"Throughout much of my adult life, I have been a woman of enterprise, a small business owner; my choices influenced by circumstance and example." Viti Simmons

 

Nearly 40 years later, and a world away in Nepal, Viti realised the parallels between her past situation of requiring a micro loan and that of women in developing countries; and the difference microcredit could make.

 

Her pro bono activities since 2002 have provided opportunities to ‘create environments’ often not available in our workplaces. In 2000 Viti and Paul formed PVS Consulting Services Pty Ltd. In 2006 Viti established Bear Fruit a Social Business Division with the intent to continue her pro bono activities.

 

These activities have developed maturity over a decade and Viti’s pro bono fieldwork with Hands with Hands (HwH) a small NGO in Nepal has evolved into becoming an Ambassador for this organisation. She refers to this partnership as an ideal ‘fit’ for both parties who are about enabling women through enterprise immaterial of their context or business model.

 

Fieldwork is Viti’s passion and creating innovative opportunities for ‘invisible voices’ to be heard. Her self-published resource, A tree needs water to bear fruit; Enterprising women creating reservoirs for poverty alleviation captures first hand experiences from fieldwork expeditions in Australasia and Nepal, journal readings, concepts, images and ideas. Her resource book represents the groundwork for a new wave of philanthropy – one that shifts the ability to make an extraordinary difference within the grasp of those who may not be ‘ultra high net worth’ individuals.

 

Viti originally from New Zealand arrived in a remote mining town in the Pilbara - 1973. She has spent the majority of her working life in the Pilbara and South West regions but recently moved to Perth. Viti and Paul have 2 married sons and 5 grandchildren also residing in Perth.

 

Work and pro bono activities are still part of Viti’s world and the opportunity to align her HwH pro bono activities with one of John Curtin Leadership Program – Community Project Groups has proven to be timely, reinvigorating and a genuine ‘fit’ for all involved.