Erin Zaikis was not always a social entrepreneur. Raised in Marblehead, Massachusetts, she followed a traditional path in her early years, studying public policy at a top university and planning for a standard career in nonprofit work. But everything changed when she traveled to Northern Thailand and visited a remote school.
There, a single moment reshaped her future. While trying to teach children about hygiene, she was surprised to find that many had never even heard of soap. That simple question, “What is soap?” stuck with her. It was a wake-up call that something as basic as soap was still a luxury in many parts of the world.
Moved by that experience, Erin returned home with a mission. With just $3,000, she began collecting leftover soap from hotels and recycling it in her kitchen. She founded Sundara, a nonprofit focused on hygiene education and sustainable soap distribution in underserved communities.
What started as a kitchen project quickly turned into a powerful global movement. Erin didn’t just want to hand out soap. She wanted to stop preventable diseases and empower women in the process.
Sundara began hiring women from vulnerable backgrounds. Many were single mothers, widows, or survivors of abuse. They were trained as hygiene ambassadors, tasked with recycling soap and teaching hygiene to their communities. These women earned fair wages, gained respect, and became leaders in their neighborhoods.
The results were life changing. Children stayed healthier, school attendance improved, and entire families began to thrive. Erin’s model proved that small changes can make a massive impact when they are rooted in community and compassion.
Erin’s vision for Sundara grew from a single question to a global solution. Her nonprofit expanded across India, Uganda, and Myanmar. The goal was simple and bold make sure no one dies because they lack something as simple as soap.
As Sundara’s reach grew, Erin became a voice for social change. She began speaking on international stages, sharing her story with students, professionals, and young changemakers. Her honest, humble approach stood out. She didn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, she focused on learning, adapting, and collaborating.
Behind the success is a woman who worked hard to overcome fear, self-doubt, and burnout. Erin speaks openly about her struggles with leadership, asking for help, and learning to let go. Her transparency makes her story even more powerful.
Erin lives by the quote, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” It’s more than a saying it’s a reflection of her journey. Her social media tells the full story. Alongside Sundara updates, you’ll find personal moments with her dog Yoshi, her favorite desserts, and her love for global music.
She shares her wins and her challenges, making her story relatable and real. Erin reminds us that making a difference does not require perfection. It requires heart, commitment, and the courage to keep going, even when it’s hard.
Her lifestyle reflects balance. She works hard, but she also makes time for joy, rest, and creativity. That balance helps her stay energized and focused on her mission.
At the heart of Erin’s work is a belief in shared strength. Sundara doesn’t just give out soap. It builds systems that restore dignity, create jobs, and improve health. Erin saw that waste in one part of the world could become a solution in another.
Sundara’s fellowship program is another way Erin extends her impact. It supports young leaders from underprivileged backgrounds with training, funding, and mentorship. These fellows go on to create their own community solutions, multiplying the effect of Erin’s original vision.
She believes that every person has something valuable to contribute. By creating space for others to lead, Erin proves that true leadership is about lifting others up.
Today, Erin lives in New York City, where she continues to lead Sundara with passion and focus. She works with hotels, schools, governments, and global partners to grow the reach and impact of her programs.
She is often invited to speak at conferences, mentor young entrepreneurs, and participate in social impact events. Earlier this year, she joined a global livestream to talk about resilience and innovation. Her insights were honest, uplifting, and grounded in experience.
Every day, she’s involved in every part of the mission from fundraising and program development to direct communication with her hygiene ambassadors in the field. She also remains active on social media, where she continues to inspire thousands with her candid reflections and practical advice.
Erin’s path has not been easy, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise. That honesty is what makes her advice so valuable. Here are some of the key lessons she shares:
One of her proudest moments was speaking at a TEDx event. She used to be terrified of public speaking. But facing that fear taught her the power of storytelling. Her talk reached thousands, proving that even the scariest challenges can lead to growth.
Erin Zaikis shows us what happens when one person decides to act. She took something most people throw away used soap and turned it into a tool for global change.
Her work reminds us that the biggest impact can come from the simplest ideas. What matters is compassion, consistency, and the willingness to show up every day. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to care.
If you’re inspired by Erin’s story, take action in your own way. Support a cause, start something local, or simply share her message. Everyone has the power to make a difference.
And always remember what Erin says: Tough times don’t last. But tough people do.
Do follow her on Instagram
Read More: USA Deaf Women’s Volleyball: 6 Things to Know About Alumna’s Selection
When you walk through the streets of Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll likely hear live music, smell…
In the heart of Los Angeles, where coffee culture thrives, Cafe Demitasse Los Angeles stands…
Metropolis Coffee Chicago isn’t just a café; it’s a community hub, a haven for coffee…
Saturdays NYC New York isn’t just a fashion label; it’s a vibe, a culture, and…
If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for a peaceful place to enjoy coffee, work,…
Seattle is known around the world for its deep love of coffee. From the global…