Ryan D. “Jume” Jumonville
We are the Human Race, no man, woman, or child should ever be left behind! In that spirit, it is my duty and honor to join The Giving Pledge. I plan to continue working hard for the benefit of those in need. In the end, I hope that I can play a small part in leaving this world a better place for future generations."
Pledge letter
MY GIVING PLEDGE
The path of my ancestors is a story of long odds and pure fate. My father was born in Derbyshire, England. His parents met during WWII at a GI dance just days before D-Day. They married when the war ended and moved to the United States. My mother was born in Mexico City to parents that met on a chance encounter in Guatemala City. Her mother, born in Alabama, was on a humanitarian trip to the country with friends. She was swept off her feet by a local farmer and chose to stay behind and marry him.
Each of my great-grand parents were from different regions in North America, South America, Europe, and Australia. All had similar stories of chance meetings in different corners of the world. It is because of fate and these improbable love stories that I was born in 1972 in the great State of Louisiana.
As a child, I was raised with my older sister in a modest home in Baton Rouge. The neighborhood was full of hard working families; the kind of people that built this country. During that time, I learned the value of family, friendships, and community. I also learned that love is the source of true happiness…love and the joy of a simple mud hole in the back yard.
My parents sacrificed a lot to give us the opportunity for a better life which fostered a tremendous sense of obligation to honor that sacrifice to the best of my abilities. After saving a few dollars, I was able start my first company at age 24. Good fortune has given me the opportunity to meet and form close friendships with some very special people during my career. Thanks to these friends and mentors, I am now in a position to make a significant difference in the lives of others.
We are the “Human Race”, no man, woman, or child should ever be left behind! In that spirit, it is my duty and honor to join The Giving Pledge. I plan to continue working hard for the benefit of those in need. In the end, I hope that I can play a small part in leaving this world a better place for future generations.
I’d like to encourage everyone to #spreadlove through one small act of kindness each day. It can be something as simple as a smile or kinds words for a stranger or volunteering for a cause that is important to you. You have the power to make this world a better place.
