Bright Kids Uganda USA Board Members

 
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Maria T. Cruz- Pittsburgh, PA

Maria is a public health professional who has been connected to Bright Kids Uganda since 2012 when she spent the summer interning there through the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has spent her professional career working in nonprofits and local government. Her favorite life quote is: “Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance.” She loves to travel, play music, take pictures, and talk about composting. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and two rescue dogs.

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Kelli BRown, Washington, D.C.

Kelli was born and raised in 1980's Washington, D.C. Here she learned from a young age the power of community and voice. Because of this, she has spent her life advocating for those without one. The Shirley Chisholm quote “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth” is a motto she lives by. Kelli was first approached by BKU USA in 2017 because of her nonprofit experience and equity and inclusion work for Denver Public Schools, she has been a welcome addition to the board.

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Kristin H. Walker, Pittsburgh, PA

In 2011, Kristin approached her African Studies professor and asked “I want to do my internship in Africa, where should I go?” The professor directed her to Bright Kids Uganda’s USA. Since her time in Uganda, Kristin has continued to support and advocate for BKU by recruiting interns, speaking to students, fundraising, and participating on the BKU, USA Board of Directors. She has significant experience working with nonprofits on sustainable programming and data management/analysis. She currently works as the Director of Development and Organizational Advancement at Three Rivers Youth in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Simone Vecchio, Pittsburgh, PA

Simone has always had an interest in the African continent and its people, marveling at their resiliency, resourcefulness, and rich vibrant cultures. In 2010 she left a 14 year career in corporate America to pursue a master's degree in International Development and African Studies. That life change led her right to BKU's doorstep. Since interning at BKU in 2012, Simone has been an active board member of BKU, USA. She currently works as the Program Coordinator for Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) at Jewish Family and Community Services in Pittsburgh, PA. She never loses hope that people, despite their differences, religion, politics, and who they love, can live together peacefully. She is reminded daily every morning when she wakes up to see the quote on her wall "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace" (Jimi Hendrix).