One Team, One Fight

Karina Sobieski

Karina is a seasoned human capital executive with a wide-ranging experience in building & scaling organizations, organizational design, leadership assessment, executive recruiting, succession planning, and diversity & inclusion. Currently, Karina co-heads the Human Capital Practice at Advent International. Prior to that she was Partner, Human Capital Practice for the SoftBank Vision Fund; Partner, Human Resources at Andreessen Horowitz; and was the second employee to join Nuru International when it was founded in 2008, where she served as CHRO, helping build and scale the organization from the ground up. Karina graduated with a Master’s in Psychology from Warsaw School of Social Psychology. After university, she worked at McKinsey & Company in Europe where she was responsible for HR & Recruiting, as well as at CitiBank where she managed Talent Acquisition. Karina remains very closely connected to Nuru’s vision and mission, and is humbled to serve as a board member to continue and help Nuru with its mission to end extreme poverty globally.

Steve Amodio

After serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso, Steve decided that it was the beginning and not the end of his commitment to positive change in the world. He then spent the better part of 2 decades in West Africa, partnering with both public and private sector organizations to solve problems in health, technology, education, climate change and supply chains. From the dunes of Northern Mali hunting down the last Guinee Worms for the Carter Center to the Port of Cotonou to ensure millions of dollars of investment into local Shea producing organizations, Steve has maintained his focus on solving for the barriers that have locked away autonomy and self-reliance from the indigenous people. Today he is living with his family in Chicago, but his focus remains the same.

Andi Daze

Growing up in the high plains of Jos in north central Nigeria, Andi cultivated a passion for the development of Africa. After over a decade of undergraduate and postgraduate studies and working in corporate law in England and the US, Andi returned to Nigeria to contribute towards his passion. As our Legal Advisor, Andi advises Nuru on establishing, managing risk, and implementing programs within a robust legal framework across Africa. Andi also sits as a Director on the board of Nuru Nigeria. As an arbitrator and international corporate and commercial lawyer with vast experience in international development, Andi is qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor in Nigeria, Attorney at Law in New York, and Solicitor in England and Wales.

Ian Schwenke

Ian was born and raised in the DC metro area, but has spent nearly 8 years living and working on the African continent with family, friends, and during his Peace Corps Service in Benin. Before Nuru, Ian received his MA in Global Human Development, and a specialization in sub-Saharan African regional studies at Georgetown University. While pursuing his MA, he had the opportunity to blend his knowledge of small-scale community development learned in the Peace Corps with academic practices used by development organizations and practitioners. At Nuru as an MEL Sr. Associate, Ian will help incorporate best practices to monitor ongoing projects, evaluate successes and failures, and learn for the future.

Feven Yimer

Feven has an MA in Sociology from Indra Gandhi National Open University and a Bachelors of Education in Biology from Debube University, Dilla College of Teacher Education and Health Sciences. Prior to joining Nuru Ethiopia, Feven worked as a subject teacher at multiple schools for six years in Addis Ababa. Similarly, she has worked as an English Language instructor for Turkish nationals since 2008. Her most recent experience before joining Nuru Ethiopia is working as a business partner at Emas Advert.

Feven Yimer

Feven has an MA in Sociology from Indra Gandhi National Open University and a Bachelors of Education in Biology from Debube University, Dilla College of Teacher Education and Health Sciences. Prior to joining Nuru Ethiopia, Feven worked as a subject teacher at multiple schools for six years in Addis Ababa. Similarly, she has worked as an English Language instructor for Turkish nationals since 2008. Her most recent experience before joining Nuru Ethiopia is working as a business partner at Emas Advert.

Amanda Valladares Gea

Originally from Granada, Andalusia, Amanda has always been passionate about foreign affairs, ID and the role foreign aid plays for developing countries. Amanda earned her BA in French Studies from the University of Granada and the University of Tours, France and holds a Masters in International Relations from the UPF, Barcelona. She lived and worked in Latin America where she gained experience managing projects focused on institutional strengthening and economic development. She has a track record developing proposals for multiple donors worldwide and identifying and securing funding opportunities. Amanda is a native Spanish speaker, proficient in French and a self-taught English speaker.

Kellyn Lovell

Kellyn began her career in the social sector as an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer, building organizational and community capacity to eradicate poverty in Camden, New Jersey. She brings nearly a decade of experience in fundraising, organizational storytelling, and strategic communications to her role at Nuru, having had the privilege of advancing incredible missions, both in the US and around the world. As Marketing & Communications Manager, Kellyn will continue to create clarity from complex ideas, systems, and structures and inspire participation in a more just world through meaningful connections. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Clarks Summit University.

Tatek Amataw

Born and raised in the heart of Sheger, Tatek has 15 years of professional experience in program management and monitoring and evaluation. He has worked for humanitarian and development organizations such as ICRC, IFRC, British Red Cross, GOAL Ethiopia, Comic Relief and Cordaid. While in the Red Cross, Tatek had the fortune of travelling extensively throughout Ethiopia and working with the most vulnerable communities across the country. He also worked with Somali, Eritrean and South Sudanese refugees during which he witnessed the traumatic effects of armed conflicts on non-combatants. Tatek, who earned his BSc from Addis Ababa University in Applied Mathematics, enjoys watching and playing soccer and also reading about the intriguing mysteries of the universe of which we are a part.

John Hancox

Don Faul

Esther Wambui

Tom Kibet

Tom Kibet

Fatuma Nyanjong

Fatuma is excited about supporting smallholder farmers with sustainable solutions to enhance resilience and end extreme poverty. She holds BSc in Agribusiness from Great-Lakes University of Kisumu, has undertaken training in Cooperatives and Gender Equality by Nisped-Israel and the Role of Farmer Organizations in Value Chains and Post-harvest Management by FAO. She is currently pursuing her Masters in entrepreneurship at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Before joining Nuru Kenya she coordinated Enhancing Farmer Entrepreneurship Development Project, World Bank and USAID projects at a National Level Farmer Organization. At Nuru Kenya Fatuma leads the Farmer Cooperative Strategy and is also in charge of Gender Mainstreaming. During her free time, Fatuma is enthusiastic about innovations that solve smallholder farmers’ problems.

Fatuma anapenda sana kusaidia wakulima wadogo na suluhisho endelevu ili kuongeza utulivu na kumaliza umaskini uliokithiri. Anashikilia shahada katika kilimo katika Chuo Kikuu cha Maziwa Makuu cha Kisumu, ana mafunzo katika Ushirikiano na Usawa wa Jinsia na Nisped-Israel, Jukumu la mashirika ya mkulima katika minyororo ya thamani na usimamizi wa baada ya mavuno na FAO. Hivi sasa anafanya shahada ya uzamili katika ujasiriamali katika Chuo Kikuu cha Kilimo na Teknolojia cha Jomo Kenyatta. Kabla ya kujiunga na Nuru Kenya aliratibu Kuongeza Mradi wa Kuendeleza Ujasiriamali wa Wakulima, Benki ya Dunia na miradi ya USAID kwenye Shirika la Wakulima la Taifa. Nuru Kenya Fatuma anaongoza mikakati ya ushirika wa wakulima na yeye pia yuko juu ya utangulizi wa jinsia. Wakati wake wa ziada Fatuma ana shauku ya kupata maoni mapya ambayo yanatatua shida za wakulima wadogo.

George Nyamweya

George is passionate about training staff, farmers, and farmer leaders. Since high school, he was involved in student club trainings and this gave him a great zeal in skills transfer. He holds a Master’s degree in Education and International Development from the University College London and a BSc. in Disaster Mitigation with Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University. He also holds a teaching certificate from The American Tesol Institute. He is a member of Rift Valley Reading Association and Young African leaders Initiative Alumni, both of which are improving the capacity of leaders in Kenya. As a leadership Program Manager, he is excited when he spots staff and farmers in cooperatives applying trained skills, knowledge, and capabilities to improve their livelihoods. 

George ako na ari ya kufunza wafanyakazi, wakulima na viongozi wa wakulima. Tangu akiwa shule ya upili, alihusika katika mafunzo ya vilabu vya wanafunzi na hii ilimpa msukumo  katika kuhamasisha utekelezaji wa mafunzo. Ana shahada ya uzamili katika Ualimu na Maendeleo ya Kimataifa kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha London na shahada katika Kupunguza Maafa na Maendeleo Endelevu kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Masinde Muliro. Yeye pia ana cheti cha ualimu kutoka Taasisi ya  Tesol Marekani. Ni mwanachama wa Chama cha Mafunzo ya Kusoma cha Bonde la ufa  na  chama cha Vijana  Viongozi wa Afrika, vyote ambavyo vinaboresha uwezo wa viongozi nchini Kenya. Kama Meneja wa kitengo cha Uongozi, anafurahi wakati anapata wafanyakazi na wakulima katika vyama vya ushirika wanatekeleza ujuzi, maarifa na uwezo kuboresha mapato yao.

George Nyamweya

George is passionate about training staff, farmers, and farmer leaders. Since high school, he was involved in student club trainings and this gave him a great zeal in skills transfer. He holds a Master’s degree in Education and International Development from the University College London and a BSc. in Disaster Mitigation with Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University. He also holds a teaching certificate from The American Tesol Institute. He is a member of Rift Valley Reading Association and Young African leaders Initiative Alumni, both of which are improving the capacity of leaders in Kenya. As a leadership Program Manager, he is excited when he spots staff and farmers in cooperatives applying trained skills, knowledge, and capabilities to improve their livelihoods. 

George ako na ari ya kufunza wafanyakazi, wakulima na viongozi wa wakulima. Tangu akiwa shule ya upili, alihusika katika mafunzo ya vilabu vya wanafunzi na hii ilimpa msukumo  katika kuhamasisha utekelezaji wa mafunzo. Ana shahada ya uzamili katika Ualimu na Maendeleo ya Kimataifa kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha London na shahada katika Kupunguza Maafa na Maendeleo Endelevu kutoka Chuo Kikuu cha Masinde Muliro. Yeye pia ana cheti cha ualimu kutoka Taasisi ya  Tesol Marekani. Ni mwanachama wa Chama cha Mafunzo ya Kusoma cha Bonde la ufa  na  chama cha Vijana  Viongozi wa Afrika, vyote ambavyo vinaboresha uwezo wa viongozi nchini Kenya. Kama Meneja wa kitengo cha Uongozi, anafurahi wakati anapata wafanyakazi na wakulima katika vyama vya ushirika wanatekeleza ujuzi, maarifa na uwezo kuboresha mapato yao.

Kevin Yongo

Having been raised in a rural set up and developing a passion for farming early in life, Kevin proceeded to pursue a BSc. degree in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics Major) from the University of Nairobi. He then proceeded to work with a number of research organizations before joining Kenya National Farmers Federation as a County Coordinator. Kevin later joined TechforTrade, a Uk Charity organization that sought to promote the role of the middlemen in Agricultural Trade by promoting trade transparency with the smallholder farmers.  He later joined JKUAT to pursue an MSc. (Entrepreneurship).  As Nuru Kenya’s Team Leader Livelihoods, he works to ensure the livelihoods interventions and strategies align with Nuru’s poverty alleviation goal.

Baada ya kukulia kijijini na kukuza hamu ya kilimo mapema maishani, Kevin alienda kutafuta shahada ya kilimo (Uchumi wa Kilimo) kutoka Chuo Kikuu Cha Nairobi. Kisha aliendelea kufanya kazi na mashirika kadhaa ya utafiti kabla ya kujiunga na shirikisho la wakulima wa kitaifa la Kenya kama mratibu wa Kata. Baadaye, Kevin alijiunga na TechforTrade shirika la UK Charity ambalo lilitaka kukuza jukumu la wazabuni katika Biashara ya Kilimo kwa kukuza uwazi wa biashara na wakulima wadogo. Baadaye alijiunga na JKUAT kutafuta MSc (Ujasiriamali). Kama Kiongozi wa timu ya Nuru Kenya katika kitengo cha riziki, Kevin anafanya kazi ili kuhakikisha kuwa mikakati inaambatana na lengo la Nuru  kuondoa umasikini.

Auphamia Nyangi Mohochi

Auphamia Nyangi Mohochi is passionate about ensuring communities are actively involved in fighting extreme poverty. The desire developed while he was working for Kenya Defense Forces especially during peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Burundi with the United Nations. He holds a Diploma in Intelligent Analysis from SOMI-School of Military intelligence. After having served the Kenya Defense Forces (K.D.F) for 21 years he attained several Certifications for example Certificate in Radio communication, Basic and advance Fire and Rescue, command course, Platoon Sergeant Course, VIP protection and several intelligent courses. As Nuru’s Community Outreach and Expansion Officer, Auphamia is excited and always energized whenever he sees the mobilized groups have coordinated and actively participating in Nuru’s cooperative interventions.

Auphamia Nyangi Mohochi anapenda sana kuhakikisha jamii zinashiriki kikamilifu katika kupambana na umasikini uliokithiri. Hamu ilikua wakati alipokuwa akifanya kazi kwa Kikosi cha Ulinzi cha Kenya haswa wakati wa utunzaji wa amani huko Sierra Leon na Burundi na Umoja wa Mataifa. Anashikilia stashahada katika Uchanganuzi wa Akili kutoka SOMI-Shule ya akili ya kijeshi. Baada ya kutumikia Kikosi cha Ulinzi cha Kenya (KDF) kwa miaka 21 alipata Vyeti kadhaa; Cheti katika mawasiliano ya Redio, elimu kuhusu Moto na Uokoaji, kozi ya amri, kozi ya kikosi cha USergeant, Ulinzi wa VIP na kozi kadhaa za akili. Kama afisa wa Upanuzi wa Jumuiya ya Nuru, Auphamia anafurahi na kila mara hushawishiwa kila anapoona vikundi vilivyohamasishwa vimeratibu na kushiriki kikamilifu kwenye vyama vya ushirika vya Nuru.

Jake Harriman

Jake Harriman is a United States Naval Academy graduate and former Force Recon Marine combat veteran who became convinced that the “War on Terror” can’t be won on the battlefield alone; the contributing causes of violent extremism–specifically extreme poverty–must also be eradicated. After transitioning out of the Marine Corps, Jake enrolled in the Stanford Graduate School of Business to found Nuru International in 2007 with a mission to eradicate extreme poverty in some of the most fragile regions of the world in order to help stop the spread of groups like Al Qaeda and ISIS. Over the next twelve years, Jake and his team grew Nuru to become one of the premier organizations at the nexus of security and development – empowering over 130,000 people with lasting meaningful choices to permanently climb out of extreme poverty in some of the toughest places in the world.

Due to the desperate condition of the U.S. political system, Jake turned his attention to helping protect the American Democratic experiment, which he fears is on the brink of failure – a failure that would have terrible global consequences. In 2020, Jake founded More Perfect Union to break and rebuild the current dysfunctional system and give it back to the American people. Key early components of Jake’s plan include creating a reform-minded fulcrum of five new Members in the U.S. Senate, building a nationwide movement for unity and reform, and passing new legislation to reform the electoral system and structural rules and norms of Congress.

Pauline Wambeti

Pauline Wambeti believes in “not waiting for other people to make the changes for us, but to make the changes ourselves.” Having invested over 15 years in community development in Kenya, Pauline is currently the Managing Director for Nuru Kenya. Prior to joining Nuru, Pauline worked for the United Nations Environment’s Regional office for Africa-Nairobi. She has been a Programme Officer for the National Organization for Peer Educators; a Business Development Officer for K-Rep Bank Ltd and, a Program Facilitator for Doctors of the World. Pauline has studied Social Work and Community Development in addition to post graduate studies in Development Studies and Project Management. She is a 2018 East Africa Acumen Fellow. 

Msingi wa uongozi wa Pauline Wambeti ni kwa falsafa ya, ‘tusingoje mabadiliko ya maendeleo kutoka kwa wengine, mbali tujibadilishe na kujiendeleza wenyewe.’ Hivi sasa Pauline ni Mkurugenzi wa Nuru Kenya, shirika lililojikita katika kumaliza umaskini uliokithiri, mashinani mwa nchi ya Kenya.  Kabla ya kujiunga na Nuru, Pauline alifanya kazi UNEP katika ofisi kuu ya Afrika jijini Nairobi. Amekuwa pia Afisa wa kuelimisha rika katika shirika la NOPE; Afisa wa Maendeleo ya Biashara katika K-Rep Bank Ltd; na Mkufunzi katika shirika la Doctors of the World-Spain. Pauline amesomea  Kazi za Kijamii; Maendeleo ya Jamii na Usimamizi wa Mradi. Pauline alishiriki katika 2018 Acumen East Africa Fellowship.  

Pauline Wambeti

Pauline Wambeti believes in “not waiting for other people to make the changes for us, but to make the changes ourselves.” Having invested over 15 years in community development in Kenya, Pauline is currently the Managing Director for Nuru Kenya. Prior to joining Nuru, Pauline worked for the United Nations Environment’s Regional office for Africa-Nairobi. She has been a Programme Officer for the National Organization for Peer Educators; a Business Development Officer for K-Rep Bank Ltd and, a Program Facilitator for Doctors of the World. Pauline has studied Social Work and Community Development in addition to post graduate studies in Development Studies and Project Management. She is a 2018 East Africa Acumen Fellow. 

Msingi wa uongozi wa Pauline Wambeti ni kwa falsafa ya, ‘tusingoje mabadiliko ya maendeleo kutoka kwa wengine, mbali tujibadilishe na kujiendeleza wenyewe.’ Hivi sasa Pauline ni Mkurugenzi wa Nuru Kenya, shirika lililojikita katika kumaliza umaskini uliokithiri, mashinani mwa nchi ya Kenya.  Kabla ya kujiunga na Nuru, Pauline alifanya kazi UNEP katika ofisi kuu ya Afrika jijini Nairobi. Amekuwa pia Afisa wa kuelimisha rika katika shirika la NOPE; Afisa wa Maendeleo ya Biashara katika K-Rep Bank Ltd; na Mkufunzi katika shirika la Doctors of the World-Spain. Pauline amesomea  Kazi za Kijamii; Maendeleo ya Jamii na Usimamizi wa Mradi. Pauline alishiriki katika 2018 Acumen East Africa Fellowship.  

Abiy Meshesha

Born and raised in southern Ethiopia and from a smallholder farming community, Abiy has led local and international NGOs in Ethiopia since 2004. Before joining Nuru Ethiopia on March 2018, Abiy worked as Save the Children International(SCI) Regional READ TA Project Manager in Hawassa, SCI satellite office manager in Hadelaela, EKHC DC Medan ACTS Manager in Dilla, and South Adventist Academy Vice Principal in Hawassa. In addition, he worked on short-term emergency projects with Medicins Sans Frontiers. Abiy holds an MA in Sociology and BA in Education.

Abiy Meshesha

Born and raised in southern Ethiopia and from a smallholder farming community, Abiy has led local and international NGOs in Ethiopia since 2004. Before joining Nuru Ethiopia on March 2018, Abiy worked as Save the Children International(SCI) Regional READ TA Project Manager in Hawassa, SCI satellite office manager in Hadelaela, EKHC DC Medan ACTS Manager in Dilla, and South Adventist Academy Vice Principal in Hawassa. In addition, he worked on short-term emergency projects with Medicins Sans Frontiers. Abiy holds an MA in Sociology and BA in Education.

Keren

With a master’s degree in business policy from the University of Rivers State and bringing over 15 years of experience to her work at Nuru, Keren is dedicated to making Nuru Nigeria a strong and resilient organization through effective financial and human resource management. Keren’s passion is to support the restoration of family dignity being ravaged by poverty through sustainable empowerment, and she is inspired by seeing farmers and their families filled with hope and opportunity as a result of Nuru’s work.

Amy Gaman

Amy has over a decade of experience in leading impact-driven teams and programs. She is passionate about ensuring sustainability and working directly with communities to develop solutions to fight poverty and bring justice for women, youth, and children in Nigeria. In addition to her role leading Nuru Nigeria since 2018, Amy serves as a ONE Champion in Nigeria Chief of Party for the Building Sustainable Livelihoods Program sponsored by USAID, and has received various awards including Adamawa State Humanitarian Ambassador of the year, recognition by the British Council through the Northeast Hub, and has been named a Perennial Fellow.

Amy Gaman

Amy has over a decade of experience in leading impact-driven teams and programs. She is passionate about ensuring sustainability and working directly with communities to develop solutions to fight poverty and bring justice for women, youth, and children in Nigeria. In addition to her role leading Nuru Nigeria since 2018, Amy serves as a ONE Champion in Nigeria Chief of Party for the Building Sustainable Livelihoods Program sponsored by USAID, and has received various awards including Adamawa State Humanitarian Ambassador of the year, recognition by the British Council through the Northeast Hub, and has been named a Perennial Fellow.

Simon

Simon holds a B. Tech in Urban and Regional Planning as well as an M. Tech in infrastructure along with several certifications in program design and project management. Simon joined the fight to end extreme poverty after several years of being a tutor in higher institutions. He believes knowledge creates wealth. After experience living as a refugee in northern Cameroon during the time when his home community was part of Boko Haram’s caliphate, Simon is passionate about providing the people of northeastern Nigeria opportunities for hope and meaningful choices. 

Simon Eli

Simon holds a B. Tech in Urban and Regional Planning as well as an M. Tech in infrastructure along with several certifications in program design and project management. Simon joined the fight to end extreme poverty after several years of being a tutor in higher institutions, he believes knowledge creates wealth. After experience living as a refugee in northern Cameroon during the time when his home community was part of Boko Haram’s caliphate, Simon is passionate about providing the people of northeastern Nigeria opportunities for hope and meaningful choices. 

Elizabeth Atherton

Elizabeth earned her BS in Business Administration and her Masters of Accountancy at The University of Montana and holds Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant licenses. She provided audit and advisory services to public companies, nonprofits, and governmental organizations at KPMG and taught auditing and pursued doctoral studies at The University of Arkansas before joining Nuru in 2013. At Nuru, she oversees the business operations and development teams as well as Nuru’s diversity initiatives. She received the InsideNGO Excellence in Finance Award in 2016 and advocates for the eradication of extreme poverty as a Congressional District Leader for the ONE Campaign.

Elizabeth Atherton

Elizabeth earned her BS in Business Administration and her Masters of Accountancy at The University of Montana and holds Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant licenses. She provided audit and advisory services to public companies, nonprofits, and governmental organizations at KPMG and taught auditing and pursued doctoral studies at The University of Arkansas before joining Nuru in 2013. At Nuru, she oversees the business operations and development teams as well as Nuru’s diversity initiatives. She received the InsideNGO Excellence in Finance Award in 2016 and advocates for the eradication of extreme poverty as a Congressional District Leader for the ONE Campaign.

Emily McLaughlin

Emily has over a decade of experience in human resources, training and teaching. Since joining Nuru in 2010, she has been passionate about supporting Nuru’s incredible staff and striving to make Nuru one of the best companies to work for. While Emily earned her BA in English and Communications at Concordia University in the sunny city of Irvine, CA, she’s a Washington native at heart, and you can find her always looking for excuses to get outdoors with her hubby and three crazy kiddos. During her time at Nuru, she has been instrumental in creating a healthy culture that lives out its values in service to communities living in extreme poverty. 

Tacy Layne

A lifelong West Virginia resident, Tacy graduated from Fairmont State University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in English. Following graduation, she worked as a marketing administrator for an advertising publication. In 2015, inspired by travel to Malawi, Africa, Tacy began work in the nonprofit sector as a writer/editor for an international nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the orphan crisis. Moved by the realization that extreme poverty is the leading cause of family disruption, Tacy joined Nuru International in 2018 to support fundraising efforts, donor relations, and communications. In her spare time, she enjoys training for marathons, whitewater rafting, skiing, and occasional foraging. 

Matt Lineal

Matt received his BA in Government and Spanish from Lawrence University and a MS in Forest Sciences from Colorado State University. He then began his international service career in rural Honduras, first as a Peace Corps Volunteer and later with The Nature Conservancy. Over several years punctuated by severe challenges for Hondurans, his experiences were eye opening as to how people navigate the complexities of rural life. Matt was drawn to Nuru International in 2011 with the resolve to take on tough challenges and has been humbled and amazed to be part of the transformational impact of local leaders. As Nuru’s Chief Program Officer, Matt continues to promote the agency of rural communities as the foundation of meaningful positive change. 

Matt Lineal

Matt received his BA in Government and Spanish from Lawrence University and a MS in Forest Sciences from Colorado State University. He then began his international service career in rural Honduras, first as a Peace Corps Volunteer and later with The Nature Conservancy. Over several years punctuated by severe challenges for Hondurans, his experiences were eye opening as to how people navigate the complexities of rural life. Matt was drawn to Nuru International in 2011 with the resolve to take on tough challenges and has been humbled and amazed to be part of the transformational impact of local leaders. As Nuru’s Chief Program Officer, Matt continues to promote the agency of rural communities as the foundation of meaningful positive change. 

Lee Schofield

Lee started his career of service in the British Army and now contributes at Nuru as security and development professional. He brings significant prior experience to his efforts at Nuru, previously working in dynamic environments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Somalia to provide on-the-ground leadership capacity development and sound security strategies for and with local development professionals.  By building strong local partnerships and initiating programs of positive change together with the people he serves, Lee helps whole communities develop strong networks, and contribute directly to their own enhanced safety, security, and trust.

Emily Plauché

A native of Louisiana, Emily is a Certified Public Accountant who acquired her BS in Accounting from Louisiana State University before pursuing her MS in International Security from the School of Public Policy at University College London where she focused specifically on reconciliation between ethnic groups after mass crime. Emily then relocated to Charlotte, NC to work as an auditor in the Banking and Capital Markets space for PwC before transitioning into the nonprofit sector where she worked first as the Director of Accounting and Subsidiary Controller for a national nonprofit before joining Nuru International. Emily’s passion is for underrepresented populations locally and globally and she is honored to be part of this team.

Dena Bunnel

Growing up on a dairy farm in Kansas, agriculture has been central to Dena’s life and work. She holds M.S. degrees in agricultural and resource economics and international agricultural development from the University of California, Davis, as well as a B.S. in agricultural communications and a B.A. in political science from Kansas State University. Before joining Nuru, Dena worked to build agricultural capacity on three continents with the Post-Harvest Loss Innovation Lab at Kansas State University and in Afghanistan while working for the USDA. She is also pursuing a PhD in security studies, further researching intervention points to break the cycle of conflict and poverty through agricultural economic growth.

Casey Harrison

Casey was born and raised on a farm in rural Maryland, and has worked at the nexus of smallholder farming in Africa and natural resource management since 2009. Prior to Nuru, he contributed as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia where he served as an agricultural extension agent, and worked with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on mitigating the negative environmental and social impacts of agricultural production and value chains with a focus on East and Southern Africa. He has completed a dual MA in Natural Resource Management and International Affairs from American University in Washington DC and the University for Peace in Costa Rica, and in his free time, Casey enjoys travelling, backpacking, biking, and live music of all kinds. 

Brian von Kraus

Brian graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and served in the Marine Corps for 15 years as an infantry officer where he had the opportunity to work for a variety of infantry, reconnaissance, and special operations units during multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the Marine Corps, Brian graduated UCLA’s Executive MBA program and is currently enrolled in UC Berkeley’s Masters in Information and Cybersecurity program. He is committed to protecting Nuru’s impact on communities overseas. Brian is an avid traveler and loves spending his free time outdoors.

Billy Williams

As passionate about ending extreme poverty as he is about his home state of West Virginia, Billy developed a hunger for listening to and telling good stories at a young age. He received his BA in both Chemistry and English and an MA in English from West Virginia University as well as an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. As Nuru’s lead advocate and storyteller, Billy has been invited to share at events around the globe. If you are seated next to him on a plane, or trapped with him in an elevator, he’ll be sure to invite you to join our efforts, too.

Aerie Changala

Aerie has been leading Nuru as its CEO since 2020. Prior to assuming his current role, Aerie has been part of Nuru’s leadership since the organization’s earliest days. He led the design of the Nuru model and scaling for the past decade. Aerie’s passion for serving vulnerable and marginalized communities comes from his time serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in northern Burkina Faso. Having spent the majority of his adult life living in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Aerie has traveled extensively, speaks five languages, and brings a truly global perspective to his work at Nuru. Aerie earned his BA in International Affairs from John Cabot University (Rome, Italy); his MA in International Conflict Analysis from University of Kent (Canterbury, UK); and completed Stanford’s University’s Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leadership.

Aerie Changala

Aerie has been leading Nuru as its CEO since 2020. Prior to assuming his current role, Aerie has been part of Nuru’s leadership since the organization’s earliest days. He led the design of the Nuru model and scaling for the past decade. Aerie’s passion for serving vulnerable and marginalized communities comes from his time serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in northern Burkina Faso. Having spent the majority of his adult life living in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Aerie has traveled extensively, speaks five languages, and brings a truly global perspective to his work at Nuru. Aerie earned his BA in International Affairs from John Cabot University (Rome, Italy); his MA in International Conflict Analysis from University of Kent (Canterbury, UK); and completed Stanford’s University’s Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leadership.

Aerie Changala

Aerie has been leading Nuru as its CEO since 2020. Prior to assuming his current role, Aerie has been part of Nuru’s leadership since the organization’s earliest days. He led the design of the Nuru model and scaling for the past decade. Aerie’s passion for serving vulnerable and marginalized communities comes from his time serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in northern Burkina Faso. Having spent the majority of his adult life living in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, Aerie has traveled extensively, speaks five languages, and brings a truly global perspective to his work at Nuru. Aerie earned his BA in International Affairs from John Cabot University (Rome, Italy); his MA in International Conflict Analysis from University of Kent (Canterbury, UK); and completed Stanford’s University’s Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leadership.

Yemisrach Sintayeu

Yemisirach joined the Nuru Ethiopia team in March 2018. She received her BA in Accounting and Finance from Arba Minch University in Accounting and Finance in 2011 and for seven years served as an Accountant at Southwest Evangelical Churches, Mekane Yesus Synod Development and Social Service Commission. She is passionate about working to improve the health and living conditions of people living in extreme poverty, and especially seeing women and girls have opportunities to chart a path toward a better life.  She has substantial experience in accounting and financial management.