About
Michael Kirkpatrick is the Independent Global Citizen. His mission is to “rebelliously incite people to think”.
Michael was raised in Sellersville, Pennsylvania USA. He started his professional career in 1987 with American Olean Tile Company while a university undergraduate. Michael graduated from Lehigh University in 1990 with a BS in Computer Science. As a programmer and systems analyst, he was responsible for the development and maintenance of various information systems including inventory, order processing, planning, stock replenishment, distribution, and transportation.
Michael met his wife Stephanie in 1994 and soon proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. On April 1, 1997 they were married in Las Vegas, USA. In 1998, Michael and Stephanie were invited to visit Uganda by a friend that had launched a grassroots organization to help the orphans and rural peasants devastated by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The experience deeply impacted their lives.
Michael and Stephanie moved to Dallas, USA in 2002. He continued his employment with Dal-Tile Corporation as a business analyst specializing in operations, supply chain management, cost reduction strategies, and developing key performance metrics. After twenty years as an employee, he left the company in 2007. He was recently employed at St. Jude Medical Neuromodulation Division as the Manager of Inventory Control until June 2010. He is currently pursuing personal interests as a social entrepreneur.
Since originally visiting Uganda in 1998, Michael and Stephanie have returned to Africa several times at their own expense. Their network of friends has grown to include government officials, business people, religious leaders, artists, musicians, farmers, and rural villagers. Michael has become a passionate advocate of sustainable development and self-determination in Africa. The challenges of the continent have caused him to question the solutions of institutional aid programs and charities. Many of these strategies have created economic dependence and perpetuated “third-world welfare”. Africa is now at the nexus of global issues that will dictate the path of human history. The orphan crisis, the destruction of societies caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the war on terrorism, regional conflicts, environmental issues, and the global battle for natural resources will affect every person on the planet.
People say I’m crazy doing what I’m doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings to save me from ruin
When I say that I’m OK well they look at me kind of strange
Surely you’re not happy now you no longer play the game
.Michael and Stephanie live in Plano, TX USA.
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Very inspiring story – I am motivated by Love and Passion you have for the African Continent. Its my dream that some day this Continent will be redeemed from its present epidemics.(Political, Social, Economic and otherwise)
I am most Passionate about the restoration of the Glory of the Pearl of Africa.
I am glad to be a MULALU
Onyait Odeke
Michael,
Congratulations on this site. I have placed it in my favorites and will explore it!
As you know, I, like you, have a passion for Africa and its people. Wishing for more sustainability for their country.
I am interested in the reasoning behind “passionate advocate of sustainable development and self-determination in Africa”
Michael, I believe you and I need to discuss somethings that appear as if we both agree on. I am an embedded researcher that does fieldwork in the area from Yambio South to G-Town.
I have numerous documents and communiques which show a different side of the story. One that is being completely ignored.
I hope you touch base.
[...] a tiny amount. Consuming $1.50/day is one thing. Living on it is entirely another. (h/t to Michael Kirkpatrick at Independent Global Citizen for pointing out the [...]
I knew Michael,when I sent the friend request I would be very happy indeed!! You have proven what your character is, as well as your inner morals… and that my friend is what truly makes a human being just that!! Now onto, promoting a new world communism, for the people, of the people, to be beneficial to all the people…. I truly believe it can be done!