WILLOW APPLEBY, LLB, MA

Willow Appleby’s passion for defending and advocating for refugee rights is inspiring – one reason she managed the CHEER International Group’s volunteer program for nearly two years! Our newest CHAMPion first joined CHEERing as a student intern in early 2023. Providing invaluable support at the CHEERing office and Grow Clinics, Willow quickly worked up to Director of Volunteer Programs and is now consulting remotely for the team.

Willow has been involved in all aspects of CHEERing’s work, working at Grow Clinics and health screenings, leading cooking classes and nutrition workshops, and even starting a new cheerleading program for refugee children! As Director of Volunteer Programs, she managed CHEERing’s volunteer program, from recruitment through offboarding, and on-site operations in refugee camps. She is now using her experience in the field to consult remotely for the team.

“I’ve tried to get involved with anything and everything while with CHEERing, and during this time, I’ve learned the value of pausing, listening, and being there for others,” shares Willow. “The CHEERing team does this every week, and it is so clear how important and valuable this is for the people that we see.”

Willow’s favorite part about working for CHEERing? She tells us: “Undoubtedly the people! The incredible volunteers and CHEERing staff who I worked with as well as our beneficiaries and all the many different people I met along the way – I’ve learned so much and made friends for life and I can’t thank CHEERing enough for that!”

Originally from the United Kingdom, Willow holds a qualifying law degree from the University of Liverpool, a master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Padua in Italy, and wrote a thesis on the rights of refugee women in Greece. She plans to continue a career advocating for the health and well-being of the most vulnerable.

We are grateful for you, Willow! CHEER is thrilled to celebrate Willow Appleby as our CHAMPion of the Week.