Our Team
Leadership
Rod Mickels
President, Founder, Board Member
“By giving, I’ve received more than I could have ever imagined.”
Rod Mickels doesn’t measure his success by the awards or accolades he’s earned in his career; instead, Rod measures his success by the smiles and hugs he gets whenever he visits Africa. To see how far some of the kids have come over the last several years is tremendously rewarding. Rod has always believed in sharing his good fortune with others—it’s something he’s deeply passionate about. Philanthropy is a foundational principle of InVision Communications, the audience engagement company Rod co-founded in 1991. As CEO, he has guided his company from just a handful of employees to 130+ people, with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago and New York. In addition to heading up The Giving Exchange, Rod serves on the board for the Cancer Support Community organization. He also donates time and energy to many causes, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the California Symphony Board.
Ming Richie
Executive Director, Board Member
“I am so proud to work for an organization rooted in local ownership and community building to work toward social and economic justice.”
Ming Richie was first introduced to The Giving Exchange while working as an event producer at InVision Communications. Her experiences on a TGE Ambassador Trip to Kenya in 2017 opened her eyes to a whole new world—and a new future. She decided to make the jump to the Impact Sector. Her passion and dedication to making a difference led Ming to join The Giving Exchange's Board of Directors in 2018. Also in 2018, Ming went freelance as an event producer, allowing her the flexibility to travel and volunteer abroad. Not only was Ming deeply inspired by the people she met through The Giving Exchange, she also worked with non-profits in Shanghai, Nepal, Zambia, and Australia. She came "home" to The Giving Exchange in 2020 as Program Director, and stepped into her current role as Executive Director in 2022.
Reanna Placide
Director of Operations
“My experiences in Kenya with The Giving Exchange have been some of the most memorable of my life.”
Reanna has a huge heart and a very organized mind—a combination that makes her the perfect person to drive our organization to success. Having studied law with an emphasis on International, Intergovernmental and Non-governmental Programs Management, International Relations and Affairs, Reanna joined The Giving Exchange team in 2017 and has been elevating TGE’s impact ever since. In 2022 she was promoted to our executive team as Director of Operations. Coming from a family of musicians, Reanna has always been drawn to creative arts: dance, music and theater. In her free time, Reanna stays active with at home workouts, and donates much of her time to her church where her parents are both ministers. Reanna and her husband live in Paris with their two beautiful children.
Alissa Mickels Pelaton
Vice President, Co-founder
“With The Giving Exchange, we are sowing and watering seeds. I’m looking forward to the day when the seeds grow into trees and bear fruit.”
Africa holds a big piece of Alissa’s heart. While working in Kenya in 2001, she developed a deep affection and respect for the people. “I love the people and admire their ability to love unconditionally, finding happiness in the small things regardless of their circumstances.” Although Alissa practices international law and is a member of the California, District of Columbia and Paris Bar Associations, she considers her work with The Giving Exchange and other non-profit organizations her true calling. Social responsibility is an essential part of her practice, so she volunteers her services to many non-profits including Amnesty International, Droit d’Urgence (legal aid), Hastings Refugee & Human Rights Clinic and the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (immigration clinic). Alissa’s involvement in Africa has taught her that regardless of what you do in life, what matters most is that you share your love with others.
Jamis Spalding
CFO / Treasurer
Jamis is no stranger to The Giving Exchange. He and his wife, Maddie, are long-time supporters of TGE. Jamis officially joined us at the beginning of 2020 volunteering his time as TGE’s bookkeeper and financial guru. As of 2021, he accepted the role of TGE’s treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. He is no stranger to checks and balances as he was a double major in Accounting and Finance at Sacramento State University, and he currently works as an Assurance Manager/CPA in Northern California. A big sports fan, you can find Jamis, in his free time, on the basketball court or out on the links swinging a golf club.
“Giving back to others provides more fulfillment than anything I could do directly for myself. It gives an opportunity to make a positive impact on a number of people who are less fortunate and will hopefully lead to them paying it forward towards an overall better society.”
Terri Wygal
Secretary, Board Member
“To play even a small part of such valuable work is something I am both very appreciative of and excited about!”
Terri has been working and volunteering with children for as long as she can remember— from a young girl working with deaf and mentally/emotionally challenged children as an extracurricular, to when Terri took her first trip to Kenya in 2018 with The Giving Exchange. Fueled by this experience and her passion for helping communities in need, Terri returned to Kenya in 2019 with both of her children and then joined the TGE Board of Directors in 2020. With a background in business ownership and management, Terri brings a deep understanding of planning and implementation of strategic programs, campaigns and goals, as well as skills in advertising, marketing, and training. She is excited to be more involved in TGE’s continuing growth and impact. For Terri, giving back is a wonderful way for her to step outside herself and the day-to-day tasks. Terri says, “Being of service to others is the best way I have found to feed my heart and soul. The rewards, whether paid in smiles, hugs, or the humblest of thank you’s, are the most gratifying of life’s experiences.” Outside of running a small business and volunteering, Terri is always up for an adventure: she particularly loves skiing, hiking, kayaking and pickleball.
Staff
Brittany McCarthy
Development Associate
“I am so excited to work for an organization that creates opportunities for children, families, and communities through programs that provide education, skills, a thriving economy, and self-sustaining income."
Brittany lives in Philadelphia, and alongside her work with TGE, she is the Development Director for The Waldorf School of Philadelphia. Brittany's extensive experience with donor relationship management, peer-to-peer fundraising, and special events is a huge asset and welcome addition to The Giving Exchange’s development team. She has already been instrumental in the development of TGE's strategic fund development plan. Brittany is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and loves being a plant mom.
Margie Gakuo
Project Coordinator
“Seeing TGE’s model of meeting communities at their point of need has deeply resonated with me. Each project's unique impact fills me with hope and inspiration. I'm honored to be part of the TGE team."
Born and raised in rural Kenya, in the arid parts of Laikipia County, poverty was not just a concept to Margie, it was a harsh reality. It was through the generosity of a donor that Margie had the chance to pursue an education, an opportunity that transformed her life. This experience ignited within her a deep commitment to empower others. Margie has more than 10 years of experience in NGO work in Kenya, specializing in project management, monitoring and evaluation, grant proposal writing, and budgeting. With a Bachelor's degree in Education Arts from Egerton University, Margie has a strong foundation for community-based projects and a deep understanding of community dynamics. She is trained in gender mainstreaming, holds a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation, has expertise in village savings and loans schemes, and trained in business development for community-based projects. Margie recognizes working in the NGO sector as her calling - a way to pay it forward and make a difference in as many lives as possible.
Peninah Ndirangu
Project Coordinator
“I believe in teamwork, which results in a synergic performance, and I strive to give every opportunity my best.”
Peninah is both self-motivated and a strong team player, which makes her the perfect addition to the TGE team as Project Coordinator. Educated at the Technical University of Kenya where she received a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, Peninah has excellent planning, analytical, conceptual, and organizational skills. Located in Kenya, her role as Project Coordinator has her connecting with new and old project beneficiaries, to ensure that new projects are kicking off smoothly and efficiently, and that older projects are meeting their goals and submitting their sustainability reports to be measured. In her free time, Peninah enjoys traveling, socializing, reading and playing badmintony.
Shelly Boyd
Bookkeeper
“I wanted to work with TGE because I am really inspired by the self-sustaining projects - the programs teach skills in addition to making an impact.”
Shelly has been in the accounting field for her entire career (more years than she'd like to admit/you'd guess by looking at her!) but still really enjoys it. She is a naturally curious person who loves to research anything and everything. Shelly says, “I am honored to help out The Giving Exchange and I admire watching their self-sustaining projects come to life to make an impact”. In her free time, Shelly enjoys spending time and traveling with her mother; spending time with family, friends and fur babies; listening to music (louder than she should) on long drives and just sitting by the ocean watching and listening to the waves.
Board of Directors
Amy Alanes
Board Member
“Through TGE, I am able to scale my humanitarian efforts globally. There is so much joy and gratitude to be found in being present with someone as they receive comfort, care, and access to life-changing resources..”
Amy landed her first non-profit role over 25 years ago and she has never looked back. She learned early in her career that she had been given an opportunity and responsibility to lead a life of service. With a background in organizational leadership, operations management and fundraising Amy brings strategic insight to TGE’s Board of Directors. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, and previously served as the Executive Director of Summit Bank Foundation, Director of Development of Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area, and the Director of Administration for Community Violence Solutions. Amy’s deep passion for social and economic justice led her to support TGE and she looks forward to seeing TGE’s impact first-hand in Kenya. When not volunteering to support her favorite organizations, Amy loves to go camping or hiking with her family, or spend time in her garden.
Bruce Cacho-Negrete
Board Member
“I am a strong believer that we need to give back to the global community given the inequities between the US and other developing nations.”
Bruce received his B.A at the University of Chicago and is currently Senior Vice President, Financial Planning at Raymond James. From his professional experience, Bruce has garnered a deep knowledge of financial markets - stocks, bonds, alternative investments – and portfolio creation and management. On a personal note, Bruce is the child of an immigrant who came to the US from a poor country (Cuba) with nothing, and says, “I am a strong believer that we need to give back to the global community given the inequities between the US and other developing nations”. Bruce’s hobbies include exercise, travel, golf, and roller coasters.
Chloe Hull
Board Member
“I believe in making a positive impact on as many people across as many communities as you can. I see giving back as a way to empower and create new opportunities for others.”
Chloe joined the TGE Board of Directors in 2020 and is excited to use her free time to giving back. She brings to the team a background in managerial economics and is working towards her MBA and Master’s in Data Science. For years, Chloe has observed the impact TGE has made on the communities it serves and was eager to get involved. She is excited to help create a long-term, sustainable impact and hopes to join a future trip to Kenya to see the projects in action. When asked what giving back means to her, she said, “I believe in making a positive impact on as many people across as many communities as you can. I see giving back as a way to empower and create new opportunities for others.” Chloe is a travel enthusiast with a thirst for adventure. She loves to hike, bike, run and swim and when she isn’t doing any of that, she loves to read.
Christopher Revetria
Board Member
“There is nothing more powerful than human connection.”
Christopher traveled to Kenya for the first time in 2017. During this trip he fell in love with the people and especially the children. "To talk with the kids and learn about their endless ambitions to become doctors, social workers and more was inspiring. These kids don't have much yet that doesn’t stop them from dreaming of a better future for themselves and the people around them." Christopher believes in making positive, impactful contributions to communities around the world. His desire is to inspire the next generation to invoke change for the betterment of our world. One parting statement from Christopher about what he has learned in his involvement in Kenya, "A general thought of our society is that happiness is believed to come from having the best of everything. What I have learned from the world and more so Africa is that it isn't about the latest and greatest car, electronic device or piece of clothing. What matters most is connection with the world around you and doing your part to make a difference whether with a smile, a hug, a few words of encouragement or simply being present. There is nothing more powerful than human connection."
Drew Hagen
Board Member
The first time Drew went to Kenya with his wife Susan, he couldn’t have predicted how it would change his life. “Being with the kids and seeing the direct impact of the projects TGE is doing resets our compasses and reminds us of what’s really important in life. It’s so meaningful to be part of something like this. Even before we leave, we’re already counting the days until we can come back.” Making a difference in people’s lives has always been important to Drew. He’s passionate about philanthropy and giving back to communities in need. It’s a big part of his personal and professional life, and a foundational principle of Invision Communications (IVC), the audience engagement company he co-founded with Rod Mickels in 1991. It’s no accident that IVC’s motto is “Be great. Do good. Have fun.” As IVC’s Chief Culture Officer, Drew has made sure that giving back is an integral part of the company’s fabric. In addition to being a board member of The Giving Exchange, Drew also is proud to sit on the boards of the Good Tidings Foundation and Operation USA where he does much good on the local and national levels. “Giving your time and really getting to know the people you’re helping and seeing the impact you can have on so many people is incredibly life-affirming.” Drew is currently counting down the days until he’s back in Kenya.
“Volunteering with The Giving Exchange touched our hearts more than we ever thought possible.”
Jill Tanner
Board Member
“I have been fortunate enough to see firsthand the impact TGE has made on Kenya's communities and schools. I'm excited to join the board and continue supporting the mission.”
Jill and her two teenage (at the time) sons volunteered on The Giving Exchange's 2014 Trip to Kenya, an incredible experience for all of them. Along with her personal experience with and passion for the ongoing mission of TGE, Jill brings with her a background in brand awareness, marketing and strategy. When she isn’t working or lending her time to TGE, Jill loves to travel, get outdoors, hike and bring people together through the power of baking delicious treats. And, if you are a Seinfeld fan then you may find it tough to beat this self-proclaimed Seinfeld Trivia Master.
Kristen Radakovich
Board Member
Exploration is definitely in Kristen Radakovich’s DNA. Hailing from a small town outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Kristen left for school and just kept on moving, traveling across America and around the world. Travel expanded her horizons in more ways than one. In her career as a freelance producer, she’s gotten to experience many new places, people and cultures. It was while she was on a trip with The Giving Exchange in 2015 that Kristen realized she wanted to do more than just travel—she wanted to be a part of all the great, sustainable work TGE was doing in Kenya. “The idea of giving people the skills and resources they can use for a lifetime was especially appealing since money sometimes only lasts a finite amount of time.” The skills Kristen honed as a producer are invaluable in her role as a TGE board member: identifying needs and creating a plan to deliver solutions. These days, her real ROI is measured in smiles.
“Money only lasts so long. Know-how lasts a lifetime.”
Laura Cervelli
Board Member
When Laura traveled to Africa for the first time, she was moved by the people and her experiences there. A highlight of her visit was the connection she made with her Maasai guide, Junior, in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. With the emergence of the 2020 COVID pandemic and this new friendship, Laura felt a need to help so she coordinated fundraising efforts for Junior and his village. This love and this passion are what led Laura to accept a position on TGE’s board. As the owner of an interior design business, she loves blending innovative and creative ideas with cost-effective solutions which is an invaluable way of thinking as TGE meets the needs of the projects it implements. When not running her business or volunteering her time to TGE, Laura like to hike read, cook, and, of course, travel.
“Giving back makes me feel like I have a sense of purpose and makes me feel good.”
Michael Berta
Board Member
“Helping people who just want an opportunity to put themselves in a position to succeed not just today, but forever, is the only way to create lasting change.”
From his work experience in contentious litigation having been an attorney for over 25 years, Michael says, “the skill that I have developed the most is listening. Listening to what people say they want; listening to what is important to them; listening to understand what they believe they can achieve. And then putting together a plan to achieve their goals, even in the face of adversity, without trying to substitute my goals for theirs." Beyond his dedication to his profession, he made the decision to have two kids on his own recently and is learning every day how to keep them happy and entertained. Being a new father, Michael wants to set a positive example for his kids of what it means to be a good global citizen.
Paul Salinger
Board Member
“The Giving Exchange allows me to have a very direct impact on people’s lives and see immediate and long-lasting results.”
Paul Salinger is a champion of sustainability and firmly believes that “we’re all in this together.” Throughout his 45-year career, he’s brought his global perspective to his role as Vice President of Marketing at Oracle where he is spearheading more sustainable, environmentally responsible programs for the company’s events and marketing operations. Paul is also a past president and current board member of the Green Meeting Industry Council, and continues to create opportunities for more sustainability in events and marketing. “I’m passionate about giving back in many ways, especially through sustainability issues and philanthropic work. The Giving Exchange is a perfect vehicle for both and works at a human scale.” Since joining The Giving Exchange’s board in 2018, Paul’s expertise and guidance on sustainability has helped TGE develop more effective, more sustainable programs to benefit many communities in Kenya.
Board Member
Suzanne Geoffrion
“Can we look poverty, corruption, and lack of education straight in the eye and change the destiny of those affected by it? I believe we can. I believe with an organization like The Giving Exchange it is possible, one person at a time.”
Suzanne Geoffrion brings a wealth of community engagement and business acumen to The Giving Exchange. With over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the San Francisco East Bay, Suzanne has been recognized for her outstanding achievements, including the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society designation and the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation by the SRES Council. Her dedication to community service extends to organizations such as Orinda Network for Education (ONE), Seniors Around Town, Habitat for Humanity, and Girls, Inc. Alameda County. Suzanne's commitment to empowering individuals aligns perfectly with TGE's mission of providing critical resources for self-sustaining programs to help people improve their lives. Having traveled to Kenya in August 2023 as a TGE Ambassador, Suzanne possesses invaluable firsthand insight into our programs and operations, enriching her ability to contribute meaningfully to our initiatives.
Victoria Tswamuno
Board Member
“Tomorrow’s journey began yesterday.”
Victoria is committed to women’s empowerment and community development. Born in Nairobi, she spent her formative years in Zimbabwe, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Africa University. From 2020 to 2023, Victoria held a pivotal role as a board member at Women’s Centers International, showcasing her unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers that obstruct the progress of girls and women. Victoria’s devotion extends to her profession as a mental health practitioner, with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Columbia University. Her career centers on identifying and dismantling obstacles that hinder the success of women and girls. Continuing to exert a substantial influence, Victoria actively participates in various projects across diverse African nations. Her primary focus remains holistic strategies for empowering women and girls, forming the bedrock for sustainable community development. Victoria’s unflagging dedication to gender equality and mental health advocacy renders her an indispensable catalyst for positive change, both within Africa and on a global scale. Notably, Victoria firmly believes in fostering connections between and among diverse cultures, strengthening the bonds that unite us all.
Yasmin Beers
Board Member
“I believe it is our responsibility to be good citizens and lead with purpose and grace.”
Yasmin Beers has over 33 years of municipal government experience. Yasmin retired as the City Manager for Glendale, California with a population of over 200,000. She served as Chief Executive Officer overseeing close to 2,000 employees serving in Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks, and Community Development to name a few. Yasmin’s three decades of experience in public service brings extensive background in public sector finance, human resources management, & strategic planning & organizational leadership, policy development. Yasmin currently serves on the Glendale Memorial Board and the Advisory Board for Village Christian School. In 2011 the Glendale Chamber of Commerce recognized Yasmin as Woman of the Year; in 2013 she was the recipient of The Armenian American Woman of Excellence Award; in 2014 Yasmin was recognized by the Glendale Educational Foundation for her distinguished service and philanthropic efforts; in 2015, YWCA awarded Yasmin with the Heart & Excellence Award; in 2017, she was recognized by Business Life Magazine as a Women Achiever; and in 2018 the California State Senate recognized Yasmin as one of the Woman of the Year, each a tribute to her core values that represent her civic responsibilities, volunteerism and community service.
Volunteers
Barnabas Kule (Uganda)
“Since I left university in 2013, my passions have been building a strong family and building my community's capacity to identify community problems and design local solutions. I found alignment with The Giving Exchange because it connects community needs to resources.”
Charles Maina Waithira (Kenya)
“Volunteering with the TGE gives me an opportunity to give back to the community in many ways. Working with the projects team has proven very useful as it gives me an opportunity to interact with people from different parts of the world and, even more so, learn from each other. True to MaryAnne Radmacher's words, “As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own”. TGE is a constant reminder that we all can make a difference in the world in many ways regardless of how small it may seem.”
Esther Nabulya (Uganda)
“Volunteering gives me an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of many communities. Seeing a smile and giving hope to the children gives me happiness to continue moving, and this is what TGE is doing: creating projects that are transforming lives across the globe.”
Grace Mutani (Kenya)
“I love volunteering at TGE because just like Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Be the change you want to see in the world', I am part of the cause of bringing about change and transforming people's lives. Happiness lives here. In bringing smiles to people's faces.”
Lindsay Henning (United States)
“I am continuously inspired by the thoughtful, committed, and passionate group of people at TGE. We are all connected through a shared vision, and it is an honor to be a small part of TGE's meaningful work to improve livelihoods and empower people and communities throughout Uganda and Kenya.”
Partners
Amiran Kenya
Company Partner
Books for Africa
Company Partner
Extend the Day
Company Partner
Goal Zero
Company Partner
Holding Hands Ministry
Local Partner
Kenchic
Company Partner
Kenya Kids Can
Company Partner
Rose Foundation
Company Partner
Water.org
Company Partner
La Baguetterie
Company Partner
Sparr Drilling
Company Partner
Well Aware
Company Partner
Morning Star Children’s Home
Local Partner
Tiba Foundation
Company Partner
Zimconserve
Local Partner
Sponsors
Many of these photos were masterfully taken and generously donated by Amy Tolbert of Black Cat Photos. She has attended three trips with The Giving Exchange, and we are so grateful for her love, support and talent.
100% of Every Dollar
Goes directly to supporting impoverished people around the world. The Giving Exchange is proud to be a 501 (c) (3) organization. Visit our Financial Information page for more information.