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Board of Directors
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Dennis Mwangwela
Global Director for Integral Mission, World Relief
Dennis, born and raised in Malawi... |
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Andy Schaffer
Program Manager, Battelle Memorial Institute
Andy Shaffer, a Program Manager at Battelle with 20 years of experience in chemical weapons defense, has long supported Three Roots and made his first trip to Ethiopia in 2025. He has also served on church and nonprofit boards, including co-leading a volunteer mobilization team for International Justice Mission. |
Kristina Baum Gargiulo
Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck
Kristina Baum is an expert in strategic communications and public affairs, with experience in the White House, Capitol Hill, and leading private sector firms. She has guided policy campaigns, media relations, and crisis management across multiple sectors. Kristina is also a national media contributor on cancer research and an advocate for melanoma patients and survivors. |
Kyle Brown
Marketing Director, KPMG Kyle serves as Treasurer for Three Roots International and brings over 17 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial oversight. A Certified Public Accountant and Managing Director at KPMG, he specializes in financial transparency, risk management, and strong stewardship. He is passionate about global missions and has a long-standing family connection to Three Roots. |
Chris Conway, PhD, CPC
Founder, Cornerstone Professional Center
Chris Conway is the Founder of Cornerstone Professional Center and brings extensive experience in professional coaching, leadership development, and organizational consulting. He has worked with leaders across sectors to strengthen performance, clarity, and organizational effectiveness. |
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Heidi Scholz
Educator
After a 25-year career as a teacher, Heidi Scholz has devoted her retirement to serving others through mission trips, CASA advocacy, and volunteering with a food pantry, therapeutic horse programs, and senior exercise initiatives. Heidi’s lifelong commitment to helping others continues to inspire the communities she serves. |
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Leadership Team
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Lishan Seyoum
National Director
For over 13 years, Lishan has carried her commitment to community transformation into roles that have touched thousands across Ethiopia. As National Director, she now leads the programs and operations that shape what lasting, equitable development looks like on the ground. |
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In Country Staff
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Shambel Worku
Project Manager
Shambel holds an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics and a B.A. in Economics from Haramaya University. With 19+ years in international development, Shambel has led programs in youth empowerment, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship. They are committed to helping young people thrive and build sustainable opportunities in Ethiopia. |
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Daniel Boko
Babogaya Primary School Director
Daniel, born in Wellega, Oromia, holds a BA in Educational Planning and Management and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. With over 13 years in school leadership, he is passionate about ensuring every child receives a quality education. |
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Dereje Nigussie
Driver & Logistics Officer
Dereje, from Bishoftu, holds a diploma in Information Technology from Admas University. With extensive experience in administration, facilitation, and operations across education and healthcare, he brings valuable expertise to Three Roots International. |
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Global Operations and Support
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Holly Downing
Events & Administration
Holly grew up in the Midwest and fell in love with East Africa during a four-month study abroad, inspired by the people and culture she encountered. She has dedicated her career to working with international nonprofits fighting violence and poverty around the world. |
OUR PROGRESS
IN ETHIOPIA:
IN ETHIOPIA:
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women trained in health via care groups
0
families supported with critical care
0
women saving and starting businesses
0
community leaders trained
0
students educated at the Primary School
0
individuals supported through our programs
The Challenge Families Face
Extreme poverty is not only a lack of income. It is a web of barriers that trap families in cycles of chronic suffering. Poor health, limited access to education, and unstable livelihoods collide to threaten safety, stability, and in many cases, life itself.
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Ethiopia ranks 180 out of 193 for quality of human life.The UN’s Human Development Index ranks countries for quality of human life through a measure of health, education, and income. Behind that number are families navigating daily challenges with courage and determination.
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Beneath all of this sits a deeper weight. Many families have been led to believe that nothing can change. That belief can hold a community in place as powerfully as any system. This is where our work begins.
Change That Lasts for Generations
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True transformation starts with mindset. That’s why we begin by helping communities imagine a different future—and then provide the tools to get there.
We stay for 7–10 years, walking with communities as they build systems that continue long after we step away. |
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OUR PROGRESS
IN ETHIOPIA:
IN ETHIOPIA:
0
women trained in health via care groups
0
families supported with critical care
0
women saving and starting businesses
0
community leaders trained
0
students educated at the Primary School
0
individuals supported through our programs
OUR PROGRESS
IN ETHIOPIA:
IN ETHIOPIA:
0
women trained in health via care groups
0
families supported with critical care
0
women saving and starting businesses
0
community leaders trained
0
students educated at the Primary School
Our Impact
Last year, we helped 1,669 individuals build flourishing lives through direct participation in our programs.
888women reached with life-saving health education groups 510students attending the Babogaya Primary School $12,483in new business launched 91%grade 8 national exam passing rate |
Equipping Families to Rise- and Thrive.
When families are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and opportunities, they can break the cycle of poverty. This is why our work is focused on three essential areas: Health, Education, and Income.
Health: Empowering community members through peer to peer education, training local leaders to improve family health, sanitation, and nutrition.
Education: Supporting children, adults, and teachers to expand opportunity through learning
Income: Facilitating savings groups, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to grow lasting financial stability
Every family’s story is different—but with support and dignity, transformation is possible.
Health: Empowering community members through peer to peer education, training local leaders to improve family health, sanitation, and nutrition.
Education: Supporting children, adults, and teachers to expand opportunity through learning
Income: Facilitating savings groups, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to grow lasting financial stability
Every family’s story is different—but with support and dignity, transformation is possible.
Our Impact
Last year, we helped 1,669 individuals build flourishing lives through direct participation in our programs.
11%increase in school enrollment at Babogaya Primary School (442 children) 799women reached with lifesaving health education groups 386women participating in Savings Groups 76women mobilized as Care Group leaders and trainers 99%of young adults (77) graduated from vocational training programs 360students participating in school clubs 32staff employed in Ethiopia 31community members serving in leadership roles |
Extreme poverty is multi-dimensional.
Solutions should be, too.
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Healthy Homes
Financial Security
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Dignifying Education
Community Transformation
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We equip men and women to earn a predictable income through business development, savings and
vocational skills training. |
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Our Impact
386 women participating in Savings Groups |
99% of young adults (77) graduated from vocational training programs |
360 students participating in school clubs |
799 women reached with lifesavings health education groups |
76 women became Care Group leaders and trainers |
31 community members serving in leadership positions |
