Meet Ashley Ring Basmajian, IHC “We Send” Program Manager

Name: Ashley Ring Basmajian

Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA

Occupation: “We Send” Program Manager

Primary Role at IHC: I am currently the “We Bring” Program Manager and have worked with IHC since 2002 in a variety of positions ranging from organizational and development assistance to program leadership and operations. My work in this field has taken me throughout Latin America and the Caribbean working with and translating for medical, surgical and program development teams. I work every day in Richmond with children and families who have traveled from abroad to receive needed care at area hospitals. My main responsibilities include all tasks related to coordination of treatment for international patients and additional arrangements for their guardians. This entails maintaining relationships with generous hospitals, doctors and organizations here in the U.S. and in our partner countries. It is these ongoing relationships that open doors for treatment for children identified through our program that otherwise cannot access care.

Personal Details: Originally it was my education and interest in international affairs and Latin American language and culture that lead me to IHC. I was a recent graduate of James Madison University, and was exploring ways in which I could work for an international non-governmental organization. I lucked out in literally finding my dream job at such a young age! I remain passionate about the crucial role of nonprofit organizations and NGOs in the service sector and am also actively involved in Richmond’s Nonprofit Learning Point and Emerging Nonprofit Leaders Programs, which have been an awesome local compliment to my largely international work with IHC. In my personal time I enjoy being outside with my husband and/or friends and/or family and our three mangy mutts, hiking, biking or camping. I also love visiting progressive art galleries, snowboarding as much as possible (not easy in this region), gardening, exploring new cities/countries, going back to my Appalachian roots, enjoying wine tastings, and reading. Every day there is something new to explore! I also enjoy charity races, running and biking – although not competitively!

What I enjoy most about IHC? I have literally countless experiences stemming from IHC that inspire me in almost every facet of my life, whether it is the wise words of a child that I meet, or the loving and gracious attitude of their parents. It is through being exposed to so many different levels of wealth, down to the most basic standards of living, that true humanity emerges for me. To be able to connect with a joyous child who lives in the most simple of surroundings, who has also overcome great physical challenges is a combination that few are able to experience, and I feel forever grateful that I am blessed with that touchstone. To be involved with so many families and communities all over the western hemisphere is reality that I hoped for a decade ago.

On a less emotional level, I appreciate the constant challenges of a fast-paced and innovative working environment. New ideas are welcome, there is always an entrepreneurial edge to IHC’s program development, and the general values and goals of the organization are in line with my own. I attribute the majority of this to solid and visionary leadership as well as the unique cooperation of so many honest, generous and hardworking individuals: doctors, volunteers, students, nurses, parents, social workers, donors, businesses, hospital systems, governments. Collaboration is NOT just a buzz word around here, it is a reality!

What do you think everyone should know about IHC?

See immediately above ↑. I know efficiency when I see it, and this is an efficient organization. We work together every day to change lives, and someday influence larger-scale change in pediatric healthcare systems.

Memorable experiences about working at IHC:

Working interculturally has lead to many hilarious and memorable experiences! We even speak of creating a travel guide for IHC with an “appendix” that delineates all of the many bizarre things that can and have happened: Late nights stranded in airports, Mr. Potato Head stuffed animals that a little Honduran patient calls his “frijolito” (tiny bean), laugher with an exhausted surgical team on the way home from twelve hour day in a new hospital, the list could go on…

- The children that persevere through so much and maintain a positive vibe.

-The mothers and fathers who set the universal standard for love and advocacy for their children.

- The health care workers who demonstrate a never ending desire to heal.

- The competent and skilled colleagues that foster a forever fresh working environment.

- The many trials and tribulations of international travel and work.

- The amazing fact that one small idea can lead to such large scale outreach and change.

Meet IHC’s Volunteer Director: Treacy Stuck

Name: Treacy Stuck

Age: 22

Place of Birth: Sioux Falls, SD

Occupation: Volunteer Director

Personal Details: I recently graduated from the University of Richmond in May 2009. I love spending time outdoors, running and spending time with friends. I also enjoy all types of music and enjoy hearing and learning about new musical artists, both nationally and locally known.

Primary Role at IHC: As Volunteer Director, I am constantly working to recruit new volunteers to get involved with IHC. I manage the base of non-medical volunteers, coordinating volunteer coverage for the logistical and supportive needs of the patients that we bring to Richmond. I am also the head of IHC’s internship program, which involves recruiting new interns as well as managing current intern assignments.

What I enjoy most about IHC? I love that a large part of my job deals with recruitment—I really enjoy informing others about IHC, what we do, and getting them excited to be involved in any capacity. What I especially love is having the knowledge that the work I am doing each day with IHC is having a direct impact on an individual’s life. It’s an incredible feeling and I feel very fortunate to be a part of IHC’s staff.

What do you think everyone should know about IHC? Something that I find extremely impressive about IHC is its strong partnership within our partner countries. It truly is a collaborative effort between countries and cultures that is maintained with careful communication on each end.

Memorable experiences about working at IHC: One of my most memorable experiences while working at IHC occurred while I was transporting a patient and her guardian from the hospital to the Hospital Hospitality House. The patient had come to Richmond for heart surgery and was on the last leg of her treatment in the U.S. and would soon be able to return home to the Caribbean. Her guardian looked at me and thanked me for all of the work everyone at IHC does. She talked emotionally about how grateful she was of IHC’s existence and how IHC was able to find her daughter and help her. She then told me that she would miss everyone at IHC and loved us all. It was in that moment I realized the work I do at IHC feels nothing at all like work. Being involved in patients’ lives as well as encouraging more volunteers and interns to be involved in is something I love to do. I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that touches so many individuals everyday!

IHC Staff Profile: Sarah Sloan

Name: Sarah Sloan 

Age: 25 

Place of Birth: Williamsburg, VA 

Occupation: Deputy Program Manager, We Send Program 

Personal details: I love traveling and learning about new places, cultures and peoples. I also enjoy photography, spending time outdoors and trying new restaurants in Richmond with my fiancé Andy.  

Primary role at IHC: As a part of our We Send Program, I am responsible for coordinating and overseeing all of our pediatric surgical mission teams that travel to St. Vincent & the Eastern Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Honduras. I also manage IHC’s supply acquisition process and inventory here at our office and provide logistical and administrative support for all of the traveling mission groups each year. 

What do you enjoy most about working for IHC? I truly enjoy the opportunities for overseas travel and learning about the health care systems in the partner countries in which we work. Moreover, IHC’s program staff here in Richmond is truly a dynamic and amazing team and I love working alongside them each day! 

What do you think everyone should know about IHC?  In my opinion, one of IHC’s strengths and defining characteristics is its commitment to sustainability and local development in the countries in which we work. I think this really sets IHC apart from so many other organizations who are engaged in international mission work today. 

Most memorable experience(s) about working with IHC:  I think my first neurosurgery mission to the Dominican Republic was a very pivotal and memorable experience for me at IHC. The opportunity to spend so much time with the children and their families was very moving for me.  Learning about the neurosurgical conditions facing these children as well as the social and economic barriers to care really did spark a true interest in preventative medicine programs for me. I have enjoyed immensely the relationships that I have developed with specific mission teams, as well as with our partners at the children’s hospital in Santo Domingo who continually inspire me with their dedication and commitment to the kids they serve.