Her enthusiasm and ability to communicate effortlessly were clear indicators that she would thrive in Bhumi’s Corporate Volunteering Team. Mariya quickly became an integral part of the team, where her role involved engaging with companies to promote meaningful volunteering opportunities for their employees.
From Mistakes to Memories: Mariya Tomy’s Inspiring Journey at Bhumi
In a world where mistakes often lead to doubts, Mariya Tomy, Bhumi’s Corporate Volunteering Consultant, sees them as stepping stones to learning and growth. Hailing from Kerala and now working across both Kerala and Bangalore, Mariya’s journey with Bhumi is as heartwarming as it is inspiring. From her academic pursuits to her unique personality and experiences, Mariya has carved a special place for herself within Bhumi and the communities she serves.
From Community Development to Corporate Volunteering
Mariya holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in community development. This academic path opened the doors to various NGOs during her internships, where she gained valuable field experience. During one such placement in Bangalore, Mariya came across Bhumi. Intrigued by the organization’s mission and the freedom it offered its volunteers and team members, Mariya felt an instant connection. She recalls, “I love interacting with people, meeting them on the ground, and seeing the impact of our work firsthand. Bhumi gave me that space where I could be myself, make decisions, and offer feedback freely.”
Her enthusiasm and ability to communicate effortlessly were clear indicators that she would thrive in Bhumi’s Corporate Volunteering Team. Mariya quickly became an integral part of the team, where her role involved engaging with companies to promote meaningful volunteering opportunities for their employees. Though she admitted she was initially unfamiliar with the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), her eagerness to learn and adapt made all the difference.
Singing, Dancing, and Everything In-Between
Outside of her professional life, Mariya is a bundle of creativity and passion. A self-proclaimed “cultural person,” she loves singing and dancing. These hobbies serve as her escape and recharge points after a busy workday. When asked about her favorite pastimes, she lights up, saying, “I am a singer, and I love dancing too. Movies are my weakness – I can get really addicted to watching them!”
Mariya’s love for Malayalam cinema is evident when she recommends her favorite film, Minaram, a mix of romance, emotions, and suspense. While her movie recommendations come easy, when it comes to books, Mariya playfully admits, “I don’t like to read books. It’s just not for me!”
A Light-Hearted Soul with a Fear of Heights
Though Mariya claims she hasn’t done anything adventurous just yet, she has her eyes set on bungee jumping, a thrilling experience she’s determined to conquer, despite her fear of heights. Travel is also something that intrigues her, though she’s quick to point out that her mood plays a big role. “I like traveling, but not always! It’s a 50/50 for me,” she laughs, adding that her dream destinations include Bali and Goa, the latter being a place she has yet to visit due to her family’s protective nature.
Embracing Mistakes and Making Memories
Mariya’s time at Bhumi has not been without its challenges. One of her early struggles was with documentation and financial processes – something she wasn’t familiar with, having focused more on fieldwork during her studies. Whether it was invoicing or understanding GST, Mariya faced numerous obstacles, but she took each mistake in stride, turning them into moments of learning.
One unforgettable memory involves her role as an emcee during a tree plantation event, where she struggled to remember the name of an esteemed guest. Despite her best efforts, she forgot the name multiple times and found herself repeating the same mistake. But instead of being flustered, Mariya turned the moment into something light-hearted. She shared her memory loss issue with the audience over the microphone, and soon everyone was laughing along with her. “At the end, even the guest smiled, and it became a funny, memorable moment rather than an embarrassing one,” Mariya reflects fondly.
Finding Support and Motivation in Bhumi
What makes Bhumi special for Mariya is not just the freedom it offers but also the incredible support system. She attributes much of her growth to her team and mentors at Bhumi, especially Johnny, her former manager, who guided her through the toughest of times. “Whenever there’s a problem, Johnny would calmly offer solutions. He never shouts or loses his cool, and that’s something I admire.”
Even as her journey with Bhumi continues, Mariya is grateful for the culture of humility and kindness that Bhumi fosters. “Everyone here is so humble and polite, even the senior management. It’s a quality I rarely see elsewhere.”, she notes.
As Mariya’s journey unfolds, her passion for social work, her willingness to embrace challenges, and her infectious positive energy continue to make a difference, not just within Bhumi, but in the lives of the many communities she helps empower. #HumansOfBhumi