shareDiwen Cao 's Profile
Volunteer Coordinators Support
A Chinese by birth, a current resident of New Zealand, and a citizen of the world by inclination, Diwen takes great pleasure by learning from people and nature around her. She has completed a management degree from University of Waikato, and feels fortunate to work with people in GVN who keep her continuously inspired.
Before coming to New Zealand, Diwen spent time volunteering with AIDS in China, particularly with HIV/AIDS affected children. She is involved with various NGOs in both China and New Zealand, and wants to immerse herself more in the international development area. She currently provides administrative support to the Volunteer Coordinators.
Diwen loves music, reading, camping, photography... or simply a sunny afternoon. Her interests usually involve with some forms of arts or outdoor activities. She is also known as the Panda, especially when she wears her panda shirt in office.
An Interview with Diwen Cao
When people ask you 'where are you from' what is your reply:
I was born and brought up in the city of Hangzhou (6 million people!), in the Southeast of China - but no, not many people would take that as the answer - people have said that I am from a minority group in Southwest China (coz I love everything ethnic); or I am a native American/Peruvian (when I plait my hair); and I'm from middle of nowhere - as a result of my mixed accent...
When people ask 'where do you work' what's your response:
Global Volunteer Network!
When people then ask 'and what do you do at GVN', what it your reply:
I work closely with Tracy - the Africa coordinator, as well as other coordinators in GVN office. I am also a big supporter of 'Making 3PM Table Tennis' into the GVN Staff Training Manu.
Why did you end up working at GVN?:
Becuase I was doing EXACTLY what you guys are doing NOW - viewing the bios of GVN staff memebers:) And I got so 'distracted' by such an interesting group of people that I even managed to miss the deadline for job application...
What's the best thing about working for GVN?
Well...Tracy's baking for start...Malva pudding (GVN has offically established the Malva Pudding Trust to provide yummy food for speical occasions...like...Fridays) And a bunch of open-minded, like-minded people who are hard-working and fun-loving at the same time.
When you're not at work, what's your favourite activity?
Hiking, camping, playing with my camera, reading in the sun with my tea cup, exploring the city and neighbourhood...
What's your favourite food?
Chinese food & Mexican food
If you could be animal, what would it be?
Of course I am a Panda Bear, black and white, blobby animal. And I have a lot of animal friends, such as an alligator, a shark, a bat...
If you could go anywhere just now, where would it be?
Tibet and general southwestern China. Or West coast in the South Island, New Zealand.
Who are your favourite bands/musicians?
Leonard Cohen (give me Cohen and I give you everything), the Books, Nick Drake, Lost on Purpose, Smog,...Lots of singer-songwriters & folk/alternative, lots of Jazz & world music, and lots of cello :-)
