Although Andrea Qi left Foundation for Shared Impact (FSI) after helping us develop a corporate training program, “The reality is that I never left FSI”, to quote the learning and development professional who previously worked at Goldman Sachs. As Andrea recently rejoined FSI, this time as a board member, we caught up with her to find out why her support for FSI never ceased.
Read our interview with Andrea to learn more about what brought her back to the organization, her new role and responsibilities at FSI, and what makes a supportive nonprofit board member, as demonstrated by her continuous endeavors to help FSI build capacity and expand our reach.
When and why did you first join FSI?
I joined FSI in 2021. Interestingly, it wasn’t a formal process. I was working with David Bishop, co-founder of FSI and Associate Professor of Teaching at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), on a HKU project and got looped into another project and then another. Before I realized it, I was joining FSI’s weekly meetings and representing FSI at events. So I guess I was part of FSI by then 😉
How would you describe FSI as an organization? Do FSI’s vision and mission align with your personal values? If yes, in what ways?
I value sharing and enjoy connecting people with resources that can help them overcome challenges. So FSI’s vision of everyone having access to opportunities really clicks with me. To me, FSI is an organization that connects people, information, and resources to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
What was your role and what were your responsibilities?
In my previous role at FSI, my primary responsibility was to develop corporate training programs as a revenue stream. My biggest accomplishment was the FSI Board Director Training Program, which has graduated more than 500 people from both private and social sectors.
Were there any memorable moments (e.g., the time spent with your colleagues, learning, inspiration etc.)?
My fondest memory at FSI was having people (Vivian, Anna, Erika, and TC) over at my place to work together. This was because we were not just colleagues or friends; we genuinely enjoyed each other’s company, although we were very different. On those days, we’d be doing our own things but occasionally stopped to talk about random stuff – for example, the fact that an air fryer is just an oven with a fan 😉 The best thing about FSI is its people – I simply enjoyed spending time with them.
You recently rejoined FSI as a board member. Why?
The reality is that I never left FSI. During my past few years working as a corporate professional, I had more opportunities to introduce FSI to my colleagues and engage them in skills-based volunteering and board placement. I valued the platform and network that enabled me to support FSI on a larger scale. Joining the board was a natural next step – it gave me an official title and the accountability to continue supporting FSI in all ways possible.
What are your aspirations for your role and the organization?
Develop and expand FSI’s revenue-generating programs to create sustainable income that reduces reliance on donor funding and contributions. I believe that just as businesses need income to thrive, non-profits must also secure financial independence to operate effectively. By focusing on self-generated income, we can ensure long-term strategic success and empower both the organization and the individuals we serve.
Tell us a bit more about yourself – your hobbies, self-care routine, passion etc.?
In the past 15 months, most of my time out of work has been spent with my precious one-year-old daughter, Juno. Playing with her and watching her smile have been the best self-care routine ever!
In your opinion, what is needed to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient society?
Educated, informed, and empowered youth who dare to take action towards change. As a coach offering pro-bono services to youth and young professionals, I see many talented individuals with ambition, curiosity, and a genuine desire to improve the world. They just need a little nudge and encouragement—a voice to remind them that it’s okay to try and to fail. Their time is far better spent pursuing meaningful efforts than worrying about which path leads to success as defined by society.
What is the best thing about being Andrea Qi right now?
Out-of-this-world-level-self-awareness. Turning 30 was the most amazing year of my life, and everything has only gotten better since then. I have a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, my values and beliefs, and my desires and aversions. And this makes me very comfortable saying no to things that don’t align with my priorities.
