đź“Ś Alumni Spotlight: Terrence Ho
For this edition of Alumni Spotlight, we’d like to introduce you to Terrence Ho — a son, brother and caregiver. He’s held roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors, where he’s learned to advocate tirelessly for the greater good as a strategist, facilitator, and community builder.
Influenced by his younger brother who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Terrence has been inspired to become a change agent and advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and mental health.
What motivated you to start your own organization?
I was interested to solve a problem my younger brother Torrance, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, faced after graduating college - which was finding meaningful work as a person with a physical disability, when many workplaces were not willing to take a chance and accommodate.
As we started, we noticed that many people with disabilities also encountered the same challenge and that there were organizations across the city addressing the issue independently.
How did you get your start?
I just dived in by reaching out to people already working in the sector who were willing to chat with me and experimented on various projects.
What is most rewarding is the impact we made with those we worked with, the connections and friendships I’ve developed with people in the sector, and being inspired by all the innovative and impactful work that’s being done by others.
The most challenging thing was deciding to shut down the organization because of the health challenges my brother faced. It was difficult to let go at first but knew in my heart that was the best decision for me, my family and organization.
Who or what inspires you?
First, my brother Torrance continues to be a source of inspiration. His resilience as someone with a degenerative condition, his constant reinvention of himself, and his willingness and ability to adapt to his changing condition. He reminds me that I, too, am resilient and adaptable to any changes physically, mentally, or environmentally.
The second is the act of being authentic and vulnerable. Growing up in a family that doesn’t express emotions or speaks openly, I am constantly inspired by people who can express vulnerably which creates the opportunity to connect at a deeper level with each other.
What do you do to decompress when you have a little time to yourself?
The first is blocking time off so that I can journal, meditate and walk in nature. This practice of reflection and disconnection is so powerful that I can be recharged to focus on what I need to do.
The second is to listen to my body, and when something doesn’t feel right, I will take a “time out” to either go for that walk or to take deep breaths.
And the third is to have weekly connections with my support network where I have a safe space to share vulnerably my thoughts and emotions that’s free from judgement and be supported.
What are the top three tips you would give anyone feeling inspired to make a change?
Start! It’s easy to get sidetracked by what someone else thinks or says, or get stuck when we overthink. By just taking that first small action it’ll get the momentum going.
Excellence and not perfection! It’s about iteration and learning as we continue.
It’s okay to make mistakes! This is how we learn and improve what we’re doing.