From Giving to Giving Back | An Alum’s Journey as a Conduit for Care

In the bustling world of global freight forwarding, Jill Walls is a name synonymous with leadership and innovation. As the Director of Engineering for Global Freight Forwarding at UPS, her remarkable rise from college-aged package handler to today is evidence of her impact on the industry. As a Thornwell alum, her journey from Thornwell to a thriving career is a testament to the transformative power of giving—and giving back.

Jill’s story began in a place of profound need. At just nine-years-old, Jill found herself atThornwell on Christmas Eve after a harrowing escape from a dangerous situation.

“My mom had a choice. We were in areally bad situation. We needed to escape quickly,” Jill recalls. “We ended up at Thornwell, and it was almost like God planned it that way.

For Jill, Thornwell was not just a refuge but a place of growth and opportunity – all because people like YOU cared enough to give and serve.

“Thornwell didn’t send me away when I was difficult. They planted seeds of faith and growth, even when it was hard to see the results immediately,” she says

This nurturing environment laid the foundation for Jill’s later successes and instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude.

“Likewise, Thornwell is a place where you see the results of your giving over time,” she says. “It’s about planting seeds, being patient, and understanding that the impact of your generosity will unfold in its own time.”

Shaped by her life experiences, Jill’s perspective on giving versus giving back is profound.

“There’s a difference between giving and giving back,” Jill explains. “Giving is about offering something from yourself, but giving back is about recognizing and thanking God for what you’ve been given by passing it on.”

Jill’s involvement with the Thornwell Alumni Board has reinforced her understanding of this difference.“The alumni board members areselfless. Their giving feels like an obligation ofthe soul,” she shares. This realization led Jill torethink her approach to philanthropy. “I started tosee giving as a way to honor God’s gifts to me, rather than just a personal act of kindness,” she adds. “I give back my ‘thank you’ with joyful obligation.”

Her role at UPS has further amplified her impact.“I knew that, individually, I wouldn’t create a missionary earthquake at Thornwell, but through UPS’s corporate giving program, I became a conduit for much larger contributions,” Jill explains. Her efforts have helped channel substantial support to Thornwell, including a significant donation to strengthen security on Thornwell’s campus.

Jill’s journey has taught her that everyone has a role to play in changing the life of a child or family, something she hopes the readers of her story will take to heart.

“You can be a conduit forchange,” Jill says. “Every small effort contributes to a larger impact. And in the end, the joy of giving back is immeasurable.”