A Life Transformed

Christine Wison '93

 

Founder and vice president of Antigua International School, Christine Keilhauer Wilson ’93 (international studies) was born and raised in Guatemala and, among several pursuits, worked for Anderson Consulting and an organic coffee farm. She also runs a marketing and communications company for a variety of clients, including Rainforest Alliance.

How did Dickinson prepare you for your current career/endeavor?
Dickinson prepared me by teaching me how to think, ask questions and find solutions. The liberal arts, small class environment encouraged discussion, taught me to learn to see other points of view and showed me the power of education. Additionally, the multidisciplinary environment of international relations, where you learn about economics, politics and culture, taught me to find solutions in different places and common ground with people of other backgrounds.

“When people would challenge my idea or say it would not work. Rather than feeling deflated, this would invigorate me to try harder.”

What was your "aha" moment?
The moment when people would challenge my idea or say it would not work. Rather than feeling deflated, this would invigorate me to try harder. I realized that I really believed passionately in what I was about to do and how important it was to do it. I was ready to overcome the natural fear that comes with starting a new venture.

What inspires you?
Seeing a life transformed. Kids who would walk to school the first days with eyes cast down, not sure of their potential and how in just a few months I would see them leading a group, dreaming big and changing our country.

What advice would you offer to the entrepreneurs of tomorrow?
Be courageous! You do not need to be the smartest person or the one with the most means to succeed. Success comes from facing one´s fear, working hard and being open and flexible to change. Finding and recognizing talent in others is very important. That is how you create a team.

What’s next?
I am looking to see how our model can scale to transform education in Guatemala.

"The multidisciplinary environment of international relations, where you learn about economics, politics and culture, taught me to find solutions in different places and common ground with people of other backgrounds."


Learn More

Published April 12, 2016