Steven Paletta
Stephen Paletta began his philanthropic journey years before being chosen as "The Biggest Giver" on the hit reality show, Oprah's Big Give. After being challenged to choose between a life of "significance or success," Paletta journeyed to Rwanda for a trip that changed his life. After connecting to the plight of the poor in a hands-on way, Paletta and his family decided to financially adopt ten children in Africa, and began his first nonprofit organization, The International Education Exchange, which builds schools and libraries and trains teachers all over Africa. His second nonprofit, Stephen's Journey Foundation, was formed after being awarded $1 million for winning Oprah's Big Give. Dedicated to shining a light on social entrepreneurs around the world, it provides an easy way for donors to find effective grassroots nonprofit organizations. Paletta encourages organizations to use their successes to help others.
