Meet Tobie Spears 2020 Women of the Year
Founder and Director | Be Humanitarian
For Tobie Spears, leadership has never been about titles. Instead, it has always been about impact.
When asked about her favorite part of her work, her response is immediate and sincere. She loves seeing lasting change in the lives of children in Guatemala. She also treasures watching local teens gain confidence, job skills, and real world experience. Perhaps most meaningful, however, is witnessing volunteers arrive curious and return home transformed.
Creating Change Through Connection
Through Be Humanitarian, Tobie designs immersive service experiences that allow volunteers to see both the beauty and the challenges of life in a developing country. Guatemala is breathtaking. At the same time, many families face daily obstacles related to food security, education, and opportunity.
Because of this contrast, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of their role in creating change. Rather than simply observing, they participate. As a result, they often return home inspired to serve in their own communities.
Ultimately, Tobie’s goal is not only to support families abroad but also to cultivate global citizens who lead with compassion wherever they live.
Inspired by a Legacy of Strong Women
Behind Tobie’s work stands a powerful legacy.
She credits the women in her family as her greatest inspiration. Her grandmothers, mother, aunts, sisters, and daughters have shaped who she is. Together, they represent a long line of hardworking, resilient women who know how to make lemonade out of lemons.
Because of their example, Tobie leads with grit, optimism, and deep empathy. In turn, that mindset influences the culture of Be Humanitarian and the community it serves.
Recognized for Courage and Compassion
Utah Business honored Tobie as one of the 2020 Women of the Year, recognizing leaders who show courage and compassion in challenging times. In many industries, women still fight for space at the table. Nevertheless, leaders like Tobie continue to rise.
Her recognition reflects a simple truth. Leadership is not about status. Rather, it is about service, vision, and showing up consistently for those who need you most.
You can view the full list of honorees here:
https://www.utahbusiness.com/archive/2020/11/16/2020-women-of-the-year
In Her Own Words : Watch Tobie’s Interview Here
What is your favorite part of your job?
Making lifelong changes in the lives of children in Guatemala means everything to me. I love empowering local teens with real world experience and watching volunteers discover both the wonder and the hardships of life in a developing country. Most importantly, I hope they return home committed to giving back in meaningful ways.
Who inspires you most and why?
The women in my family inspire me daily. My grandmas, my mom, my aunts, my sisters, and my daughters have shown me what strength and joy look like. We truly believe in making lemonade out of lemons.
Continuing the Work
Today, Be Humanitarian continues to grow. The organization supports families in Guatemala through nutrition programs, education initiatives, job creation, and sustainable community development. At the same time, it builds a network of volunteers committed to making the world better.
If you would like to learn more about our mission, visit
https://behumanitarian.org
To explore sponsorship opportunities, including corporate partnerships, visit
https://behumanitarian.org/sponsorship-donations
We would love to connect and talk about how you can become part of this work.
Media Credit
Tobie Spears photographed by Justin Hackworth for Utah Business
By Lindsay Bicknell | November 16, 2020
