March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate, First News at Nine is proud to present Remarkable Women. Each week in March, we’ll be recognizing local women who have made remarkable contributions to their communities.

Every Tuesday, we’ll share a story highlighting one of four women who inspire, lead, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Tonight, our story is about Julie Stunkle, co-founder of the Honduras Well Project, a global effort to provide clean water for those in need. 

SKYLER TUREK:

When I heard about this contest, actually, my stepdad told me about it. He was like, you got to nominate Mom. I’m like, yes, we do have to nominate Mom just to be able to acknowledge all the work that she does locally and internationally. She is a remarkable woman, and we don’t often hear that as women. She is a business owner for the Natural Touch Landscaping in Eau Claire

And she’s also very involved at her church, but not only that, she has become a founder of her own nonprofit, Honduras Well Projects. And I just couldn’t believe when she was going to take on one more thing. I’m like, how do you do it all?

JULIE STUNKLE:

So, my husband and I and three friends, founded Honduras Well Projects. After we had been to Honduras on several trips drilling water wells and teaching the children some basic hygiene lessons and Bible stories, we decided that that ministry needed to continue. And so, we did fundraise for a drill rig and a compressor and a truck, and we were able to ship down the equipment. And now we have started drilling wells. We have 30 wells in the ground. We have repaired over 100 wells and got them back into working order. So, the goal of Honduras Well Projects is to put 30 wells in the ground each year and then do ten other types of projects.

So once the water is there, that main source that they need, we kind of look around the community and see what else do they need? Maybe they need a school constructed or latrines or something. In this last village we were in, we determined that those women really needed some ministry and just somebody to hear their story.

SKYLER TUREK:

She has gone to great lengths to help people that she’s never met, and I think that is the most inspiring thing.

JULIE STUNKLE:

It’s one thing that I’ve really learned is that if everybody does something little, huge things happen, and that’s really fun to watch. It’s not just those big givers which are great, and that really boosts morale. But I’ve seen huge things happen when everybody does something little and that’s what I want others to know, that if you just come forward and try something, it can happen.

If I were to send a message to younger women in the community, I would say, listen to those little nudges that tell you how to help people. It really does come back around in time.

SKYLER TUREK:

She is just always going above and beyond. And I’m not just saying that because she’s my mom; she is always doing and giving for the person who is in need. There is nothing more remarkable than that.