Women’s American ORT, Organization for Rehabilitation and Training, has always been an educational and vocational game changer for students in the U.S. and around the world.
Lifelong volunteer Sara Trub has been ORT-immersed for 48 years. An e-mail she received from a graduate of ORT Buenos Aires, demonstrates ORT’s future impact on the world. “What he’s done is amazing,” says Trub.
“At 18 to be hired by the minister of finance, is absolutely incredible.”
Dear Sara,
I remember the day that my life changed. I thought I wanted to be an engineer and after a visit to ORT Argentina, I knew there was no way I could study anywhere else.
ORT gave me confidence, skills and opportunities to take on new challenges. At 18, I was hired by the Minister of Science and Technology of Buenos Aires to be an advisor on public policies for technology. I also started my own company and developed Hablalo! (Speak Up!), a free app that helps people with communication disabilities. It turns text into voice, voice into text, and more. In three years, Hablalo! has grown to help more than 100,000 people in 53 countries!
Now I’m 21 and the Head of Innovation for ORT Argentina as well as an ORT teacher. The social responsibility we were taught at ORT led me to use tech as a social equalizer. I give free computer courses in vulnerable areas to help people get well-paying jobs.
I’ve worked hard, but without ORT, where would I be? I hope that you will be inspired to continue to give students like me the best chance to build a future for themselves and others.” Thank you for giving to ORT.
You are doing something wonderful.
Sincerely,
Mateo Salvatto
This full-circle moment shows that the world benefits from ORT alum, who have the potential to contribute on a global level, as much as students rely on ORT’s unique provisions to find their purpose and make a difference.
This is part of a series of articles spotlighting local and overseas partner agencies that are beneficiaries of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Community Campaign. your dollars at work.
- Lisa Richmon