who we are
AFRICAN ORPHAN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION offers orphans and disadvantaged children in Africa hope and empowerment through education. Our concentration on education delivers greater learning outcomes for more students while providing needed support to hard-working U.S. mission and aid agencies administering ground operations in the villages we serve.
African Orphan Educational Foundation identifies children of greatest need in the African villages we support and finds willing educational sponsors like you to pay it forward or leave a legacy.
The need is great. The reward is greater.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
KATHIE KREH – Founder/President
Kathie developed an affinity for Africa as a child, mesmerized by tribal customs shared by her father who studied tribal relations at the University of Cape Town, S.A. A sales professional in the broadcast industry, Kathie dedicated over 10 years to mission work in Africa, including sponsor, board member, orphan education chair and repeat missionary traveler to Uganda. Witnessing the transformational nature of education in sub-Saharan Africa, Kathie relishes the opportunity to educate, advocate for and improve the lives of knowledge-hungry youth in this region.
JIMMY GLENOS – Vice President/Treasurer
Jimmy has over 25 years of Learning & Development experience, designing, directing, and delivering Talent Management programs, Leadership Development programs, and Strategic Planning programs. He served as Director of Education at a large senior healthcare organization and Executive Director of their luxury Independent Living facility. Jimmy seeks to inspire and empower young professionals and business executives to SEE their better selves so they can BE their better selves. He is thrilled to share his experience and enthusiasm with AOEF’s youth leaders and support them as they forge new ground in leadership ideas, thought, and action.
BRIAN WALDRON – Acting Secretary, Director at Large
Brian Waldron is the President/CEO of Dort Financial Credit Union headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Waldron has served as an invited speaker and panelist on issues relating to credit unions and financial matters throughout the United States. He is passionate about financial literacy for youth and adults and is enthused to share this passion with AOEF. Brian is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, OH and currently resides in Clarkston, Michigan with his wife Alicia, three boys (Bryce, Cody and Ethan), and four dogs (Lucky, Oliver, Charlotte, and Penny). In his spare time, Brian enjoys boating, spending time on Lake Michigan, and traveling!
PAGE LEWIS – Director at Large
Page Lewis has spent her life dedicating time to the advancement of youth. With a background in education, mental health, and communications, she brings a variety of skills to AOEF that will strengthen educational stability and the learning prospects of children in Africa. As an Orton Gillingham certified reading practitioner, Page understands the importance of a great foundation in reading to elevate understanding and advance education. She served for seven years at Urban Youth Impact working with children from the underserved communities of West Palm Beach. Currently, Page resides in Palm Beach Gardens with her three rescue dogs, two feral cats, and her daughter Casey Jo.
JENNA BAKER – Associate Director at Large
Jenna developed a heart for nonprofit work during her time as a student at Auburn University. Obtaining a degree in Human Development and Family Science with a concentration in Philanthropy and Nonprofit studies, while volunteering and serving multiple nonprofit organizations, she developed a passion for making a positive impact and bringing fresh perspectives wherever she goes. Jenna has also traveled to and performed mission work in Africa. Outside of her love for nonprofit organizations, Jenna works full-time in the Real Estate division at Publix Super Markets in Lakeland, Florida.
MADISON MERUVIA, Associate Director at Large
An ambitious and passionate artist residing in the Northwood Arts District of South Florida, incoming instructor at the Armory Arts Center, and upcoming host at the Norton Museum of Art “Art After Dark”, Madison [Mad.E] is a world traveler who seeks inspiration and perspicacity from the human experience. Madison has taught children and monks in Cambodia, responded to disasters with teams in Louisiana and Texas, and helped rebuild schools in Nepal. She has visited Africa previously and will soon be returning to serve at-risk populations alongside African Orphan Educational Foundation [AOEF]. With a love for art, serving vulnerable populations, teaching, community, farming, and world travel, Madison is embracing this opportunity to educate and support those in need in remote corners of the world.
Young Friends of AOEF/
Youth Advisory Council:
Eno Okpo [Chair]
Patrick Karekezi
Kakaire Collines
Abigail Oppong
Margret Nalumansi
Alvin Cranmer
Brian Ouma Ochieng
Mariam Muthoni
Ian Cliff Wende
Kyakulaga John Bosco
Selestine Akinyi
Lennox Mugumira