time give back to those in need in Mother India. I hope to see you at the next YGB event!"
Laruga Glaser
"The practice of yoga has been a lifeline. The moment I tasted the spaciousness the practice awakened within, there was no turning back. From then on, I have never been the same, and that spaciousness inside has been filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the vast lineage of teachers and aspirants who came before me in the backdrop of India. To be aligned with Yoga Gives Back fills me with energy and purpose. Giving those the resources to better the lives of women and their families, through Microfinance, lights a flame that will be passed on through generations just as the tradition of yoga has. A circle I am honored to be a part of in any little way I can serve."
Wendy Wyvill
Wendy is originally from Whistler, Canada but spent many years living and teaching in United States. She has resided in Hong Kong since 2006. Her classes are influenced by all her yoga teachers but also inspired by her life. She teaches uplifting classes with emphasis on listening to ones inner wisdom while healing and creative self-expression. As a teacher, she inspires her students to practice truthfulness and live their yoga on and off the mat.
With many unique trainings under her belt Anusara, Bikram, Baptiste Vinyasa Power Yoga, Kundalini, Forest Yoga, yin yoga, to her Hatha studies in the ashram's of India. Wendy is an inspired supporter of YGB. As she feels so grateful to have yoga in her life and loves the idea of going back to its source and giving thanks and support to those who need it.
Suzanne Bryant
We have so much to thank mother India for as Yogi's. My yoga practice has been the one grounding force in my life and has brought me so much clarity,wisdom and peace. Part of our practice as Yogi's is Seva or selfless service and I am so happy that I can serve and be a part of this wonderful program: Yoga Gives Back. It allows us to give back to our sisters in India.
Everyone should have the opportunity to create and find a way to self sufficiently and with YGB women in India can support themselves and their families. What a beautiful way to say thank you.
Who We Are | Team | Advisors | Ambassadors | Partners |