Freyaz Shroff speaks to a United Nations panel in New York at the 56th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

People are a priority and passion for Freyaz Shroff.

Folks –near and far, known and unfamiliar – are precious to her, especially those enduring hunger and poverty.

”I think we all belong to one big family, and you help out when your family is in need,” said Shroff, 37, who began her life as a volunteer at 15 while attending Myrtle Beach High School.