Brought structure and brand clarity to a grassroots non-profit, introduced new ways to fundraise, and helped build trust with donors, partners, and volunteers.
Introduction
Helping a small non-profit do big things—with strategy, creativity and heart.
Stepping Stones is a non-profit working to improve access to education and healthcare for disadvantaged children across China. The mission was strong. The team was passionate. But like many grassroots organisations, they needed more structure, visibility, and support to keep growing.
As a Board Director, I brought a strategic lens to how the team planned, communicated, and raised money. I helped structure board discussions, offered practical problem solving, and brought in network support when needed. But I didn’t stop at the strategy. I got involved on the ground—teaching English in rural classrooms, joining healthcare trips to migrant schools, driving a fundraising initiative, and leading a full rebrand that helped the team tell their story more clearly.
Even the best mission needs something solid behind it—something people can see, use, and believe in.
Whether I was teaching in a classroom or shaping a brand narrative, I used my skills to support what mattered. I helped the team bring their mission to life with tools, structure, and an identity they could grow into.
Highlights
Teaching
The best way to understand the mission was to live it. I taught English in local classrooms as part of Stepping Stones’ education program. Being in the room showed me what impact really looked like—small, meaningful moments that made learning more accessible and more human. It kept the mission grounded, gave me a stronger voice when representing the organisation externally, and built trust with funders who could see that the work was consistent and well run.
The Rebrand
Stepping Stones had a strong purpose but a scattered brand. I led a full rebrand, reshaping the organisation’s identity, messaging, and communications. I oversaw strategy, managed creative delivery, and worked closely with the team to make sure the result felt confident, authentic, and true to the work. The new brand helped Stepping Stones build credibility with donors, strengthen outreach to volunteers, and carry their message forward with more clarity and confidence.
Fundraising
To support Stepping Stones, I led a fundraising edition of Now&Them that turned creativity into impact. We curated a public exhibition where all artwork was sold, raising ¥100,000+ for the I Care Project—funding health checks and vision screenings for children at migrant schools, many receiving care for the first time. The event delivered not just donations, but visibility. It drew hundreds of attendees and required minimal effort from the nonprofit team. A creative, community-led event that made a real difference while staying true to the mission.
Testimonials
“Shermaine immediately impressed me with her professionalism and enthusiasm during a fundraising event that far exceeded our expectations. We invited her to join our Board of Directors, where she played a consistently positive role, asking sharp questions, offering creative solutions, and often drawing on her network to support our work. She brings drive, passion, and a genuine commitment to making the world a better place.”
Corinne Hua, Founding Director
Stepping Stones