People in Fundraising, Season 2, Ep. 21: Jen Wasem, Puerto Rico

Jen Wasem joined "People in Fundraising" this summer from Puerto Rico, a place of special meaning in her life. It is a fascinating anecdote that Jen shares with enthusiasm and a deep respect for the people and cultures of Puerto Rico.

Jen relates that Puerto Rico is "where I breathe the best." She describes living in and traveling to many countries, adding, "If you haven't found your place, at least start looking. Go find it!"

She shares how she loves both the community and the business, in particular the strategy, of working in philanthropy, working with like-minded *and* like-hearted people. We also talk about:

*Personal archaeology, a term used in Bruce Feiler's book "The Search." Jen adds, "People who don't sit with themselves and who they are, are missing out."

*Spirituality and a powerful quote from Arthur Brooks: "There is a cosmic purpose to my work, and yours. We have a divine nature that endows my existence, and yours, with transcendental meaning."

*At the 38-minute mark, a quote from the 2023 "Peter Pan + Wendy" movie: "Growing up may just be the greatest adventure of all," and how that relates to Jen raising her sons and me raising my four kids.

*The influence of Jen's father and the example he set as a person and a senior U.S. Air Force Figure.