(02)
First, that empathy is the most
valuable currency.
Stevy Gabrila Amanda Chandra /
Regional Brand Community Coordinator for EMEA and APAC
I am the youngest of four siblings. I describe myself as an individual with great ambition and a high fighting spirit, qualities forged by growing up in circumstances that required me to struggle hard. This has made me resilient in facing life's challenges.
My charity work focuses on distributing free meals to people in need, especially those working on the streets or who seem economically vulnerable. This is the fulfillment of a promise I made to myself at my lowest point in life.
helpingWhat inspires me most are the smiles and gratitude of the people I give food to – there was one particularly touching moment where a man cried after I gave him food. My heart broke, yet simultaneously, I felt happy, realizing that this small act meant so much. That experience confirms that the greatest satisfaction comes from giving hope.
My supervisor, Ira, initiated the project, then after getting approval, I coordinated with the DA team (Novita and Dini) to get in touch with drivers. The drivers became our primary partners in distributing food.
I have been doing this for a long time. Then in 2023, we piloted it as a community management project, involving the inDrive community to distribute food every month.
On the first day, I saw their extraordinary enthusiasm. They likely had their own stories of struggle, which made their spirit to participate very high. Seeing them taking time out to share with those in need was deeply moving.
I also invited other employees living near my area, and they too were enthusiastic. Team support was crucial.
helpingI was directly assisted by colleagues like Indra Kusuma, Avi Catur (from the Verification team at the time), Faiz Fahri (verification team), and Cathy (from the Moderation team), who participated directly on the ground.
helpingShamin Azim came from Malaysia to join us in the field and document these moments, and my supervisors, Ira Barinsky and Viktoria Streblichenko, supported the initiative to materialize and grow.
helpingSo, while the idea and concept management come from me, the execution and impact are the result of the collaboration of inDrive employees and drivers.
After each distribution, I feel a mix of emotions. There is extraordinary happiness; however, there is also a deep sense of sorrow, I’m reminded of the extent of poverty and need out there.
helpingThis experience has taught me that the blessings that come to us are not entirely ours. God entrusts a portion of others' fortune through us, so we must always remember to share. Working with the drivers opened my eyes and heart wider; all struggles are not always easy, but we must never give up.
In my job as Brand Community Coordinator for inDrive, 'justice' means equal treatment and representation.
helpingThis includes ensuring that all users and drivers in all regions I handle receive the same information, rapid response, and that their complaints are investigated objectively, regardless of who they are. Justice also means advocating for underrepresented communities, ensuring that their feedback is heard by relevant management or product teams.
Second, that positive impact does not require you to be rich or have a high position. Initiatives can start from a personal promise and grow with community help.
I hope that colleagues who read this, take away two main things: First, that empathy is the most valuable currency. We must always listen to and feel the struggles of others.
helpingI want them to be inspired to take real action, no matter how small, because a small thing done with a sincere heart can mean everything to someone else.
