Global good: Mike and Kathryn Pisco lead a volunteer travel venture.

Thompson, Sarah S.

Mike Pisco '06, policy analysis and management, and his wife Kathryn, CALS '05, resigned from their corporate jobs on the same day. A month later, in February 2013, they used their savings for business school to embark on a nine-month trip around the world. The experience opened their eyes to global concerns and the ways the volunteer travel industry was falling down on its promise. "We thought it could be done better," says Kathryn. "The challenge for volunteers is differentiating among the many options to find projects that make a real local impact."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Piscos decided to create a more ethical, in-depth alternative. In April 2014, they founded Unearth the World to pair travelers with international nonprofits. Unlike other service learning agencies, UTW vets every partner to ensure projects are driven by community needs, not by money or outside agendas. It also promotes financial transparency in an industry known for hidden fees. UTW collects a one-time $300 application charge, which covers operating costs and a pre- and post-trip curriculum developed by Kathryn.

"The post-trip coaching we provide is very valuable," says Mike. "Volunteers wonder, 'How do I position the experience on my resume?' or most importantly, 'How do I continue to engage in meaningful service?' Our coaching helps them bridge their international experience with their everyday lives."

To date, UTW has matched about 70 people with partners in Ghana, Nicaragua, Peru, and Zambia, on projects ranging from building homes for families affected by AIDS to providing educational opportunities to impoverished women and children. Many volunteers are college-aged, which Mike and Kathryn view as an opportunity to give back, especially to their alma mater.

Mike was a Cornell Tradition Fellow and varsity lacrosse player, tightly managing his time between classes, practice, and service requirements. Taking a semester abroad was impossible, but the fellowship allowed Mike to volunteer in Nicaragua prior to his senior year.

"I learned so much more that summer than in any typical internship experience," says Mike. "It was extremely valuable, and I want to make sure we can expose as many Cornellians as possible to this type of cultural exchange."

To meet that goal, Human Ecology and Cornell's Engaged Learning + Research Center, Public Service Center, Commitment Office, and Athletics Department are helping UTW connect with interested students. Kathryn also works with many administrative offices to offer service travel experiences to Cornell staff and faculty members.

So far this year, five Cornell students are traveling with UTW. Sarah Hurd '18, biology, and Gabrielle Hickmon '16, labor and industrial relations, worked in Peru this summer. Hickmon is organizing another trip to Peru during the upcoming winter break for three fellow students. Hickmon suggested the group model as a way to offer students leadership opportunities while enhancing UTW's collaboration with Cornell. "I love the idea of empowering people to initiate a group and create even more powerful peer interactions," says Kathryn.

Today, Kathryn works full-time for UTW while Mike has returned to his job selling medical devices. It's a trade-off that allows the Piscos to focus on slow, deliberate growth for their business while maintaining its affordability.

"For us, it's not about the money," says Mike. "We just want to do it right so that others can have similar life-changing opportunities while positively affecting international communities."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]