Motivated by her compassion and concern for others, Sharon Capeling-Alakija has worked to improve living conditions for people around the world. She served with Canadian University Services Overseas for two decades before assuming important roles at the United Nations. There, she championed the participation of women in governmental decision-making processes and provided innovative leadership to the United Nations Volunteers program. In addition, she worked tirelessly to ensure, and to build upon, the success of the International Year of Volunteers 2001.