Meet Brian Donaghy

Meet Jason Walsmith

On a basic level I am a storyteller. I tell stories through the songs I write as a musician and through the pictures I make as a photographer. On a practical level I am a small business owner. I see an epidemic in our country as small businesses are vanishing and being replaced by large international corporations. This homogenization of America is frightening and saddening to me. I would like to see how this globalization and rapid increase of access to technology affects the small businesses and local economy of Uttar Pradesh.

I hope to gain an outside perspective that will help me to survive as an individual and small business in this changing world. I hope to shed some of my ethnocentrism and find inspiration for future stories to tell, be they musical or a visual documentary of my travels to India that could in a small way affect change in our community.

Meet Amy Swenson

It's a privilege to represent Iowa along side my GSE India team members. I fully anticipate being overwhelmed with the culture and am looking forward to meeting many interesting people. I'll travel with an open heart and an open mind as we haul ourselves (and our luggage) around Uttar Pradesh.

As a Communications Manager for the Iowa Energy Center I've had the good fortune of working with a great team who is focused on increasing Iowa's energy efficiency and renewable energy use. The trip will open my eyes beyond a Midwestern viewpoint – a huge benefit as I continue to work within the public relations field and volunteer with organizations that enhance the quality of life for Iowans including our newest citizens and long-time residents.

Mark and I have been married for three years and we live in Ames. I've been blessed with wonderful parents, six siblings, nine nieces & nephews and a great-niece or -nephew arriving soon.

I'm already looking forward to sharing the stories from this amazing trip with family and friends.

Meet Kristie Bell

Hello! I'm Kristie Bell - a member of the GSE team and official blogger for the group. I grew up in Dubuque with two amazing parents and three incredible sisters, went to Iowa State University and moved to Des Moines after graduation. I've spent my career working in insurance marketing and communications departments, primarily focusing on web site marketing. I bought a house in 2003, and recently adopted a puppy named Paisley, a golden
retriever-border collie mix. In November, I became an aunt for the first time when beautiful, smart (!) baby Liv was born.

I'm so honored to represent Rotary District 6000 on this amazing journey to India. I truly feel blessed, and love to collect new experiences that continue to shape who I am. I will represent Rotary well as an intelligent, articulate and successful woman and I feel this experience will help make me a more well-rounded person.

I am excited to share this trip with the four other talented individuals on the team, and I am looking forward to getting to know them well as we begin this adventure of a lifetime.