Who We Are
Meet the Team
Behind everything we do is a group of people who truly care. We share a commitment to giving back and improving the lives of people in need.
Leadership
Rod Mickels
President, Founder, Board Member
Ming Richie
Executive Director, Board Member
Alissa Mickels Pelaton
Vice President, Co-founder
Reanna Placide
Director of Operations
Terry Wygal
Secretary, Board Member
Jamis Spalding
CFO, Treasurer
Staff
Brian Munaita
Head Trainer
Charles Maina Waithira
Project Coordinator
Moses Baluku
Project Coordinator, Uganda
Pavi Lella
Development Associate
Shelly Boyd
Secretary, Board Member
Peninah Ndirangu
Project Coodinator
Board of Directors
Amy Alanes
Board Member
Bruce Cacho-Negrete
Board Member
Jill Tanner
Board Member
Kristen Radakovich
Board Member
Laura Cervelli
Board Member
Michael Berta
Board Member
Paul Salinger
Board Member
Stephanie Goodman
Board Member
Suzanne Geoffrion
Board Member
Victoria Tswamuno
Board Member
Drew Hagen
Board Member
Catherine Montes
Board Member
Volunteers
Amanda Retter
Barnabas Kule
“While my role is behind the scenes managing the website, TGE consistently makes me feel like a valued part of the broader team. I have a front-row seat to the impact of their work, from success projects and stories to blogs and donation initiatives. Every update is a reminder of the incredible work the organization and its dedicated volunteers are doing.”
United StatesUganda“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.”
Esther Nabulya
Faith Chemutai
“As both a project beneficiary and community advocate, I’ve seen how TGE initiatives uplift families and create lasting opportunities. I feel privileged to contribute to TGE’s mission of empowering communities across Africa. What I enjoy most in my work with TGE is collaborating closely with communities—listening to their stories, helping shape practical solutions, and celebrating the progress we achieve together.”
KenyaKaren Kevete
Lovelyn Wanjiru Mwangi
Kenya“I volunteer with The Giving Exchange because I believe in its mission. I want to use my skills to make a meaningful impact while being part of an inspiring community.”
“Volunteering is about so much more than offering help—it's about empowering people to transform their own lives. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing individuals and families discover new opportunities, pursue their dreams, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Every smile, every success story, and every life changed is a powerful reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference. Witnessing people regain hope, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential is what gives true meaning to everything we do.”
FranceNastazy Canevet
Owen Allan
Kenya“Real impact isn't about giving people things, it's about giving them the tools and opportunities to build their own future. Watching a family go from surviving to thriving, on their own terms, is why I do this work. I volunteer with The Giving Exchange because it shares that same belief that communities know their own needs best, and our role is simply to walk alongside them.”
“Volunteering with TGE allowed me to upscale in what project coordination is all about, pinpointing specific projects where resources could drive the greatest change in many communities either in Kenya or Uganda! Through rigorous data analysis, I learned to tailor development strategies that resonate with community priorities.”
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.”
Kenya“Volunteering with the Giving Exchange is a meaningful way for me to express my deep passion for community development and a commitment to helping underserved people. It aligns with my strong dedication to making a positive impact, supporting growth and sustainability within communities, and acting with integrity and courage to uplift others.”
KenyaGrace Mutani
Gregory Oduor
“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.”
Kenya
“I volunteer with The Giving Exchange because of the incredible firsthand impact I’ve witnessed through the projects in Kenya. These initiatives don’t just touch the lives of individuals today; they create ripples of change that impact all generations, building a foundation of sustainability and hope for the future.”
KenyaPeter Angelo
Rachel Mbula
“TGE has been with me since 2015 — it’s only right to give back.”
Kenya
Collaboration > Competition
At The Giving Exchange (TGE), we value collaboration over competition. By partnering with organizations that share our vision and values, we combine strengths, resources, and expertise to maximize our collective impact.
These partnerships allow us to tackle challenges more effectively, reach more communities, and create lasting change. Whether it’s through co-developing sustainable projects, sharing knowledge, or amplifying each other’s missions, we know that together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
Fountain of Life Africa (FOLA)
We are proud to feature our sister organization, Fountain of Life Africa (FOLA), as a valued partner. FOLA shares our commitment to uplifting communities through sustainable, life-changing projects. Focused on clean water access, education, and healthcare in Zambia, FOLA’s work empowers women, children, and families to thrive.
Together, TGE and FOLA leverage our shared expertise to expand impact, amplify donor support, and create brighter futures across Africa. Join us in supporting FOLA’s incredible mission and learn more about their work by visiting their website.
Partners
From People to Purpose
Our team, volunteers, and partners work together to support local leaders through BLOOM, our flagship business training and seed funding program.
