Stories, essays, and life in between
A glimpse into my writing, from my memoir Alchemy of a Woman to my column Essays from a Global Mama, and human-centered pieces from my work around the world.
About
Alchemy of a Woman
Argentina gave her passion. Thailand, chaos. Ethiopia, reckoning. France and Italy, release. From her Mormon upbringing in Utah to humanitarian work in some of the world’s harshest corners, her path tested everything she believed about love, humanity, and purpose. She nearly died from parasites, but what truly consumed her was guilt, the kind born from privilege, faith, and the impossible urge to fix what can’t be fixed.
Alchemy of a Woman is a memoir—raw, darkly funny, and fiercely self-aware—about transformation through fire, faith, and freedom. Spanning a decade of her life, Amanda sheds the layers of religion, expectation, and romantic illusion as she learns that compassion isn’t self-sacrifice; it’s love that has burned through guilt and come out gold.
Essays from a Global Mama
Essays from a Global Mama is my ongoing collection of personal reflections—stories about love, motherhood, and the messy beauty of life across cultures. Visit my Substack to read more as I explore what it means to raise a child, stay grounded, and make sense of a complicated world.
Institutional Writing
With over 15 years of experience in the humanitarian and development sector, Amanda Westfall has crafted a diverse range of institutional writing, including reports, proposals, communications strategies, and stories that highlight the human impact of global efforts. Her work includes over 30 published articles on how programs in education, nutrition, and health are transforming lives in vulnerable communities worldwide, with many pieces recognized by leading platforms such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Fast Media.
Explore the collection, where each story stands as a testament to the power of effective communication in driving meaningful change.
About
Amanda Westfall is a writer and storyteller known for narrative nonfiction that explores the complexities of life and love, like her memoir Gut Love, and for transforming technical, humanitarian work into stories that resonate. With over 15 years leading communications projects for UN agencies worldwide — from Ethiopia to Denmark — she now calls Argentina home, where she continues to blend her professional craft with personal writing.