A Voice Out of Poverty
by Jillian Haslam
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GENRE: Memoir
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BLURB:
A woman’s ascent from devastating poverty and childhood trauma to international standing as a
prominent advocate for the poor and helpless.
As a young girl, Jillian Haslam saved a life. Herself tiny and aching from malnutrition, she stood for hours
at a tea shop, begging for a ladle of milk to try and prevent her newborn sister from dying of starvation.
From the slums of Calcutta to the executive floors of a global bank, A Voice out of Poverty offers an
unflinching look at one woman’s journey from destitution to success.
Throughout, Haslam demonstrates an inexhaustible drive to rise above adversity and find beacons of
positivity in impossible circumstances. But her rise doesn’t stop at the top; she returns to her roots again
and again to extend a hand to those left in the impoverished communities that she so narrowly escaped.
British by ancestry and born in India after its independence, Haslam and her family suffered degradation
and prejudice. They were forced to live on the streets, flee danger in the middle of the night, and face
persistent abuse and starvation.
This treacherous environment is the backdrop of an unlikely story of resilience and an unshakable family
bond. From squalor and powerlessness, Haslam finds countless moments of grace, community,
gratitude, and love.
A Voice out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir that shows how beauty can be found in improbable
places, and how “success” is not just the act of making it through. Rather, it is the act of reaching back to
bring others with you.
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Excerpt:
“Oh, come on now Jillu, it’s not that bad!” she said. The brusque tone harkened to how she’d counsel us
not to yield to emotion. My mother relentlessly stressed that life could always have been harder. Never
make a fuss. Be grateful for what you have, however paltry. Things can be worse.
I wasn’t appeased, and my mother could tell.
“We can get it cleaned up when we get back,” she added, wiping tears from my cheeks with a single
thumb. Her other hand was trapped inside the hand of my younger sister, four-year-old Vanessa, who
held on as if worried she’d fly away like a released balloon if she let go.
“Anyway, we’re leaving in a few days, and where we’re going is better.” More parental reassurance about
greener pastures.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“To Mrs. Brown’s. She’s letting us sleep on the floor in her room for a while. It will be crowded but all of
us will be together again.”
“You mean Daddy and Donna can go there too?” I asked, my mood brightening. I saw a ghost of a smile
emerging on Vanessa’s face as she took it all in. We often lived apart as a family because of our
circumstances.
“Yes, but we can only stay for a few weeks, and then we must find somewhere else again. But don’t
worry, you know Daddy and I always find us something.”
“Okay,” I said, nodding.
We resumed shuffling down the streets, navigating mass congestion. I turned my head for a long look
back at the old woman and her dogs. I felt a surge of empathy for her, alone in wet and dirty clothes,
facing each day with the promise of nothing. Soon we’d have a roof over our heads in a family home
while she’d continue to fend for herself in the unsympathetic and unforgiving slum streets. She’d
continue to get wet and dirty. She’d continue to try to survive each day with no family to love and care for
her; I felt grateful for what I had and prayed that someday she might have the same. As those thoughts
flooded me, she gingerly placed sheets of old newspaper on the wet ground to sit on.
The rain fell a little harder.
AUTHOR Bio:
Jillian Haslam is a remarkable individual with expertise in speaking on adversity and Resilience
With a distinguished 23-year career in banking, she brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her
engagements. As an acclaimed author, her books A Voice Out of Poverty and 9 Steps to Overcome
Adversity-A Handbook for Life have garnered critical acclaim including the prestigious Kirkus Star
Review! Her extraordinary journey has earned her accolades, including the prestigious Mother Teresa
Memorial International Award for her humanitarian contributions.
Jillian's unique perspective and powerful storytelling have made her a sought-after speaker on the topics
of adversity and resilience. She has inspired audiences around the world with her transformative
message, helping individuals and organizations overcome challenges and achieve remarkable results.
Her insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The Times, The Telegraph, The BBC,
and The Week. Through her speaking engagements, Jillian empowers individuals and teams to harness
the power of resilience, navigate adversity, and unlock their full potential. Her profound impact continues
to resonate with audiences from various backgrounds, fostering a culture of strength, growth, and
success.
Jillian Haslam's expertise as a speaker on adversity and resilience, coupled with her extensive banking
experience, has made her a trusted voice in the field. Her ability to inspire and guide others through their
own journeys of overcoming obstacles sets her apart, making her a valuable asset to any event or
organization seeking to cultivate resilience and achieve exceptional success.
Jillian currently lives in London with her husband.
