The American MEET Board Members
Gina Rodgers
President & Founder
From a small I knew I wanted to help others and see the world. I was able to do both by being a public school teacher for 39 years and traveling all around the world.
On a trip to Kenya in 2010, I met Rosemary at the Maasai Women’s Twala Center. From her friendship I offered to help a Massai girl in her community to attend secondary school. The first steps of MEET were born.
In retirement I feel very blessed to still be traveling with my husband and helping others.
Patricia Hoffman
Vice-President
I grew up in Tacoma, Washington. Worked as a teacher & counselor in the Washington public schools.
While working at the same school as Gina I learned about girls in Kenya that needed help attending school. I offered to help her sponsor another Maasai girl.
I am currently retired. I enjoy volunteering at my church, reading, knitting and time with friends & family.
Cynthia Kelsey
Secretary
Having moved to Seattle from the mid-west, my husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in such a beautiful area of the country.
My career as an educator spanned 39 years as a music teacher and an elementary school principal.
In retirement, my husband and I enjoy traveling and I have found a new passion in watercolor painting.
William Chandler
Board Member
I am an army veteran, retired inner-city school teacher and world traveler.
I taught in Guinea, West Africa from 2003-04.
I currently live in St. Clair Shores, MI.
Aurora Lau
Board Member
Aurora lives in Seattle with her husband and two children.
After a family trip to Kenya she knew she wanted to help Maasai girls to attend school.
She works in finance for a private company.
Deanna Tompkins
Board Member
I have raised two wonderful young men with my husband of 26 years.
Auburn, WA has been my home for 47 years, and I have been an educator for 30 of those years.
I enjoy traveling and spending time with my puppies.
Kara Friedman
Board Member
I grew up in a small town in northern New Mexico. My husband, Mike and I moved to the Pacific Northwest many years ago where we raised our twin daughters.
I spent my career working as a special education teacher, a kindergarten teacher & coach in the public school system.
Diane Gorsky
Board Member
I am a Michigan native with a passion for education. I have taught in public schools for 35+ years, working in both Special Education and STEM programs.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and going on historical adventures.
Hilary Conville
Board Member
I grew up in central California and moved to Seattle in 1998.
I am the special education director in the Auburn School District.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and attending concerts.
Kenya Support Team
Elizabeth Silakan
MEET’s Manager in Kenya
Liz is the Finance & Administrator for IMPACT (Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation).
She works with MEET in a similar capacity by making sure the girls’ school and uniform fees are fully paid.
Liz is also instrumental in providing a direct communication link between the MEET Board Members and each girl.
She conducts annual retreats with the girls providing them with strong leadership and mentorship.
Rosemary Nenini
Support & Guidance
Leader of Twala Women’s Center outside Nanyuki, Kenya near Dol Dol.
The women’s center helps Maasai women to become empowered and earn funds to support their family.
For MEET, she provides information about girls that need support in the Laikipia area; as well as, being the intermediary between MEET and the parents. She also helps to mentor the girls at the annual retreats held at the Twala Women’s Center.
Learn more about her in this article: Come Together
[Rosemary inspired Gina to help Maasai girls in Kenya to attend secondary school.]
Mali Ole Kaunga
Guidance
Mali is the founder and leader of the NGO in Kenya called IMPACT (Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation.)
He travels to Europe and North America to promote understanding about indigenous pastoral communities such as the Maasai and Samburu in Kenya. He is working to conserve natural resources and create partnerships that will empower these communities both economically and socially.
[Mali was instrumental in helping MEET get started.It would not have happened without his support.]
Liz Silakan, Rosemary Nenini, Gina Rodgers and Mali Ole Kaunga.