Joni Powers is pictured here with David Clemy, Ugandan Changemaker and Founder of Vicoba Plus, and Sean Callaghan, African Road Founding Board Member.
I joined the board in 2017 after many years of following the work of African Road. Executive Director, Kelly Bean and I first connected walking along a dirt road in Rwanda ten years ago. Her passion for the people of East Africa began on that walk. What an amazing story as I watch the work blossom!Both before and after joining the board, I have served the African Road community as a facilitator and trainer in a variety of topics. I most enjoy being with the Changemakers to encourage their endeavors. I value that African Road collaborates with the people who know their context. We walk alongside as a longterm partner in change. This approach requires taking time to honor the existing talents and skills of our partners and their communities, so that slowly and surely, positive change happens at the community level.African Road believes in the power of transformation for anyone who engages the work: the Changemakers, the communities, donors, volunteers, staff or any interested party. You cannot be around this organization for long without noticing your own perspectives and passions beginning to shift. The hope you see in the midst of difficult circumstances, the tenacity and boldness of the people, the grand hospitality extended to all will draw you in without fail!