While studying Biology at San Diego State University, Velina became increasingly interested in a more anthropological approach—focusing on understanding human experiences and the social factors impacting communities. Leading various local initiatives and cross-border health clinics, Velina became driven by a deeper purpose: advocating for human rights. Along the way, she launched creative fundraising initiatives involving media campaigns and community events, realizing that impactful storytelling could inspire meaningful action and support.

Driven by the realization that countless urgent issues were going unnoticed, Velina leveraged the power of social media. In 2023, while volunteering as a fundraising consultant in East Bali, she worked with local communities and used her social media network to raise visibility and funds. She didn’t expect the overwhelming response—communities and supporters came together in ways she hadn’t imagined, proving how powerful collective effort can be. This powerful experience inspired her to launch ACTUM Giving.

Since its inception, ACTUM Giving has grown from a social media initiative on Instagram and TikTok to a global movement, collaborating with partners worldwide.

As the medical coordinator of ACTUM Giving, I ensure that all projects are executed with a deep sense of cultural humility and awareness. It’s essential to engage communities with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that our interventions are culturally appropriate and aligned with their unique needs and values. By prioritizing collaboration over imposition, we strive to avoid introducing practices that are not culturally accepted or sustainable within the communities we serve.

Our most recent initiative focuses on raising both funds and awareness to supply hygiene kits for women in Uganda, addressing a fundamental health and dignity issue. In many rural areas, women and girls are forced to use banana leaves during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of accessible sanitary products. Our hygiene kits aim to provide these women with safe, sanitary, and reliable alternatives, empowering them to participate fully in daily life without unnecessary barriers or health risks.

Looking ahead, our vision is to establish international aid clinics that will provide comprehensive healthcare services across various regions. By building partnerships with local organizations and leveraging our digital presence, we aim to create accessible, community-centered healthcare solutions that prioritize dignity, respect, and cultural appropriateness.

Kirsten Chaplin is a dedicated professional specializing in international community development and human rights. She is currently pursuing an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies at the University of San Diego, focusing on human rights and transitional justice, while serving as a Practice Fellow at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice.

Her career spans multiple international nonprofit organizations, including Amigos de las Américas, where she fosters youth leadership and volunteer engagement, and the American Institutes for Research, where she contributed to USAID and UNICEF education initiatives and conducted research on conflict sensitivity and violent group recruitment. Previously, she spent almost a decade leading housing and community development initiatives in Tijuana with Casas de Luz.

Kirsten has lived in multiple countries in Latin America, fueling her passion for bridging research and grassroots action to empower communities and advance justice-driven solutions.

At ACTUM Giving, Kirsten ensures that funding supports sustainable, community-driven initiatives, reinforcing long-term impact and local ownership.

Christopher Ludiker is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a diverse background in public service, advocacy, and political strategy. A former U.S. Marine, Christopher brings discipline, resilience, and a commitment to service to every initiative he undertakes. Following his military service, he transitioned to a career in policy and advocacy, serving as a Capitol staffer where he gained invaluable experience navigating the complexities of the legislative process.

Throughout his career, Christopher has worked on pivotal legislative initiatives focused on veteran affairs, education, and public interest policy, striving to create impactful change through strategic collaboration and policy development.

As ACTUM Giving’s Policy & Fundraising Officer, Christopher leverages his expertise to advance the organization’s mission of promoting human rights and improving access to essential resources worldwide. He plays a key role in developing advocacy strategies, securing sustainable funding, and driving policy initiatives that create meaningful, long-term impact.

With a passion for service and a deep understanding of the intersection between policy and nonprofit work, Christopher remains committed to fostering positive change through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.