Barbara Washburn

Barbara Washburn had never so much as gone camping when she took a job with a man she assumed was "crazy" in a museum she had always considered "stuffy." Yet in 1947, as the mother of three young children, she stood at the top of Mt. McKinley and felt as though she was "looking out the windows of heaven."

Deborah Re

Growing up in Boston with loving parents and five older brothers, Deborah Re knew she was fortunate. Yet, even as a child, she longed for the companionship of an older woman who was not an authority figure like a parent or a teacher. "I would have benefited from the support and guidance of a mentor," she says. "Someone who would simply allow me to be who I am." In other words, a Big Sister.

Nancy Fogarty

As a child, Nancy Fogarty had two big dreams: to travel the world, and to help make it a better place. Now a 21-year Grand Circle associate, Nancy has made both travel and philanthropy integral parts of her life—along with leadership and mentoring skills that have helped her become an inspiration to her peers.

Greg Zaff

Few inner-city kids have even heard of squash—a sport typically reserved for members of elite private clubs. Greg Zaff, Executive Director of National Urban Squash and Education Association (NUSEA), is doing something about that. But more than that, he is making squash a springboard for achievement and opportunity for youth who might otherwise have neither.

Rung Chatchaloemwut

From guiding travelers on OAT's Discover Thailand adventure to becoming the Regional General Manager of our Southeast Asia offices, Rung Chatchaloemwut has worn many hats at OAT. "Since I joined the company in 1999," says Rung, "my life has changed from that of a quiet woman to a leader, from a young Trip Leader new to the American market to a high-ranking performer in the company."

Rebecca Haag

In looking at Rebecca's early career, you might not expect that it would take a turn toward the fight against HIV and AIDS. An Economics major in college and holder of an MBA, she worked as an executive and senior manager in a variety of corporate and government settings. "I loved the discipline of business," Rebecca explains, "but I needed more."

Kristina Tester

As a child, Kristina Tester dreamed of living in Africa one day. So when her grandparents offered her the chance to join her on Overseas Adventure Travel's Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe Safari, along with her parents and twin sister, Kristina jumped at it.

It was a decision—and a trip—that would change her life.

Angeles Arrien

What do cultural diversity and ecological diversity have in common? Plenty, if you ask Angeles Arrien—including the risk of extinction. Find out how her "perennial wisdoms" tie us to the earth itself.

Tom Whearty

He's a busy guy with a big job and five young children at home. But Tom Whearty always finds the time to roll up his sleeves and give back. Find out why we honored him with this year's Excellence in Community Service award.

Andrea Howard

From girlhood boycotts of grapes and iceberg lettuce to saving a beloved Boston institution from financial ruin, Andrea Howard has always been passionate about social justice. This year, her passion earned her the Lewis Changing People's Lives award.

Susan Rickert

Growing up in a remote village in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia gave 11-time OAT traveler Susan Rickert an appreciation for village life that has always stayed with her—and that has helped her change the lives of others around the world.

Chris Pedersen

Chris Pedersen has renovated almost every room in his house, and not just the visible surfaces, but what's underneath them, too—the plumbing and electrical systems. Most people leave things like that to the pros, but Chris seems to thrive on the challenge of improving the inner workings of complicated systems in order to make the larger organization—whether it be a home, a travel company, or a volunteer group—function at its best.

Wolfgang Brunner

As Regional General Manager of Grand Circle's numerous travel offerings in Latin America, Wolfgang Brunner has some big responsibilities—but for him, the biggest of all is making a difference in the small communities of his native Costa Rica. For Wolfgang, leadership is about more than being successful in business: it's about creating success stories in communities that may not otherwise have opportunities. And for his colleagues around the world, the difference he's made serves as a shining example of how Grand Circle Foundation truly does change people's lives.

Lucio Levi

In the eyes of a Grand Circle traveler, the success of a trip depends not on the beauty of the scenery, the richness of the history, or the warmth of the sunshine. Instead, above all, a truly memorable trip depends on the Program Director who leads it. A great guide can elevate travel from a simple vacation to a life-changing experience—and we've met none greater than Lucio Levi, a longtime Grand Circle Program Director in Italy.

Susan Rodgerson

By helping young people find their creative voice - and teaching them to share that voice with the world - Susan gives underprivileged Boston youths the skills and confidence they need for success. We've been proud to support Susan from the very beginning, and we're thrilled about what she's accomplished.

Dr. Rodrigo Carazo

Rodrigo Carazo served as President of Costa Rica from 1978-1982, and later founded the International University for Peace. We were honored to have him serve as one of Grand Circle Foundation's founding Honorary Directors.