What has been your biggest challenge? What have you learned from it?

My coworker stopped responding to emails. When he writes back, I learn that his brother was kidnapped by the Taliban. Nearly every day I face an obstacle like this at my job—empowering and educating SMEs in Afghanistan. In 2011, we brought the SMEs to the U.S. for business apprenticeships; it was when two of them absconded from the program to start a new life in Canada that I felt most challenged. It occurred after months of building a relationship and forced me to question my work. How will the Afghan economy rebuild if even the people who express commitment to creating jobs are trying to get out? It made me question if all of the SMEs were using our program as a means of leaving Afghanistan. The rest of the program participants returned home, many creating significant management changes as a result of their apprenticeships. As I saw the impact they made in their communities, I learned that their work more than made up for the two that fled. I know there is no “right” choice for an SME seeking a better life. But, I will continue to support those committed to their country and retain the fundamental belief that jobs are the path to economic stability and peace and business is a force for positive change.