Brooklyn, NY

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Nat received his Master's degree in International Affairs from the New School University in New York City. He works at the Open Society Institute's (OSI) New York Office in the Information Systems Department, helping to manage OSI's web-based social networking and online collaboration, platforms and strategizing with programs about how they can use tools on the internet to do their work more effectively.  Nat is passionate about exploring the potential for web 2.0 technologies to act as a catalyst for social change. Nat first spent time in Kenya in 2008 as an International Rescue Committee (IRC) Fellow in Nairobi, where he worked with the IRC's Civil Society Program, helping to develop grassroots community groups and adult education programs for urban refugee women.  He also spent time at the Kakuma refugee camp in Western Kenya with the IRC's Health Program. Nat is excited to continue his involvement with community development in Kenya through his work with the EAC Board.

Prior to beginning his graduate studies in New York, Nat worked at OSI's Washington, DC Office with the Middle East and Africa Programs, helping to raise awareness with policy makers on Capital Hill on key human rights issues from these regions. Nat received his Bachelor's degree in 2002 from Wesleyan University, where he pursued a double-major in History and Science in Society.

New York, NY

Alessandra DeLaCruz is an abstract artist who spent a month in Takaungu in October 2011, volunteering as an art teacher at Vutakaka as well as the resident artist. Graduating from the FIT with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, she brought her artistic talents to the school, community and students by painting a 10'x5' world map mural inside of classroom 7, an abstract mural outside of the cafeteria area of the primary school, painting of the newly constructed well, identifying classrooms with painted numbers and flowers as well as bringing an life to the sewing women's cooperative show room. Having a positive upbringing that revolved around the creative arts, she has experienced first hand what a creative outlet can do for a young mind. Being able to give that gift back had a large impact on Alessandra, who now has goals of implementing an after school art club program the next time she visits the school.

As an artist, Alessandra has both exhibited and curated her own art shows and currently works for an independent curator.  The experience and knowledge she has in both fields influences her impact on the creativity and fundraising skills she is able to bring to the EAC. Alessandra and her colleague Pansum Cheng spearheaded Art for Soul: Kenya in December 2011, which was a one night art exhibition and fundraiser held at New York City's Gallery Bar which brought artists, collectors and supporters alike together to support the EAC. Excited about her recent involvement with the EAC board, she continues to help raise money and awareness for the organization including curating the next exhibition, Art & Harmony to benefit the EAC.

Durham, NC 

Jen received her Master's degree in International Affairs from the New School University and her Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology from Ohio University. At the New School, she worked on various projects including an analysis of the UN's new One UN program in Tanzania and Vietnam from a gender perspective. Jen also worked as an Outreach and Communications intern for African Refuge, a non-profit organization addressing the needs of the Liberian refugee community in New York.

She began working for the EAC as a Development and Communications Intern in Takaungu in 2008. There, she assisted the clinic and community health workers, taught at the after-school program and spoke with community members to gain a better understanding of the role that the EAC does and should play in their lives. Jen continued to work for the EAC in various capacities and is now the U.S. Program Director based in Durham, NC. She concentrates her efforts on pursuing grants and fundraising, communications, and monitoring and evaluation of programs. In the fall of 2011 and in the Summer of 2013, she returned to Takaungu to conduct a transparency campaign and to develop a strategy to meet those needs while creating more sustainable, locally operated and supported programming.

She has experienced the positive impacts of the EAC's programs in Takaungu and is honored to support an organization that truly demonstrates the best practices in development; community participation, accountability, transparency, capacity building, and empowerment.

San Francisco, CA

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Emily's work in international development began in 2000 as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay where she focused on soil conservation and sustainable farming practices. Her interests in sustainable farming practices broadened after completing the Peace Corps when she worked for the Environmental Education Department at a Permaculture center in Brazil before returning to the United States for graduate studies in environmental science and policy at Columbia University. Emily currently works as an environmental consultant for Aspen Environmental Group, focusing on environmental review of renewable energy projects and environmental policy.  

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Emily began her work with the EAC during a one-year stay in Kilifi, Kenya. She volunteered at the Vutakaka Junior School, helping to design and plan and plant one-acre of field crops and a half-acre garden to supplement the student lunch program. The goal of the field crops and garden is to improve the nutrition of the students' meals and increase the sustainability of the school. In addition, Emily worked with the Vutakaka teachers, staff, and with the Program Director to plan and teach agriculture planning to Class 6 and Class 7 so that the students can help in the school garden. Her time in Kenya was greatly enriched by her work with the EAC and with the Vutakaka Junior School.

Charlottesville, VA

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Noelle Voges is a graduate from Arcadia University, located in suburban Philadelphia, where she received her Master’s degree in Public Health with an emphasis in global health. During her graduate studies, she interned with the East African Center in Takaungu. Witnessing first-hand the profound difference the EAC is having on the everyday lives of the students and community members greatly influenced Noelle’s educational and career tract and also encouraged her to remain involved with the EAC when she returned stateside.

Utilizing her skills and passion for the EAC’s mission led Noelle to become a coordinator for the EAC’s student sponsorship program, where she corresponds with current and future donors and sends updates to the donors about the students attending Vutakaka Primary School in Takaungu.

Noelle has done research and been a devoted volunteer in Jamaica, the Netherlands, and South Africa. She is excited to continue her involvement with the EAC and to expand into the role as a Board member.

Josh Gilbert received his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a dual concentration in Entrepreneurship and International Business from Clarkson University and his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the State University of New York at Buffalo. During his graduate program, he completed coursework in Lille, France where he studied emerging markets.

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Upon completion of his degree, Josh co-founded a startup that provided consumers with healthier food alternatives. He quickly identified that his target demographic was also very socially conscience. As a result of his findings, Josh established a charitable foundation that donated a percentage of all profits to the fight against breast cancer.

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What started out as purely a business decision turned into a passion for Josh. He noted the significant impact that a few can have on many. Therefore; he has incorporated this sense of charity into his everyday lifestyle and dealings.

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In early 2017, Josh reconnected with a childhood friend and current board member, Alessandra DeLaCruz. Alessandra, AKA Alex inspired Josh to join forces with her and the EAC to build a productive community that pays residual dividends to its people.

Durham, NC

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Maria Siegel earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations from Michigan State University then later received her M.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland College Park.  After teaching for over ten years she decided to step out of the classroom to raise her two daughters.  She did not return to teaching, but instead started an Interior Design Company. Although she loves the creative expression of her design work, she was searching for a way to once again serve children.  When the offer came to serve on the board of the EAC, she didn’t hesitate for a second. 

The mission of the organization immediately resonated with and moved her, as she feels passionately that every child, regardless of geographic location, should have access to a quality education, adequate health care and nourishment.  What most spoke to her is the empowerment aspect of the EAC. We don’t just provide donations, like some organizations (which of course, are still important!).  The EAC provides opportunities for growth and learning that last a lifetime, even for generations, as education and literacy are passed through parents to children.  

Based in Durham, North Carolina, you can often find Maria sipping on coffee, trail running or spending time with her family and dogs – but not all at once.  Her happiest moments often entail hiking through a forest, cooking and sharing a meal with friends, or huddled under a warm blanket reading.