Board Member's Spotlight: Susan Beane

Member’s Spotlight: Savannah Turner

Volunteer Member Savannah Turner was born and raised in Colorado, growing up in Littleton, a suburb of Denver. She was raised in a large blended family dedicated to hard work and responsibility. Savannah graduated high school in 2016 and immediately pursued higher education at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she studied Psychology. She completed her degree in three and a half years, graduating in 2019. While pursuing her studies, Savannah worked full-time at the Hyatt Place/House Denver Downtown, where she gained valuable experience in business administration and sales. After completing her degree, she joined her current company as an Administrative Account Manager. Through dedication and hard work, she advanced to the role of Director of Operations within two years.

What is your earliest memory of giving and helping others? And how has that impacted your commitment to compassion and supporting for those in need.

One of my earliest memories of giving and helping
others was assisting my grandmother, who was very active in volunteer work. Together, we packed Christmas boxes for the church and participated in the Angel Tree Program. This experience profoundly influenced my commitment to compassion and supporting those in need. It taught me the importance of recognizing my privilege and how a small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life, encouraging them to keep pushing forward each day.

What do people often thank you for?

People often thank me for giving grace and doing my best to support them in a time of need.

What do you feel have been the important successes in your life? The frustrations?

I believe the most important success in my life is my resilience and drive to continue to change the lives of others. Coming from a rougher background I how found some much importance to put my head down in work and maintain positive all to show others that they can get through whatever life throws at them.  

How did you first hear about Compass Rose International (formally Global Orphan Prevention) and why do you care about the mission?

Volunteer MAtch. My favorite aspect about volunteering is seeing the direct impact and how my small dedication impacts the lives of so many in so many different way. It also allows me to be more in tune with my community and provides me a realization of what I need to do everyday to continue to improve it. My current duties are dedicated to the Gala Planning Committee for the Northstar Freedom Gala 2024.  

If you were talking to someone else about giving to Compass Rose International, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that the foundation has an incredible founder who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of young women worldwide and in our communities. She addresses serious challenges and provides essential resources to support them.  

If Compass Rose International were to be on the cover of your favorite magazine in five years, what would the story be about?

The story would be about the incredible stories of the success of many girls in Nepal who attended the empowerment that allowed them to receive an education and do something amazing to change the world!  

What would be your advice to younger generations about learning causes, getting involved, and doing something about it?

My advice to younger generations is find your why and run with it. I believe the most important question to anyone looking to get involved is why because if you are not passionate about what you are dedicating your time to you will not want to continue to do it.  

Anything else you want to tell us?

I just want to thank Katie for starting and maintaining dedicated to her WHY which allows so many others to be involved and help young girls on such a large scale.