Dalene S•••

About

On the record

Creating partnerships between Philanthropists, wealth advisors, CSR Teams and Charities. If you want your time, or finances to make a direct impact in South Africa, please direct message me for an informal chat or email me on dalene@grapevinesa.co.za I was raised by a social worker and a financial advisor; two individuals with different outlooks on life. One focused on personal independence and development whilst the other focussed more on financial independence and growth. I recently realised that the dinner conversations and daily exposure to social issues and inequality, along with the “money-matters” anecdotes guided me towards a life of “Action For Good”. My work experience started at the age of 16 as an usher in an amphitheatre. I immediately fell in love with the hospitality industry, and I learned about people, communication, respect, discipline, conflict and yes, the joys of life; being of service to others. With more than 20 years' experience in the Non-Profit Sector I still learn and grow daily. Skilled in event planning, fundraising, marketing, and digital communication I see how stories of heartache and struggle unfold and change into stories of adventure, success, positive change, and joy. But none of these stories exist in isolation and it is a privilege to play a role in this production, “building a stronger healthier SA” and to stand in the back row while listening to a society celebrating its achievements, shouting Encore! Attention to detail, compassion, the ability to think “out-of-the-box” and a passion for networking allows me to see possibilities and connect opportunities. In my mind, personal and work interests are intertwined. I get up every morning and am excited to know that today, I have another chance to be part of someone else’s life. Baking flapjacks with my nephews, volunteering at a community food garden, having coffee with a friend or introducing a big corporate to a Non-Profit Organisation; every phone call, every act and every event is an opportunity to connect. I live by the motto to be true to yourself, to be authentic. Whenever I am asked what my key to success is, the answer is quite simple - don’t try to do everything yourself. Look for partnerships, collaboration opportunities and ask experts for guidance, help and invite them to join forces. Every day I learn. Every day I grow. Every day I want to do more. Mahatma Gandhi said:"You must be the change you want to see in the world.”