In a world where numbers often measure success, Tarri Parfitt chose a different path – one illuminated by a commitment to changing lives. As the CEO of the Smile Foundation, her journey to leading one of South Africa’s most influential non-profit organisations shows the importance of following your heart, even if it means leaving the corporate world behind.
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Parfitt, a successful actuary and co-founder of an investment start-up, was drawn to the Smile Foundation’s mission of providing life-changing surgeries to disadvantaged children. She resonated with the foundation’s focus on giving children confidence and enabling them to participate in society fully. “It’s about giving children the confidence to be the best versions of themselves, to participate fully in society, and to live without the fear of being marginalised,” Parfitt shared.
Under her leadership, the Smile Foundation has expanded its reach and deepened its impact. Parfitt’s leadership style is a blend of collaboration, compassion, and strategic foresight. She believes in empowering her team, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and ensuring all decisions align with the organisation’s mission. “Leadership, for me, is about nurturing talent and driving innovation while staying true to our core purpose,” she explained.
But the path has not been without its challenges. Leading a non-profit organisation in South Africa, where financial constraints are a constant reality, requires creativity and resilience. “Securing the necessary funding while fulfilling our mission has been one of the biggest challenges. Many South Africans face financial pressures, and raising funds for charitable causes is not always easy. Yet, the impact we make on children’s lives makes every challenge worth it.”
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One of the most memorable milestones under Parfitt’s leadership occurred during a recent Mandela Day Smile Week at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. “Three of the top surgeons in the country performed a complex, life-saving surgery on a little girl with a rare condition where her skull wasn’t growing with her brain. Without this surgery, she would have lost her sight and ability to walk within months. This is why we do what we do,” Parfitt recalls.
Parfitt aims to expand the Smile Foundation’s reach in rural areas through technology and innovation. She’s working on a pilot project with Life Healthcare Hospital in Bloemfontein to provide pro bono surgery for children from underserved communities. She finds fulfilment in making a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families.
As Women’s Month is celebrated across South Africa, she stands as a beacon of what it means to lead with purpose. Her legacy at the Smile Foundation is one of compassion, innovation, and growth – a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire others to continue the work of transforming lives, one smile at a time.
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