Meet Our Executive Team
-
Kelly Shaughnessy
Founder and President
Kelly has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and a B. S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Kelly has experience starting and running several small businesses and has been involved with global poverty alleviation since first visiting Kenya in 2009 and through her more than 15 years working and traveling to Kenya as Founder of Light Up Hope. Kelly is also a student of Kiswahili and lover of the beautiful and diverse culture of Kenya.
-
Diana Mays
Chief Operating Officer
Diana has a Bachelors of Science from Bowling Green State University. She has over 20 years of project management experience in for-profit and non-profit sectors. Joining Light Up Hope in 2013, she has extensive experience in accounting, project management, human resource and corporate relations. Diana prides herself in outstanding organizational, time management, planning and problem - solving skills. She is currently obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
-
Moses Murage Ignatius
Executive Director
Moses possesses a masters and bachelor degree in education, a bachelor of commerce (Finance), a Higher Diploma in Project planning and management and a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation. He has 13 years of professional experience in programs working with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). He is an expert in program design and management, instructional development, monitoring, evaluation, capacity building and fundraising. A true lover of sports, Moses enjoys playing and watching football alongside supporting youths in advancing their interests in the sport.
-
Scevar Swaro
Deputy Director of Programs and Monitoring & Evaluation
Scevar joined the team in 2023 bringing with him over 10 years' experience of project management in the non-profit sector, and a wealth of knowledge and skills in projects and program management of diverse projects around Education, Skills Training, OVC Programming, Disability Mainstreaming, Child Protection, among others. Known for his unwavering commitment to quality and his analytical mindset, Scevar is not only a skilled project manager but also a collaborative and approachable team member. His dedication to continuous learning keeps him abreast of industry best practices, ensuring that his projects are at the forefront of innovation.
Meet Our Kenyan Staff
-
Nancy Karimi
Accountant
-
Victoria Krop
Program Lead – Student Sponsorship
-
Rebecca Magire
Program Lead WOVEN University Program
-
Samwel Onsarigo
Program Lead – School Feeding Program
-
Jecinta Ndanu
Mental Health Counselor
-
Brian Isalambo
Program Officer Student Sponsorship
-
Eliud Kipkorir
Program Officer Student Sponsorship
-
Alensio Mukaria
Finance Officer
-
Benedict Koskei
Procurement and Admin Officer
-
Mary Muthoni
Program Assistant WOVEN University Program
-
Erick Topiko
Program Assistant – School Feeding Program
-
John Biboh
Driver and Admin Assistant
Light Up Hope would not be possible without the loving support and hard work of our volunteer team who donate time and skills every week.
Board of Directors
Maureen Funkhouser
Board President
Kelsey Otim
Board Chair
Janessa Cole
Treasurer
Sydney Dusek
Board Chair