Welcome, Megan Jacobsen, to our team!
More than 12 years ago, a simple connection through her life group leader, and now fellow Lanna Foundation board member, Jessie Thiesen, set Megan on a path she never could have anticipated. That introduction to the foundation and its mission was more than just a passing encounter—it was the beginning of a journey that would shape both her heart and her purpose. What started as a casual connection eventually led her across the world to Thailand, where she had the opportunity to serve with the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) in 2014.
Since that first meeting, the Lanna Foundation’s commitment to empowering communities in Northern Thailand has become a cause deeply woven into Megan’s life. Each step along the way has reinforced her belief in the power of sustainable change and the beauty of working alongside others to make a tangible difference. As she reflects on the past decade, Megan remains grateful for that initial introduction and the profound ways it continues to impact her life and those the foundation serves.
We asked Megan a few questions about her perspective on the Lanna Foundation and here’s what she had to say!
What does Lanna mean to you?
“The Lanna Foundation resonates deeply with me because it embodies a holistic approach to alleviating poverty among the northern hill tribes. What truly fuels my passion was witnessing the profound impact ITDF has on the lives of men, women, and children within these communities. Their commitment to sustainable, holistic agriculture aligns perfectly with my own values, and seeing the tangible difference they make in providing access to basic necessities, like clean water, is incredibly moving. We often take such privileges for granted in the USA, and being part of a mission that transforms entire communities, in partnership with my church, I believe has been a truly remarkable and humbling experience.”
What is your hope for the Lanna Foundation for your time as a board member?
“As a board member, deepest hope for the Lanna Foundation is to actively contribute to the positive transformation of the northern hill tribes’ lives. First and foremost, I want to be part of a movement that brings lasting, holistic change to these communities. On a personal level, I left a piece of my heart in Thailand when I served there in 2014-15. That experience was profoundly impactful, and the community changed me in ways I’ll never forget. It’s truly a privilege to have the opportunity to give back, to support the work that touched my own life so deeply. I hope to help ensure that Lanna Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for the hill tribes, fostering sustainable development and building on the strong foundation already established.”
What would you say to someone who is just starting to learn about Lanna Foundation and ITDF?
If you’re just beginning to learn about the hill tribes of Northern Thailand and feel called to get involved, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take that leap of faith. The desire to help is a powerful reason, and it’s often the first step towards making a real difference. Don’t hesitate to explore opportunities with organizations like the Lanna Foundation. You’ll find that even small actions can have a significant impact. Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, your involvement can contribute to positive change within these communities. Trust that if you feel called to this work, you have something valuable to offer, and your journey will be both meaningful and rewarding.”
Thank you, Megan, for sharing your heart for the mission and for joining our team!
If you would like to get more involved with us in partnering with ITDF to end poverty in the hill tribes of Northern Thailand, learn more through our “What We Do” page on our website or click the button to join as a donor for our mission.
Thank you for participating by simply reading this post. We appreciate you!
