When it comes to getting to know someone a little bit better, it’s sometimes best to ask someone who knows them well. In a special post to honor Jamie McMutrie on her birthday, we have 5 questions, answered by her sister and the co-founder of HFF, Ali McMutrie. We hope that this post will help you learn a little bit more about Jamie.
1. What’s it like being Jamie’s younger sister?
Jamie is almost 9 years older than me, so I have always looked up to her. I don’t remember specific instances, or exactly how old I was, but I know from family photos – it was clear that I was Jamie’s little, living “baby doll.” Based on that, it was clear she had a special love for kids, and especially me, ever since she was a kid herself.
2. How has Jamie inspired you?
She has always been a great role model for me, and an especially good big sister. She was kind to me, and let me hang around with her and her friends, even when they were so much older than me. The reason I got the initial idea to travel to Haiti when I was 15 stemmed from my intense curiosity, to see what she was up to down there. She inspired me, through her work and example, to join her as she works with Haitian families.
3. What’s a great moment you recall from her work, your childhood, or your recent daily life?
There were times in the past in Haiti, when we were taking care of babies who had been malnourished in the womb, babies who had gone days or weeks after being born without proper nutrition, that Jamie made me proud. There were countless times that Jamie stayed up all night, for days at a time, feeding the fragile little ones with a dropper. She has a special touch for taking care of babies in those situations. She’s never afraid, never freezes up, but always gently and lovingly cares for them. This moment continues to inspire me as it, sadly, repeats itself through our time in Haiti.
4. Where do you see Jamie in the future?
Many people might not know that Jamie’s dedication for helping others started long before her love for Haiti kicked in. During high school, she volunteered at a home for teen moms, counseling them and relating to them as only a peer of similar age really could. After high school, she was the co-owner of a Daycare Center on the North Side, which was geared specifically toward low income families. I suspect this is Jamie’s life path, that even beyond Haiti, my sister will continue to help others in the special ways that only she can.
5. What’s some words of advice from her?
At home growing up there were always extra people around, kids who needed a warm place to stay for a few nights or teenagers who were afraid to go home because of difficult living situations. Jamie has always offered comfort and shelter for people who needed it, and though her advice hasn’t always been in the form of words, she gives her advice through the example she sets.
Check out this great post over at http://beezuskiddo.com/. It’s a great summary of Ali & Jamie’s story and the importance of their continued work in Haiti through Haitian Families First.
ScareHouse’s Laura Kelly took some time to interview HFF Co-President and Co-Founder, Ali McMutrie this week. In addition to being a fun interview, it was pretty revealing and gives a little bit of insider information about Ali that you won’t want to miss, so be sure to read the article here: Did We Just Become Best Friends?!?. While Ali lives in Haiti for most of the year, she’s currently in Pittsburgh, working to raise funds and awareness for Haitian Families First. In her few hours of spare time each week, she terrifies and thrills guests at ScareHouse. “It’s been a fun gig,” said Ali about her time at ScareHouse, “and a good way to earn some money to support my next flight to Haiti.” The job of raising awareness about HFF isn’t all scares though. Don’t miss the 1st Annual Karaoke Costume party going down this Saturday, October 20th. 10PM Shadow Lounge. Get the detail on that here: Rock & Roll Karaoke Costume Party. Some singing from musical guests might be frightening, but come out and join in on the fun!