Sarah Bergs of South Africa’s Nourish Receives Isenberg Leaders of Impact Award

Sarah Bergs, founder and CEO of the Nourish Foundation, received Isenberg School of Management’s annual Leaders of Impact Award Oct. 24, 2024, at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The South Africa-based non-profit organization’s goal is to empower and uplift communities that live alongside protected areas through the Nourish Eco-Village model, a replicable modular solution that enables education, enterprise, and empowerment for community members.

In presenting the award to Bergs, Isenberg Dean Anne P. Massey, pointed out that Bergs embodies the mission and spirit of the Leader of Impact Award, which showcases leaders who make a difference and influence their organizations, industries, and communities in innovative and tangible ways.

“At Isenberg, we educate tomorrow’s leaders, and part of that is highlighting and celebrating people who are making real impacts and influencing change,” said Dean Massey at the event. “Being a Leader of Impact is about inspiring others to realize their potential and encouraging them to grow. This is what Sarah Bergs achieves through the Nourish Foundation. I am honored to recognize her during this year’s awards ceremony.”

Bergs expressed her thanks and appreciation for the recognition and partnership with the Isenberg School of Management and UMass Amherst.

“It means a lot to have someone else look at what you’re doing and say, ‘We see you. We see what you’re doing, and we believe it makes a difference.’ It’s incredibly humbling, and it’s a huge honor to receive the Isenberg School of Management’s Leaders of Impact Award,” she said.

Dean Massey also thanked Bergs for granting Isenberg students the memorable opportunity to visit Nourish as part of the Service Learning in South Africa trip. A group of 19 students on the May 2024 trip learned about the business aspects of Nourish’s operations and had hands-on chances to immerse themselves in the local South African culture, meet residents of the villages helped by the organization, and plant fruit trees as part of Nourish’s efforts to create a sustainable future.

ISENBERG STUDENTS EXPERIENCE SOUTH AFRICA

Two of the Isenberg students on the May trip were Jacob Nevins, a sophomore majoring in operations and information systems management and public policy, and Jocelyn Mongell, a senior majoring in marketing and economics. 

“This experience offers an unforgettable opportunity to engage with a different culture and tackle real-world problems,” said Nevins in an interview. “It’s not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it also provides valuable insights into how societal issues can be addressed through thoughtful, community-centered solutions. For students interested in making a meaningful impact, there’s no better way to learn about the world and develop the skills to create change.”

Mongell explained that the experience with Nourish has had a lasting impact on students halfway around the world.

“As college students, we are often so focused on our own lives that we forget there is a world struggling with poverty, wildlife poaching, and access to education,” she said. “For many of us, attending college is something we take for granted. Therefore, I would encourage students to go on this trip to experience the world beyond their imagination and immerse themselves into the duality of the American education system and the doctrine of Ubuntu—humanity to others—found in the education system of South Africa.”

Isenberg donated laptops for a new computer lab for the Nourish Foundation’s after-school program, including a building created from shipping containers and refurbished computers. Adults looking to build or improve their computer skills may also use the lab, according to William D. Brown, Isenberg’s senior associate dean and one of the leaders of the service learning trip to South Africa.

“Sarah Bergs is making a difference in her local community,” said Brown. “She is passionate, and her vision is refined. Sarah has the idea, and she executes it. And then even more than that, she’s nimble and pivots when flexibility is needed.

"One of Dean Massey’s priorities for Isenberg is to create global citizens and inclusive leaders," he added, explaining why Isenberg decided to work with Bergs and Nourish. "As such, our partnership with Nourish gives students an amazing opportunity to make an impact on the local community served by Nourish and to also have them learn about the cultural, political, environmental, and socio-economic history of South Africa.”

Through the recognition of leaders like Bergs and the hands-on experiences provided to students, Brown noted, the Isenberg School of Management continues to foster a new generation of global citizens committed to making a positive impact.

Lorraine U. Martinelle ’97 is content manager in the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management’s Marketing and Communications office. Submit story ideas to lmartinelle@isenberg.umass.edu.