By Ava Nicols
Sports Editor
Junior Katherine Jester has had a passion for philanthropy and giving back since her formative years in Girl Scouts. After she started volunteering with National Charity League (NCL), Jester was able to kickstart her own individual projects such as her club, Baking for Change, her business Kat’s Cookies, and a water well-building project in Malawi, Africa to provide educational opportunities for women.
“It feels like a huge blessing to be able to empower and uplift other women who have not been as fortunate to have the same opportunities as me,” Jester said. “I see the power in small impacts because they are what go on to affect the lives of other people.”
Through NCL, Jester was introduced to Cindee Rood, the founder of the nonprofit organization Formidable Joy. The organization aims to aid communities in Malawi Africa, by building water resources in communities deprived of easy water access.
“Cindee’s message highlighted how many communities lack basic necessities that we all take for granted in our daily lives,” Jester said. “It is truly a privilege to do my part in uplifting others and promoting educational opportunities through my available resources such as Formidable Joy, NCL, and my community.”
Jester started her fundraiser by teaming up with Formidable Joy and spreading awareness about the organization’s mission through her social media, friends, and family. She has also held a booth at the annual El Segundo Kiwanis Fair for two years in a row, which raised $1,000 in donations.
“Involving my community to help me achieve this goal is really inspiring,” Jester said. “Seeing the outpour of people who want to contribute to causes like this one is overwhelming and crucial to the project’s success.”
Her passion for baking and providing women with opportunities is ultimately what inspired her businesses Kat’s Cookies and Kat’s Cookie Kit, through the program Manhattan Beach’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy [Jester started these during the pandemic in 2020.
“My businesses taught me the value of money and how far it could go when I apply it to causes I am passionate about,” Jester said. “The businesses have donated 100% of their profits to the fundraiser.”
To build each well, it will cost Formidable Joy $5,000. A community in Malawi will then be provided with fresh, clean, and easily accessible water.
“The impact of this is far-reaching because areas in Malawi are primarily dependent on women who are tasked with walking miles each day to retrieve water,” Jester said. “With a more convenient and safe water source, these women will now have the chance to apply their time gaining an education.”
Jester is a firm believer in the power of education and thinks that all women deserve the opportunity to go to school. She feels that education is very valuable in acquiring greater universal equality in the future.
“While my efforts are meager in the bigger picture, my hope is that others are made aware of real-world issues and feel inspired to do their part,” Jester said.
To donate to Jester’s cause, supporters can contact her through her Instagram @katherinejester_, join her club at Costa, or talk to her around campus. Jester believes that involving other Mustangs in charitable causes not only has a meaningful effect but helps spark others to create life-changing projects like this one.
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