In the summer of 2000, Lydia Dean took the first step out of her work-focused life to spend six weeks in Costa Rica. It would lead to the next two decades of global travels that would focus on partnering with the world’s lesser-known humanitarians.

Lydia Dean finds herself at the top of her game professionally, yet on the verge of an emotional breakdown. She quits her job and persuades her husband John to bring their young family on an inspirational path around the world in search of more meaning. The family initially settles in a quiet village in the South of France where they discover the joys of leading a simpler life. Reconnecting with her early childhood dreams of humanitarian work, Lydia’s adventures then take her further from the comforts of home as the young family travels extensively to areas lacking access to education and opportunity.

Join Lydia as she journeys through shelters for children across India, into the jungles of Costa Rica, Southeast Asia and Venezuela, and to China where the Deans adopt their third child. Lydia experiences her deepest life epiphanies as she meets people and programs, quietly and courageously fighting against injustices. Believing that our collective small personal actions can make a difference towards a greater whole, she and a passionate team launch GoPhilanthropic Foundation, a non-profit devoted to strengthening the voice of community-based organizations providing access to education, healthcare and basic human rights around the world.