Happy New Year! If you weren’t already aware of it, I wanted to let you know that your nominee (Maggie) was selected as the winner of our unsung leader of 2010 contest. The purpose of this communiqué is twofold: 1.) to thank you for the nomination, and; 2.) to let you know that I’m having trouble contacting Maggie.

I have announced Maggie as the winner of the contest on Twitter, and have sent her 2 emails. I realize our contest was rather small and the awards are probably not that significant in the grand scheme of things, but I do want to complete my obligations by fulfilling on the delivery of the prizes. Anything you could do to help connect me with Maggie would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich…

Congratulations…Maggie was selected as our winner. I'll let her know you were responsible for the nomination. Merry Christmas Rich…

Thanks for nominating David. He sounds like a great leader who benefits all those he comes in contact with. Thanks again for the submission.

Thanks for the wonderful account of Maggie's selfless accomplishments. Whenever anyone mocks the younger generation this is a great story to recount…We should all be doing as much as Maggie. Thanks again Rich.

I agree that the greatest heroes in our lives are the “quiet” ones who simply act from their passion and heart, and fueled by that fire, inspire those around them.

I have found Maggie Doyne to be one of those amazing people. I met Maggie when she was only 19 and working as a baby sitter for a friend of mine. I soon discovered the power and passion behind this phenomenal young woman, for Maggie had only returned home to New Jersey to make money to continue her dream.

Although Maggie was a superior high school student and athlete, unlike her other high school colleagues, she decided to defer her college acceptance and journey out into the world. Her journeys led her to working at an orphanage in India near the Nepali boarder, where she saw a constant stream of children flowing into the country. Curious and concerned, she decided to follow the stream of children and discover their source.

Her trek took her to Surkhet, Nepal, where she saw hundreds of children in the streets — child laborers, child soldiers. homeless children, child prostitutes. The view before her was the devastating result of a 10 year civil war that had torn Nepal apart, and it gave rise to an innocent question for her – “Why aren’t these kids in school?”

After confering with the elders and leaders in the town, she was told that it cost money to go to school. Tuition, uniforms, books, supplies. Money these children did not have, let alone the fact that some did not even have parents. When Maggie was told the amount of money that prevented these kids from going to school – roughly $10 – she got on the phone to her parents and declared, “Mom. Dad. Send me my baby sitting money. I am starting a children’s home.”

What has flourished from that bold declaration has inspired her community here in New Jersey, the town of Surkhet, hundreds of school kids here in the States that are following her journey and the journey of the students in Nepal, and countless others around the world who have been inspired by her story.

At the young age of 19, Maggie made good on her promise and built that home – Kopila Valley Children’s Home, that now 25 children call home — and they call Maggie “mom.” Maggie also started an educational outreach program for over 60 other girls in the town and a medical program. And, even more amazing, just this year, at the very young age of 23, Maggie opened her first school in Surkhet that provides over 100 students with a much needed education.

I realize these are just the outcomes of her heart and actions, and I would love to share more of her heart and the absolutely AMAZING stories that recount her journey and fight for the rights. love and survival she has endeavored for the children of Nepal. But as you can imagine, that would easily require a book. So, I will simply give you the shortcut. You can read more about this magnificent woman on her blog at her website, http://www.blinknow.org. She named her organization BlinkNow because she blieves you can change the world in the blink of an eye.

Thanks for letting me share Maggie with all your readers.

I am happy to add a month’s worth of my coaching to your prize package if you wish to add that.

Thanks for celebrating all the quiet heroes that surround us every day!

Rich

Thanks for your comment. Either you have confused the intent of the post, or I have misunderstood your comment. The purpose of this post is to honor precisely those individuals you mentioned in your comment. Celebrity leaders receive more than enough attention, but it is the everyday leader I'm attempting to salute with this post. Please feel free to nominate someone if you feel so inclined. Thanks Greg.

I think the greatest leader or leaders cannot be named because they are unknown, unseen, and too little appreciated. I'm talking about the first responders who enter into chaotic and catastrophic situations and know how to lead their team to not only avoid a larger disaster but also to save lives. I'm talking about the courageous fire fighters who must face completely unpredictable situations, takes charge, and bring order out of chaos. I'm talking about the Sargent of a Platoon under fire who must rally his men to keep moving with bullets zinging past their heads. I'm also talking about those individuals (and I have one in mind right now) who work tirelessly in some unknown village to help their own people rise up out of poverty and ignorance, without a budget and without recognition from the world. These are the leaders who go unnamed and unrecognized. Let's call them Mr. and Ms. X. They are real leaders and those who work next to them know this to be a fact. Unfortunately, our culture only recognizes the rich and the famous. I feel like when all is finally revealed, we will be surprised who God consideres the greatest leaders.