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Our Mission
Stephen’s Journey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2008 by businessman philanthropist, Stephen Paletta,
with his winnings from the reality TV show Oprah’s Big Give. It is dedicated to shining a light on social
entrepreneurs around the world and the organizations they’ve founded.
Through his nonprofit organization,
Stephen provides individuals and corporate donors a "portal to effective, accountable grassroots nonprofit
groups," he says, "allowing them to spend all of their resources on the people in need they serve."
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Our Founder
Stephen Paletta,
Philanthropist, Family Man, CEO
Even before being chosen as "the biggest giver" on Oprah’s Big Give, the reality TV show on philanthropy,
Stephen Paletta decided to dedicate his life to helping others. "A few years ago," he says, "someone challenged
me to decide if my life was to be about significance or success."
In 2004, he found his answer when he traveled to Rwanda -- a trip that changed his life. "For the first time, I
was really hands-on and connected to the plight of the poor and the Third World," he says. "The images and the
people I got to know would not allow me to just go back to work and worry about making my own money."
As a result, Stephen and his family financially adopted and continue too support 10 children in Africa. He also
created The International Education Exchange, a nonprofit organization that builds schools and libraries, and
trains teachers in Africa.
Since being awarded one million dollars for winning Oprah’s Big Give, Stephen founded a second nonprofit
organization, Stephen’s Journey Foundation. Stephen’s Journey is dedicated to shining a light on social
entrepreneurs around the world and the organizations they’ve founded and to provide a portal for donors to find
effective, accountable grassroots nonprofit groups.
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In addition to philanthropy, Stephen is a devoted family man, happily married to his wife Christine. They have
three daughters and Stephen’s family is his proudest accomplishment.
Stephen graduated from Cornell University, where he was an All-American lacrosse player and a civil engineering
major. After college, Stephen worked in his family's general contracting business before starting his own company
in the same industry. He is currently CEO of Renaissance Integrated Solutions, a technology-based company in the
pipeline industry. "I have been blessed with a lot of success," Stephen says.
"I knew Oprah's Big Give would inspire others to engage in philanthropy. Through my nonprofit foundations,
www.EducationExchange.org and www.StephensJourney.org
I encourage people to join me as I focus on organizations
and projects that allow you to help others around the world without ever leaving home."
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