Lessons from a Walk Off the Beaten Path
In the spring of 2003, Atlanta made a quiet but radical choice to quit a job she didn’t love, give up her apartment, pack a bag with only essentials, and set off with a friend on what evolved into a nine-week walk from West Chester, PA to Belfast, Maine. Carrying $5 between them, they set a few simple rules about asking and receiving, and what unfolded was an unexpected education in trust and human kindness. This talk brings the theme of Koorsoo to life through a story of small rebellions, quiet faith, and the glimmers of hope found in everyday generosity, inviting us to turn toward our fears and see one another first through our shared humanity.
About the speaker
Atlanta McIlwraith is a strategic consultant who thrives at the intersection of purpose and practice, helping organizations, communities, brands, and individuals achieve their goals and make a meaningful difference in the world. She brings deep expertise in building cross-sector partnerships, designing signature programs, crafting communication campaigns, and leading philanthropic investments that increase impact, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and create shared value.
In the spring of 2003, Atlanta made a quiet but radical choice to quit a job she didn't love, give up her apartment, pack a bag with only essentials, and set off with a friend on what evolved into a nine-week walk from West Chester, PA to Belfast, Maine. Carrying $5 between them, they set a few simple rules about asking and receiving, and what unfolded was an unexpected education in trust and human kindness. This talk brings the theme of Koorsoo to life through a story of small rebellions, quiet faith, and the glimmers of hope found in everyday generosity, inviting us to turn toward our fears and see one another first through our shared humanity.
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