Martin is an engineer turned humanitarian, using technology to tackle some of Nigeria’s toughest challenges. With experience at Action Against Hunger and Mercy Corps, he works on the frontlines, helping communities build resilience in crisis zones. His recent work in Borno State explores how people adapt and survive under extreme conditions. When he’s not driving impact, Martin is cheering for FC Barcelona, diving into books, watching Christopher Nolan films, or hitting the road for an adventure. He holds a BA in engineering and computing.

Mary Keruta is one of the first Maasai girls who came to us for help. She ran away from her Manyatta on the night she was to be subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). With our support, Mary would go on to graduate high school and become one of the first young women in our program to attend university where she earned a teaching degree. Today, 20 years later, she is raising four children of her own and is managing a Global Roots-funded Safe House for Maasai girls who are threatened by FGM. She teaches Maasai girls their legal rights during community outreach sessions and looks forward to teaching school again when her youngest child starts school.

Kip Onditi is a Projects Supervisor with experience in community development and project implementation. As a contractor with Global Roots, he ensures projects run efficiently by coordinating with local teams, community leaders, and partners. His work focuses on monitoring progress, managing resources, and ensuring initiatives align with community needs. With a commitment to sustainability and impact, Kip plays a vital role in driving practical, community-led solutions.

From Alaska’s Chugach Mountains to Pakistan’s Karakoram range, Clint’s adventures have shaped his mission to help vulnerable children. A Princeton graduate with a background in economics, consulting, and private equity, he brings sharp financial oversight to Global Roots. His journey led him from Washington, D.C. to Dubai, where he investigated money laundering and terrorist financing, and eventually to MIT Sloan for his MBA. Now, he balances life in Connecticut with his family, raising chickens, hiking, and ensuring Global Roots remains financially strong and transparent.

Rick’s journey started with a passport and a curiosity for the world. As a travel writer and expedition leader, he explored more than 60 countries before a life-changing encounter in Tibet set him on a new path. Mentored by a woman named Tendol Gyalzur who adopted 250 orphaned children in Tibet, he launched Global Roots in 2007 to seek out and support more grassroots humanitarians like Tendol. Under his leadership, the organization has brought education, nutrition, and safety to children in crisis zones—and earned top ratings from the world’s largest charity watchdogs.

Sheila is a strategist with a heart for community. She has spent her career shaping programs that empower families, from public health to early childhood education. As a leader in Best Starts for Kids, she directs funding for initiatives that give young people the best possible start in life. Previously, as Executive Director of Open Arms Perinatal Services, she helped the organization become the first accredited doula program in the U.S. With expertise in policy, planning, and advocacy, Sheila ensures Global Roots stays on the cutting edge of impact.

Tahera Hamdani is a visionary leader at the intersection of environmental innovation, financial systems, and social impact. She has over 15 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies through large-scale transformation, and has also led efforts to develop nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems and support local livelihoods. As Cofounder and Chief Strategy Officer of Regenerative Resources Co. and former Director of Nature Positive Solutions at PwC, Tahera has helped shape how global institutions respond to biodiversity loss and climate risk. Tahera’s broad experience strengthens our work to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable children and help communities build lasting resilience.

Oly knows what it means to lead in high-stakes situations. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, he now serves as a Life Flight pilot, saving lives when every second counts. His commitment to service, strategy, and leadership makes him a powerful addition to the Global Roots board. Whether in the air or on the ground, Oly is dedicated to missions that protect and uplift vulnerable communities. Oly gave Global Roots the helicopters and the supplies we needed to launch our humanitarian projects on the ground in Afghanistan.

Bailey Varness is an actress, voice artist, and marketing expert with a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to social impact. Her work spans theater, film, and award-winning audio projects. Bailey has worked on over 1000 projects for both large and small corporations, including several Fortune 500 companies, and is revolutionizing the commercial industry with her company A-List Marketing experts.