Our Core Commitments
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We Are Christian. We are Christ-followers who are shaped and motivated by our belief in the value of every person. We Are Responsive. We are driven by the expressed needs of the community, and seek to communicate and act with efficiency. |
We Are Focused. We are intentional in relationships and strategic in execution. We are Partners. We value collaboration and we desire to work and learn with others. |
Board of Directors
Andrea Wells, Board Chair
President, New Hope Foundation Read more
Andrea Wells is President of New Hope Foundation in Iowa and a former educator in child development and special education. She brings her experience in nurturing children and leading faith-driven initiatives to support the life-enhancing work of the Three Roots International Board. |
Susan Conway
Founder and CEO, Three Roots International read more
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Dennis Mwangwela
Global Director for Integral Mission, World Relief read more
Dennis Mwangwela, born in Malawi, is a Development Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in program design, community development, and agriculture extension. He has dedicated his career to equipping churches across sub-Saharan Africa to integrate word and deed ministries, serving vulnerable communities—especially women and children. As Global Director for Integral Mission at World Relief, he supports country leaders in designing and implementing church-initiated, community-based development programs. |
Amber Corson
General Manager, Valcourt Building Services read more
Since her first trip to Ethiopia in 2011, Amber has been inspired by the people and communities she has served, helping co-lead teams and envision the launch of Three Roots International. Now based in Atlanta as a General Manager at Valcourt Building Services, she brings her leadership experience and dedication to the board. |
Andy Shaffer
Program Manager, Battelle Memorial Institute read more
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. |
Erin Masters
Chief Strategy Officer, Envision Radiology read more
Erin brings extensive leadership experience in healthcare operations and strategy, with a strong focus on talent development, innovation, and fostering collaborative growth. Throughout her career, she has driven significant organizational growth, introduced new revenue streams, and strengthened leadership and employee engagement. |
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Kyle Brown
Marketing Director, KPMG read more
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. |
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Kristina Baum Gargiulo
Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck read more
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. |
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Christine Conway, PhD, CPC
Founder, Cornerstone Professional Center read more
Chris has been a supporter, advisor, and founding board member of Three Roots International since 2015, traveling to Ethiopia nearly every year to engage with its programs. With a 30-year career as a clinical mental health professional, she brings her expertise and passion for supporting women and children to the organization’s mission. |
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Heidi Scholz
Educator read more
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
Susan Conway
Founder and CEO read more
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Shelley Thames
Chief Operating Officer read more
Shelley’s journey began in Texas and led her to Northern Virginia, where her 25 years of helping organizations turn vision into action shaped her into a trusted advisor and steady utility player. At Three Roots, she now channels that experience into building the rhythms, systems, and operations that propel the organization into its next season of growth. |
Lishan Seyoum
National Director, Ethiopia Read more
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. |
In-Country Staff
Demissie Tilahun
Partnership Management and Community Engagement Lead Read more
Demissie’s journey, from his roots in central Ethiopia to senior leadership within the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church, has been marked by service, vision, and a deep commitment to community. As the founding Country Director of Three Roots for ten years, he now continues to lead with that same conviction, guiding the organization’s work in community leadership and transformative development. |
Shambel Worku
Project Manager read more
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. |
Betty Kiros
Comms and Knowledge Management Lead read more
From her early studies in English and social work to roles spanning journalism, community projects, and national-level dialogue, Betty’s career has been rooted in giving voice and support to vulnerable groups. Her recent work with the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission reflects her enduring commitment to building understanding and strengthening communities. |
Robel Tafere
Livelihood Project Officer read more
Robel was born in Bahirdar and grew up in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, where he developed a passion for serving communities. With a BA in Sociology and Social Anthropology, he is inspired by Three Roots’ holistic approach and dedicated to making a meaningful impact. |
Mekdes Yohannes
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer read more
Born in Halaba Kulito, Mekdes is a senior public health professional with more than 16 years of experience in public health, project management, and humanitarian service. She currently serves as Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Three Roots, where she supports the strengthening of community health systems across Ethiopia. |
Daniel Boko
Education Project Officer read more
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. |
Mule Adeba
Health Project Officer REad more
Mule was born and raised in Nekemte, Ethiopia, and holds a BSc in Midwifery and an MA in Project Management. With experience across INGOs and government health services, she is passionate about serving vulnerable communities and improving lives. |
Dereje Nigussie
Driver and Logistics Assistant read more
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. |
Meti Temesgen
Finance and Admin Assistant REAd more
Meti is a Finance and Admin Assistant at Three Roots International from Fincha, Oromia, with a BA in Marketing Management from Samara University. She brings experience in financial operations and marketing from her previous role at Yatu International Hotel and is passionate about administrative excellence. |
Global Operations and Support
Samantha Cave
Operations and Engagement Lead read more
Shaped by a childhood in the Middle East and a career spent serving global teams, Samantha has long been drawn to work that connects cultures and strengthens organizations. Her roles in global missions, membership services, and nonprofit operations have deepened her commitment to supporting people on the front lines. |
Karen Barnes
Marketing Manager read more
Karen is passionate about connecting people to meaningful impact. She brings experience in marketing, community-building, and operations, including roles with International Justice Mission, Noonday Collection, and a tech startup. She holds degrees in Communication and Spanish, as well as an MBA. |
Holly Downing
Events and Administration read more
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. |
