November Gratitude Post #8: My sister, Liisa

11/8/2018

Today is Liisa’s birthday! Not many people have both an infectious laugh AND are themselves funny as hell—but she’s one of them. Ever since I was a tiny kid and she a teenager, she always treated me like my voice mattered. She listened, laughed, and learned alongside me, even though she already knew way more and probably had better things to do. As an elementary school teacher and now a skilled educational administrator, she has made the lives of so many kids and other teachers richer, deeper, and has ignited the love of learning in hundreds if not thousands of souls. As a mom to her own kids she is a phenomenal mentor and friend. My life would not be the same—in fact it’s not an exaggeration to say the world would definitely be less wonderful—without this person.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIISA!

P.S. Apologies to my other four sisters and two brothers who were not born in November and therefore do not get the #NovemberGratitude treatment.

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Half Sky Writing was born from Half Sky Journeys

My name is Ila Asplund. My vision is to increase the impact of organizations advancing gender equity and social justice. I do this through creating in-person and digital engagement experiences, storytelling, and thoughtful communications strategies for my clients. In previous years, I also provided international journeys to give travelers the opportunity to meet and engage with global leaders who are improving life for women.

Since 2020, I have joined the digital marketing team at Mercy Corps — an international aid organization working in 40+ countries to help people survive crises and thrive in the longterm. From time to time, I write web articles and other digital pieces, in my role managing the email outreach program. Sometimes I find a moment to draw or write or create and share that on Instagram or here on this website.

You can reach me at ila@halfsky.org.