Volunteering isn’t just about giving time. It’s about creating lasting transformation.
For Stacy Schulist, a seasoned marketer, longtime member of Bpeace’s Volunteer Executive Council, and nearly decade-long Skillanthropist, Bpeace has been a meaningful way to apply her expertise to help businesses grow, teams thrive, and communities flourish, all while deepening her own professional skills and perspective.

In this piece, Stacy reflects on her years of collaboration with Bpeace and how the work continues to shape how she thinks, leads and shows up. 

Strategic Thinking Meets Social Impact

“What initially drew me in,” Stacy reflects, “was the opportunity to do the strategic work I love while driving change,not just for businesses, but for entire communities.”

Putting proven business strategies to work where they’re often out of reach, is what sets Bpeace apart.” And it’s what’s kept Stacy involved for nearly a decade. “Even small shifts in strategy or mindset can ripple out into lasting economic growth and opportunity.”

Bpeace volunteers, or Skillanthropists, collaborate closely with local business owners, offering hands-on support in areas like marketing, operations, finance, customer experience, and leadership. The result? Tangible business growth that strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and creates jobs.

“Through every engagement, you see how the right insights and frameworks can unlock business potential and ultimately transform lives through lasting growth.”

Professional Growth That Transcends Borders

Bpeace hasn’t just helped Stacy grow, it’s made her sharper.. “It helped me raise my game,” she says. “When you step into a business in another country and need to make an impact fast, you learn to cut through the noise and focus on what moves the needle.”

That clarity and confidence now fuel her everyday work. “I bring that mindset to every client, every project, every meeting. Knowing I can adapt and focus on what matters has changed how I lead.”

Her most recent trip to Guatemala is a case in point. “I expected to work hard and eat well and both happened,” she laughs. “But what always amazes me is how much we learn just by listening to customers, to frontline workers, and to the community. We gain insights that shape better guest experiences, stronger teams, and better business outcomes.”

Making Time for What Matters

Balancing professional life, family, and volunteer commitments isn’t always easy, but for Stacy, it’s worth it.

“I prioritize what matters. Bpeace projects are just as important to me as any client work. I show up prepared, I stay committed, and I treat it with the respect it deserves, because someone’s business and livelihood are on the line.”

That shared sense of ownership is what makes Bpeace’s approach work for volunteers and owners alike.

Empowerment Over Execution

When asked what she loves most, and finds most challenging, about volunteering, Stacy is clear.

“The best part? Empowering the entrepreneurs I work with. The hardest part? Stepping back and letting them run with the ideas after I leave.”

But that’s the point, she says. “My job isn’t to do it for them. It’s to provide tools and frameworks they can use long after I'm gone, whether it’s a strategic roadmap, a stronger brand identity, or a customer-focused mindset.”

True impact, she believes, comes when people start to  think differently about what their businesses can become.

Advice for Future Skillanthropists

If you’re considering volunteering with Bpeace, Stacy has a message for you:

“Do it. You’ll be amazed by what you learn, both professionally, and personally. Every entrepreneur I’ve worked with has inspired me. I didn’t expect to build such strong relationships, but I’ve stayed in touch with all of them. You truly become part of their journey.”

Creating Opportunity, Fueling Peace

Why does Bpeace matter now more than ever? “Because opportunity isn’t evenly distributed. Bpeace helps level the playing field. One business at a time, we’re creating ripple effects that lead to-job creation, community stability, and long-term peace.”

Skilled volunteering, she says, is peacebuilding in action. “When you help an entrepreneur succeed, you’re not just growing a business, you’re stabilizing families, strengthening communities, and laying the foundation for peace.”

Why Bpeace?

Stacy sums it up beautifully: “Bpeace is where your skills create opportunity, unlock potential, and help build economic power in the communities that need it  most. That’s impact that lasts.”

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Learn more about Stacy Schulist
Stacy is a senior marketer focused on restaurants and restaurant technology. As founder of Schulist Advisory Services, she helps brands of all sizes shape strategy, connect with customers and grow. Her background includes marketing leadership roles at technology and restaurant companies. She currently serves as a Council Member at Gerson Lehrman Group, providing  product and industry expertise to investors and corporations, and as a top 50 marketing mentor for ADPList.

Are you ready to use your expertise for good?
Join a global network of professionals like Stacy who are using their skills to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and build peace through business. Learn how to become a Bpeace Skillanthropist today: bpeace.org/volunteer.