Our team

Our team is comprised of individuals based in the United States and in Niger. We are dedicated to supporting our partners to fulfill our vision that all Nigerien children have access to quality education.

Staff

Kara VanderKamp
Founder and CEO

Ibrahim Abdou
Country Director

Karen Pepin
Director of Sponsorships and Scholarships

Julie Frye
Director of Development

Carrie Blake
​Program Officer

Linda Haveman
Chief Financial Officer

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Board of Directors

OFFICERS
Kara VanderKamp
President and CEO
Grand Rapids, MI

Robert Bell
Vice President and Chairperson
Washington, DC

Lee DeYoung
Treasurer
Jenison, MI

Chris Chatelaine-Samsen
Vice Treasurer
Minneapolis, MN

Elizabeth Robertson Mitchum
Secretary
Charleston, SC

MEMBERS
Sekou Amadou
Arlington, VA

Pat Davies
Washington, DC

Ellen DeJong
Charleston, SC

Michel Mano
Reston, VA

Kathleen Nichols
Broadlands, VA

David Parler
Charleston, SC

Cameron Smith
Charleston, SC

Marissa Whaley
Charleston, SC

Michele Wilson
Arlington, VA