LUNCH WITH INGE
INGE Human is a busy woman at any time of year, but last week she had just finished organising a Queen for a Day function, was on her way to work at the Reach for a Dream stand at Christmas in the Home and still had a Captain Courage day to plan after all of that.
Her job is to help fulfil the dreams of children living with life-threatening illness, which is both richly rewarding and emotionally gruelling.
We settled for a brunch at the new Cafe Capellini at King’s Court, and it was clear why this is one of her favourite spots.
Human can recommend several of the dishes on the extensive menu – the Perfect Morning Surprise breakfast is a favourite, and the novel “square” pizza – but settled on an appetising, yet light smoked chicken salad.
As branch manager for Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route down to Mossel Bay, both Human and her colleague Michelle van Huyssteen – have a huge area to cover.
And it’s clear that Human does her job well: she won the social entrepreneur category of the Businesswomen’s Association regional achiever awards last year.
I love my job because . . . I make a difference in a child’s life on a daily basis. That moment when you fulfil a child’s dream is so precious and cannot be put into words!
Winning the BWA Regional Achiever award last year meant ... It gave me more credibility with businesses out there. Although we are a charity I run the foundation as a business, upholding strong business and work ethics. It introduced me to people in business that I would not normally have come into contact with. It was also an incentive for me to work even harder!
I have a soft spot for . . . Animals and children.
I should have studied. .. I would have loved to be a doctor or a vet! My maths wasn’t that good so I ended up studying social work at NMMU.
I’d love to party with . . . Nataniel!
La Femme treated Reach for a Dream Foundation’s Eastern Cape director Inge Human – last year’s winner of the Businesswomen’s Association Social Entrepreneur award – to brunch at Cafe Capellini at King’s Court
I’m listening to . . . In the car my son dictates what we listen to – at the moment it is Now 62. I love all kinds of music and listen to anything.
When I was 16, I wish I knew . . .. Although you do not like your natural hair colour – don’t let your friends dye it for you!
I’ll know I’ve made it when ... I don’t think you ever make it. I am always setting new goals for myself .
The person who has taught me the
most is . . . My parents! My dad for teaching me to have pride in what you do and always give 150%. My mom for teaching me to always treat people with respect.
My music weakness is . . . I am the biggest Steve Hofmeyer fan on the planet!
Nothing makes me happier than . . . To make someone else smile. I absolutely hate . . .Sushi!
I am saving to buy. . . A plane ticket ! I would love to travel overseas and explore Europe.
I share my life with . . . My husband, Mornay, who is a very patient man and my 11-year-old son, Erich, who provides the balance in my life. And a whole zoo of animals.
In business it’s important to ... Always show your appreciation to your donors and sponsors; return all phone-calls and e-mails promptly, and deliver on your promises!
I can’t go a day without . . . Coffee and my Blackberry; I am a social media addict!