Gita Jaffe is the executive director of Africa’s Children-Africa’s Future, and works with African communities to build a better, sustainable future for children. They also work to educate and empower students about AIDS and related issues.

What does a typical Thursday look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?
A typical Thursday I suppose would look something like this:
5:30am: Respond to any high priority issues with the Tanzanian team
6:30-8:30: Go to gym/play a game of squash + day prep
8:45-9:15: Check the news and meet with Toronto team to deal with any high priority issues here
9:15-11: Meet with Tanzanian team for weekly update to address programming, monitoring, any issues arising, and set tone for week to come
11-1pm: Project meetings with the team in Canada, for updates and progress on various aspects of AC-AF
1-4: Meetings-external partners, members of AC-AF team that live abroad (not based in Toronto or Tanzania) via Skype, and other miscellaneous activities in the office
4-7: Work on my own to do list. The office is usually quiet at this time, so I start to get through my tasks which vary greatly from fundraising, to report writing, creative and strategic planning, and commenting on team tasks to name a few…
Head home, try not to take any work, and enjoy the daily things such as cooking, eating, and spending time with those you love!

What was your first job out of school?
It depends on what ‘school’ we mean- I used to coach gymnastics, but my first position in my field of study was as the Refugee Co-ordinator on the east coast of Canada.

What are the 3 skills you require most to do your job well?
Honestly I don’t think I can get it down to three, but….
– adaptability
– quick learner
– ability to mentor others
– strong communication
– multitasking

What do you love most about your career?
It makes a difference in this world

Do you have any warnings?
My own:
When my phone rings before 5am (which is around noon in Tanzania) it means it is going to be a long day!
For Others:
This career is hard, and often can be unappreciated. You must be strong and passionate but find a way to balance your own life as well- if you can achieve this, there is no better profession in the world.

If you could try a different career on for a year, what would it be?
Ok, this seems random, but probably either an athlete, a politician (that not only says a lot, but does a lot to back it up) or a travel researcher.