Fabiola Benitez
Hello! I am Fabiola Benitez, Co-Founder of Global Friendship China.
I was born in Montreal, Canada but grew up in Ottawa. I graduated with a B.A. (Honours) in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Sociology, from Carleton University. I then went on to work as a Child & Youth Counsellor for the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa.
As the Co-Founder of Global Friendship, I work to strengthen the expat and local community in Southern China, by creating diverse and meaningful events. I also work alongside my team to offer professional and reliable life services to our members.
I am a community organizer. Some of the events that I have organized include; International Women’s Day in Guangzhou, Earth Day in Guangzhou, Personal Development workshops, Entrepreneur workshops, Volunteering and Charity activities. I am also a University Lecturer in Guangzhou, I work to empower my students to become independent, critical thinkers in our ever-changing world. I focus on Business English and world news related topics.
I consider myself a Global Citizen. I believe in the idea that we are all humans seeking purpose and meaning in our lives. I have a strong passion for connecting with individuals who like to make a positive impact on themselves and the world.
Organization Name: Global Friendship China
Location: Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Operating since: 2017
Organization Website: www.globalfriendship.net
Socials: (IG) @globalfriendshipchina, (FB) @globalfriendshipchina, WeChat: GFcommunity
Tell us all about your company. What services do you offer?
Global Friendship (GF) is one of the largest foreign communities in southern China, with over 10,000 followers across our social media platforms. Representing more than 100 nationalities, GF truly is a global network (based in China). Locals and expatriate members recognize GF as an integral part of their community, for the support provided in either personal or business development. GF aims at building connections to help the community grow. This is done through our four pillars: social and cultural events, educational workshops (personal and professional development), community development opportunities, and our integrative services (support with housing, legal, visa, and much more).
Who are your co-founders?
Rochelle Mathurin, who is my high school best friend and business partner: The reason "why I believe in Global Friendship is that it is an organization that started from the grassroots. From the beginning, there was always a natural desire to think about the collective and bridge people together. Through Global Friendship, we are able to share our interests and values and bring meaningful services, events and people through this community."
Patrick Feng, Chinese business partner: "GF is not a company that we need to pull it up to the hill. Instead, it is GF which pushes us to move fast and improve every day. Behind GF, there are thousands of members and followers’ demands. So we are a cross-cultural community which is needed."
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
Everyone knows TED, their slogan, ‘ideas worth spreading’, is exactly how GF began. In summer 2014, in Guangzhou, China, Rochelle Mathurin and I finished watching the 2011 TED prize winner JR, share his talk entitled ‘Can art change the world?’. This TED talk not only left us in awe, but it also sparked our interest to take action, and celebrate something beautiful in our current city of Guangzhou, China. Celebrating diversity within Guangzhou is what we wanted to showcase from this vibrant city. Meeting and sharing their message, giving talks and screening the TED talk was how we got both locals and foreigners to take their portraits (as encouraged by the TED talk). Upon completion of the art project, there were 250 black and white portraits taken.
While GF began at the grassroots-level, it has since evolved to become a platform to connect people, to get support, and to enjoy cultural and social events. It was not until 2016, when Patrick Feng (local to Guangzhou) joined the team and was pivotal in transforming GF into what it is today! My two co-founders and I have since worked towards the same shared vision of connecting people and building strong ties in the community for all to benefit.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company?
No, I was more set in how was I going to help others through my job. This to me more looked like working within a government organization, or non-profit.
How have your past personal & professional experiences helped you to run your company?
I worked in the Social Service area (Children's Aid Society) in Canada prior to starting Global Friendship [and there], I was in an environment where we had to be very tolerant, sensitive, and open within our clients. These skills have helped me within running a community business.
What is the biggest personal/professional obstacle you've had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges for me has been juggling my personal image in the public. On the one hand, I fully recognize that being a community leader, one has to be a public figure and stand up for what you believe in. However, on the other hand, one has to learn to choose which battles are worth fighting for. Not every criticism or challenge needs attention, as I have to remind myself that I must save my energy for the things that matter most and the growth of our company. Our company's vision 'Let's build meaningful connections together', helps and guides me when I have faced past obstacles.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
My definition of success is to be financially dependent. We live in a world that requires us to be constant consumers but does not teach us financial freedom and sustainability. In order for us to be able to help and contribute more, we have to learn how to help ourselves as well. I believe I am on the road to success and would like to see myself being able to contribute more to a sustainable world.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes of course! I am so fortunate to have met so many powerful women in my community. Due to the nature of running a community organization, I am constantly connected to others who are leaders, entrepreneurs and doers, many of them being women.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
We are learning to work in new times. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 situation, all offline events have had to stop since January 2020. Events are a big part of what Global Friendship offers, which has challenged us to provide new services or information that is needed during these times, as well as help members with online events promotion, and some new video blogging projects and campaigns that are scheduled for the spring and summer of 2020.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
I would say that starting anything is never easy. There will be times when you feel alone, when you feel drained, when you feel like you want to give up. If in your heart you believe in what you are doing and know that there is meaning to it for you, then keep going.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Passionate
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." is better than yesterday, but it doesn't mean we can't have a greater tomorrow.