Tory is a filmmaker and ex-aid worker on a mission to improve the field of international aid. Her true passions are traveling the world, connecting with people across the globe, and working to transform the aid industry. Therefore she runs an organization called "Beyond Good Intentions" that produces films and educational programs that encourage young people to investigate how international aid can be more innovative. Therefore she embarked on a solo year-long journey around the world to ten different countries to produce a documentary series. She had no previous experience in film making at that time, but she was determined to make the series a reality. She ended up meeting with countless aid workers and recipients from around the world and produced ten web-based films about aid effectiveness that have now been viewed in 139 countries. Ever since the film series was released last spring, she's been traveling across the U.S. to spread the films and engage young people in a dialogue about international aid effectiveness through educational programming and online platforms.
She started traveling internationally at the age of 11 when she took a school trip to Russia, she was instantly hooked. She knew then that she wanted to spend the rest of my life exploring the world. Now, at 27-years-old, she's well on her way! She already spent time on all seven continents (even Antarctica) and has lived/worked/traveled in over 70 countries. She's particularly drawn to Africa where she's spent a considerable amount of time.
Regarding the upcoming 6-week stay in the Palomar5 camp in Berlin, Tori admits: 'I find that experiences in life are always better when you approach them without expectations... I'm ready to be surprised by Palomar5!' She contunues: 'However, based on my current impressions of the leadership team, the enthusiasm of my fellow camp residents, and the design of the program, I can already tell that I am about to embark on a life-changing journey!' Tori is sure that creativity is bound to flourish during their time in Berlin, and she can't await to see what comes out of the camp. Ultimately she believes process to be as incredible as the outcomes!
While at Palomar5, she'd love to make some progress on innovating new approaches in the field of international aid. However, she's also extremely interested in branching out beyond her own specialization and working with fellow camp residents on a wide range of other possible projects. 'I'm particularly excited about spending time with the Grameen Lab because I believe strongly in the power of social businesses and I hope we'll be able to brainstorm some unique new ventures', she says.