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The Team
Australia Staff
Movement
Katie Bradel
Event Planner & Volunteer Coordinator
It is impossible to imagine Invisible Children without Katie Bradel. An ICer from the beginning, she's filled every post in the book. Over the past five years she's gone on tour, worked in our Mission Department, hosted conferences, done unthinkably ridiculous organizing tasks, and managed to keep Jason, Bobby and Laren somewhat in line. Somewhere in the midst of the chaos she managed to live in Gulu for a year and a half where she was adoringly appreciated by the community - so much so that they nearly gave her the tile of mayor. Now she's in Australia, setting up our Sydney office and planning the Rescue Event. Things to know about Bradel: she can speak Luo fluently, she has seven brothers and sisters, and she loves sailing but never does it because she doesn't have a boat. If you have a spare one, she is more than willing to take it off your hands.
US Staff
Founders
Jason Russell
Co-Founder/Filmmaker
Jason “Radical” Russell is a co-founder of Invisible Children, one of the original crazy guys who hopped on a plane to Africa and came back the bearer of a life-changing story. A filmmaker by trade, Jason graduated from the University of Southern California’s film school with a degree in Cinema Production. His role around the office is continually evolving, but he will forever be employed as Invisible’s grand storyteller and dreamer. It’s his sparks of creative intelligence and insanity that have helped IC redefine the concept of humanitarian work, offering new life to old hope. He loves Oprah, Bono, Steven Spielberg, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, Baz Luhrmann, and Dan Eldon and believes wholeheartedly in magic and the impossible. Already a proud papa to Gavin Danger Russell, Jason wants to have nine more children with his beautiful wife Danica—the girl who has been his best friend for over 23 years. He lists his heroes as IC’s own Bobby, Laren, and Ben and passes on this tidbit of advice to you: “Going to Africa changed my life forever… And it will change yours too.”
Bobby Bailey
Co-Founder/Filmmaker
Came home from Africa just in time to get his degree in cinema-television at USC in May of 2005. Doing theater in high school and debate in college has solidified Bobby’s belief in the power of stories and ideas to radically affect lives. Bobby loves words. He loves to laugh and make others laugh. He loves rhetoric, the old and the new thinkers, falling in love, music, basketball, and dancing. Bobby says Jason and Laren inspire him daily.
Laren Poole
Co-Founder/Filmmaker
Took a break from finishing his Structural Engineering degree at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), in order to pursue the completion of Invisible Children, and the ripples it has started. Before the film he designed for and was involved with Jedidiah clothing company. (Vince, where are you?) He is the style and "secret weapon” of I.C. - His passions lie in Music, punking his friends, film, art, fashion, Dave Chappelle, talks with his mom, honest people, and the ocean.
Art & Film
Javan Van Gronigen
Art | Web Director
Graduated from Point Loma University with a degree in Graphic Communications. After 3 years with one of San Diego's top interactive agencies, Javan was hired at Invisible Children to bring a new interactive element to the already talented design department. Now, he is collaborating with both video and design together to move the hearts of the IC movement.
Ryan Douglass
Senior Designer
When he's not designing CD art for bands or hanging out with Paris Hilton in Silverlake, Ryan designs for Invisible Children. Formerly a student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Orange County, this guy is crafty. Give him a Diet Coke and a Mac and it's genius every time.
Kathryn Lang
Production Assistant
Adding the southern belle touch to San Diegan lifestyle, Kathryn traveled cross-country to be a roadie on the 2007 National Tour. After detouring across the deep south in an RV, Kathryn returned to San Diego and now works as the production assistant in the art department, tinkering with videos and telling stories with IC’s fabulous stash of footage. Secrets to know about Lang: she’s obsessed with Jimmy Stewart, her record player is her favorite toy, and if you ask her how many times 18 goes into 473 her head might explode.
Marcus Price
Graphic Designer
Marcus Russell Price is one of our incredibly talented designers. He’s run the gamut with IC, doing everything from showing the documentary at his band’s concerts to working as an IT specialist to hightailing it to Uganda, only to return and become a roadie for our national band tour—traveling over 85,000 miles in 5 months. His contagious personality makes him rather popular, not surprising considering at his high school he was voted homecoming king, prom king, and mardi gras king while break dancing in a tux. If you want to know a little more about the kid called "Sundance," visit his soon to be launched website marcusanddavidbreakstuff.com. They're currently collecting footage and ideas for the site, so feel free to feed the madness.
Noelle Jouglet
Art/Film Production Coordinator
Noelle Jouglet is a third generation San Diegan and an IC lifer. A graduate of San Diego State University with a degree in Communication and Business Management, Noelle works closely with IC’s art department keeping the creative side in check and on time. It’s like special teams, only more awesome. Prior to signing on full time with IC, Noelle worked with the US Soccer Federation as a videographer, traveling around the world to Japan, Portugal, South Korea, Russia, China, Spain and Mexico. Growing up her heroes were MacGyver, Bob Villa and Martha Stewart. She has since crossed Martha off her list for obvious reasons.
Jesse Eslinger
Production Assistant, Feature Film
Jesse makes the magic happen. As one of three Production Assistants at IC, Jesse has seen every documented moment of Invisible Children’s history. Now a living encyclopedia, he is working on IC’s feature film. Jesse studied Media (with an emphasis on film and video) at the University of California, San Diego. Aside from his film talents, Jesse’s got video game skills like no other and he’s not afraid to prove it. He has often been heard claiming that he “can beat Laren Poole at Mario Kart any day of the week”. That sure sounds like a challenge to us. Prove it, Jesse. Prove it.
Kevin Trout
Production Assistant, Feature Film
Kevin Trout is a true roadie. After going to school for photography, he went on the road for four years with Warped Tour, filming over 150 bands and becoming friends with people in every state across the US. But following rockstars wasn't enough. In 2007, Kevin joined up with IC's Band Tour to show us the ropes on our first-ever Warped Tour. Since then, he's been working as Bobby Bailey's assistant on the feature film. Like life on the road, it's not all glam. His first job in the film department was to type out the handwritten video log sheets...which ended up being over 1,200 pages long. We consider him pretty legit, but since he hates that word we'll just say he's a great guy that we love having around.
Jon Smith
Production Assistant
Jon is our newest edition to the Art & Film team. As a Production Assistant, he is currently focused on editing film for one of Invisible Children’s newest programs: MEND. He doesn’t listen to the radio, has never had a broken bone, believes “The Flash” is unfit to be a superhero, and enjoys his fashionable collection of Gulu-market-wear. Though he basks in the glory of his childhood acting career (“Mayor of Munchkin City” in CYT’s The Wizard of Oz), Jon credits his early interest in film to his bum knees, which brought about an abrupt end to his sports star destiny. Tragic as that may seem, Jon quickly settled into a new area of expertise and Invisible Children is now lucky to have him. His short film credits include “Matted Fur,” the story of two mascots from rival high schools. Inquire within for an autographed copy.
Marie Havens
Director of Design & Product Development, MEND
Marie is a gem. As the story goes for many of IC’s staff, she grew up in San Diego Jason Russell . At seventeen, Marie set out for New York City , where she graduated from Parson’s School of Design Uganda
Business Operations
Ben Keesey
Executive Director, CEO
Ben received his B.A. in Applied Mathematics, Management & Accounting from the University of California, Los Angeles. The day after senior finals, he hopped a plane to Africa and unknowingly rerouted the course of his life. Prior to officially joining the organization in 2005 as CFO, he worked with Deloitte and Touche LLP, JP Morgan & Associates and Brentwood Associates Private Equity. Ben now serves as Executive Director and CEO of Invisible Children, Inc. He embraces the impossible and plots the course of our daring future. His hard work is unmistakably evident; a previously unheard of grassroots documentary film has transformed into an international movement that is revolutionizing culture, policy and lives. Needless to say, we tip our proverbial hat to Ben Keesey.
Chris Sarette
Vice President, Business Operations
On any given day Chris Sarette will put any overachiever to shame. He graduated with an MA in Communication Management from USC at the ripe old age of 21 and now oversees IC’s business operations. Though he had an offer to work at a communication consulting firm post graduation, we snagged him up. He has since worked his way from development, to directing Schools for Schools, now to being VP of Business Operations. Chris manages the core operations, including Technology, HR, Shipping, Office Management, and Data Management. Oh, and he’s a Salesforce guru. When he's not busy maximizing IC’s efficiency, you'll likely find him rock climbing and strengthening his forearms to look more like Popeye.
David Young
Technology Director
David's interest in IT and electrical gadgets began at the tender age of seven where he found that pickles can glow by placing 200 volts through them with some copper wire and a battery charger. After blowing up a swimming pool pump and getting electrocuted while re-wiring Christmas lights, his parents decided he should further his studies at Texas A&M University, where he received a B.S. in business and management of information systems. He went on to take jobs as a network engineer at several aerospace software design firms, and eventually moved into computer consulting for small to medium-sized businesses. He is now completely submersed in keeping Invisible Children digitally healthy and poised to bring lasting change with creative technology. David never thought that his knack for solving computer problems could actually be used to positively affect the lives of kids in northern Uganda. Who would have thought a glowing pickle could lead to this?
Tiffany Keesey
HR / Recruiting Director
Tiffany has been around since IC became a non-profit in 2005. She started working with Invisible as office manager post-graduation, earning the whopping amount of $0 for all her long hours. She then transitioned to the role of National Tour Director overseeing all of the RVs full of roadies that scour the nation, infiltrating schools and crashing on couches. After working closely with each National Tour, her experience led her into full time HR and recruiting where she picks the best and brightest to join IC's team. Tiffany doesn’t like to brag, but we do, and we think it’s quite worth mentioning that she graduated from UCLA in 2005 as a Regents Scholar—an honor putting her in the top 1% of her class. Under events that changed her life she lists studying abroad in Florence, traveling to Uganda, and marrying a pretty awesome guy.
Russell Millican
Fulfillment Coordinator/Warehouse Manager
Russell is a pureblood IC veteran. Known as “Russell the Muscle” around the office, this Texas native now works as our Fulfillment Coordinator and Warehouse Manager, a position that involves way more than you’d ever like to know. An incredibly talented individual, Russell came to IC in January of ’07 as a Displace Me intern, took to the highway as a roadie on the fall tour, and is now based out of San Diego as a fulltime employee. When not buried in boxes, you can often find Russell out on the waves, a talent he picked up on the oceans of Australia.
Courtny Edwards
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Courtny Edwards is our resident traffic controller. Well, she does manage the chaos but she’s actually our Executive Assistant. She skillfully organizes the work life our CEO, mastering the madness with her trademark cheerfulness. Born in Italy, she is a self-professed “army brat” who has lived all over. We finally found her in Oklahoma, where she graduated from OSU with a degree in Business Administration: International Business/Integrated Marketing Communications. Impressive, right? Well, she also won a break dance contest when she was two years old. Since then, she’s retired her hip-hop shoes and now spends her time watching foreign films, practicing French, and plotting her next travel expedition. Indonesia? South America? It’s a coin toss. Until she decides, she’s putting her knack for schedules and flair for order to good use here at IC.
J. Brody McMurtry
Legal Counsel
Brody discovered IC while in Uganda with the International Justice Mission, a human rights advocacy group. He met three crazy film makers and (bam!) traveled with them to northern Uganda. He works in coordination with the law firms Latham & Watkins and Morrison & Foerster, who represent Invisible Children's legal needs. Upon graduation from Union University, he worked at Pew Charitable Trusts and began his Masters degree at Georgetown University, where he studied International Affairs. He went to law school at the University of Virginia and served as law clerk to the United States Department of Justice in the Child Exploitation Section. During law school, Brody also served as editorial board member for the Virginia Journal of International Law and symposium editor for the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy - a.k.a, he's basically a huge dork. Brody hopes to climb the world's seven great summits and thus far has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. (He barely made it).
Communications
Kenny Laubbacher
Band and Artist Relations
Kenneth James Laubbacher, more simply known as Kenny James, is the man behind the music. At least, sort of. His path to becoming a child prodigy pianist was cut short when he broke his finger in the third grade playing basketball. Now in lieu of being the modern day Mozart (OK, we might be exaggerating), he spreads the word about kids in Uganda by encouraging bands to do so. He sees huge potential in artists and their audiences and believes music has the capacity to create lasting cultural change. When he isn’t behind the music, he’s behind the camera catching life on film. On one of his latest filming stints he was kicked off a sailboat by a one-eyed captain as punishment for crashing into a buoy in the Chesapeake. We're sure there's a good excuse for this somewhere.
Alex Collins
Artist Liaison/Tour Coordinator
Alexander Mark Collins is our Artist Liaison/Tour Coordinator. From Yale (the city, not the college– don’t get your hopes up), he prefers to go by the alias Dominic Managhan due to his striking resemblance to the character “Charlie” on LOST. Alex has a heart for international affairs and spent part of his undergrad experience studying in China. One day he hopes to continue his brain growth in that area by getting his Masters in Peace Studies in England. Till then, we’re holding him hostage as our Artist Liaison, which basically means he plans tours with musicians and travels with them across the world promoting IC.
Amy Boyd
Communications Coordinator
Amy Susan Boyd is the new voice of Invisible Children. She joined our staff as Office Manager and redefined multitasking by answering phones, fixing printer jams and ordering office supplies in addition to coordinating customer service and scheduling volunteers. All the while, we were increasingly fond of her clever emails that made the most boring details amusing. It was too, too apparent that we needed her writing for us. So she now dots our i’s and crosses our t’s, acting as our general editor and copy writer. An Invisible Children supporter back to the days of the GNC, Amy spent a lot of time being an advocate for northern Uganda before becoming an official part of the team. If you don't see Amy around the office, chances are she's riding her bicycle, perusing antique shops or concocting her legendary guacamole. Did we mention that she eerily resembles Maggie Gyllenhaal?
Finance
Jay Woodcock
Chief Financial Officer, CFO
Jeffrey Woodcock, otherwise known as Jay, is Invisible’s CFO—a very serious position filled by a seldom-serious surfer. A ridiculously tall guy who tells ridiculously dry jokes, he’s a pretty special guy in the IC family. After graduating from UCSB with a major in Accounting and a minor in Spanish, Jay served as the accountant for a nonprofit private high school. From there, life's turns led him to the corporate world where he worked at Countrywide Home Loans as a financial analyst. We were able to pull him away as a temporary employee when he decided to puruse a teaching degree. Thankfully he fell in love with company and its mission and decided to do us all a favor by sticking around. Had the courses of fate been different Jay wouldn’t be behind a desk at all, but rather on the football field. He doesn’t have a disk between the two vertebrae in his neck and as a result was never allowed to play football—the only reason, he says, he isn’t playing for the Chargers today. While we all believe this story just about as much as you, we indulge him in this fantasy as he’s the one who cuts the paychecks at the end of the week. It's all about the nod and smile.
Cara Pryor
Staff Accountant / Development Assistant
A wiz with numbers, Cara is undeniably the most creative staff accountant out there. She has been making her own clothes since the 4th grade and recently developed her own jewelry line. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a degree in Accounting, Cara turned down a full-time offer from a well-respected financial company so she could bring her immense talents here. Cara also loves to travel, and spent time in a houseboat on the Amazon River delivering medical services to remote villages.
Mission
Ben Thomson
Vice President of International Development
Graduated from UCSD in 2005 with a BA in economics. He lived in Uganda from August to December of 2005, to implement and manage the Invisible Children Bracelet Campaign. Ben was crazy enough to take on this ambitious project, and we've seen the fruit of his labor. After returning from Uganda Ben played a crucial role with planning the 2006 Global Night Commute. He is an extensive world traveler throughout China, Europe, and now Africa. Currently, he oversees the entire Mission department of IC and has the management skills and capability to take us to the next level. His passions include surfing, camping, basketball, and mentoring high school students.
Adam Finck
Mission Director
Adam Finck is stellar. Serving as IC’s Mission Director for Uganda, he’s the main bridge between our offices oceans away and the go-to guy when it comes to what’s happening on the ground. Before setting up shop in Spring Valley, Finck spent a year and a half in Gulu as the Assistant Country Director, working closely with Jolly to oversee the programs. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Political Science, Finck has also spent time writing for National Geographic and working with Africare as a field correspondent. Hobbies he loves, but rarely do include: photography, snowboarding and surfing.
Jared White
Mission Coordinator
After watching the film, Jared was quoted saying, "Wow, that was amazing, but I would never go to Africa." Six months later, he bought a ticket and hopped on a plane with the intent of taking photos of the kids, but ended up staying seven months. He was an instrumental part in the formation and management of the Visible Child Scholarship Program. He now works in San Diego as 'the voice of Uganda,' coordinating and communicating between our US and Uganda offices. Jared graduated from Biola in May 2005 with studies in the arts; he is a talented graphic designer, photographer, and videographer.
Movement
Margie Dillenburg
Chief Operations Officer, COO
Having graduated from Notre Dame in 2001 with a degree in Peace Studies and Computers, we can officially say Margie is one of the most well rounded people on the face of this planet. Heading up Invisible’s Movement Department, she’s the voice of reason in a room of chaotic creativity. Margie moved to California after college to help start a school that targeted an underserved portion of the population. Over a span of four years, two of which she served as an Americorp volunteer, she watched the idea grow from a business plan to a fully-functional school. After her stint as a teacher, she migrated to Invisible’s office where she now spends her days transforming chaos into order. Margie is passionate about riding bikes, using creativity to make things (especially clay), being outside, learning, reading, one-on-one conversations, cooking, traveling and not using the word passionate.
Zachary Barrows
Schools for Schools Director
A former teacher, Zach joins the IC staff knowing a thing or two about life outside the office. In his own words, Zach is here because his students at Auburn High School “saw the Rough Cut and wanted to do something about it.” As a result of their hard work, they won the Schools for Schools round one competition for their region and went on the Winner's Trip to northern Uganda in the summer of 2007. After spending time with us in northern Uganda, we knew Zach needed to stick around. It's a good thing too, as he has proven himself to be a “Renaissance Man” of sorts: incredible at his job and capable of fashioning a fully-functional IC tour van cage out of an old futon frame found in the dumpster. Does it make sense? No. Did it happen? Yes.
Lauren Henke
National Tour Manager - Deep South, Texas, Gulf Coast, New England
A native of the Lone Star State, Lauren Henke has street cred- prior to joining our staff she paid her dues as a Roadie on our second tour. Upon returning to our San Diego headquarters, her nomadic tendencies persuaded her to accept a position as the National Tour Manager. She now oversees a heap of Roadies, including the recently added Latin America Tour. Off the clock, she is hitting the textbooks in Health and Biology, polishing her Spanish and mastering the harmonica. Rumor has it, she’s scheming to a join a folk band… Henke and Garfunkel, perhaps? Mr. Garfunkel’s management hasn’t returned her call yet but she’s an unshakeable dreamer with a lengthy to-do list for her life. She recently crossed off rafting the Nile River; next up is running a marathon. Maybe a successful singer-songwriter career isn’t so far-fetched after all. In the meantime, we’re glad to boast her as our own.
Lisa Dougan
National Tour Manager - Cal-Pacific, Middle America, East Coast, Mid-Atlantic.
Lisa is originally from Washington D.C. and was a member of the Mid-Atlantic road crew in the 2007 National Tour. Upon the return from tour, she quickly hopped on a flight to Uganda where she spent four months. She has been a part of Invisible Children staff since her return, and is taking charge of four routes as a National Tour Manager this fall . She loves good music, good art, languages, teaching kids, people-watching, and used book stores.
Jenny Mavity
National Tour Manager - Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, Great Lakes, & Cal-Vegas
Jenny, a.k.a. J-Mav, is a Midwesterner turned Southern Californian. She first heard about IC while attending Biola University, and after graduating in 2006 with a degree in Intercultural Studies, she became a roadie on the 2007 National Tour. As a National Tour Manager, she now uses her expertise to manage four different routes across the US, helping roadies as they set off in vans to tour the country. She’s got an affinity for going to garage sales with her fam and exploring old, abandoned barns. While she’s already been bungee jumping, one day she hopes to fly planes and go skydiving.
Natasha Harris
Book Drive Manager
This girl is our resident expert on all things "book drive." A native of everywhere (Mexico, Holland, Burlington, Ithaca, Philadelphia, Los Angeles) and a graduate of Rosemont College in Philadelphia, Natasha is spearheading the newest venture of our Schools for Schools program: the largest book drive in the history of mankind. Natasha joins IC with four years of experience from Better World Books (our partner in this venture) and has an incredible heart for furthering educational opportunities and literacy both in the US and across the globe. If her job doesn't already sound ambitious enough, Natasha runs marathons in her spare time, is currently planning her wedding, is learning Dutch, has taken 13 years of piano lessons, and still makes time for her favorite thing to do: travel.
Talitha Baker
Tour Booking Coordinator
In short, this girl is an overachiever extraordinaire. Not only did Talitha finish college in three years (with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology), but she gives tangible meaning to the phrase: "Do not take 'NO' for an answer," by holding the unofficial title of Most Screenings Ever Booked by One Person at Invisible Children. After a nine month internship with IC, Talitha has joined our staff as the "Tour Booking Coordinator" for the US and the UK -- meaning, she spends hours each day navigating through roadie team schedules, google maps, and nonstop phone calls with a smile. When not at the office, you can find this Chandler, Arizona-native crusing around San Diego in her car, "Sisqo N.E. Faster," and correcting the staff at Starbucks when they provide her with false facts about the object of her caffeinated obsession.
Uganda Staff
Management, Finance & General
Okot Jolly Grace
Country Director
Jolly has been involved with Invisible Children since the beginning. Her guidance enabled the filmmakers to see and understand the plight of children in northern Uganda, and her leadership and direction helped create IC’s initiatives on the ground. Among her many qualifications, Jolly holds a degree in Business Administration and is experienced in program development and coordination, logistics, and management. She says that developing IC’s operations in Uganda has given her the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of educating children in the North, especially girls. In addition to her leadership at IC, Jolly also runs HEALS, a program that provides play therapy for war-affected children. Her goal is to continue to change Acholiland from suffering to joy, and to improve the living conditions of youth by providing them with education.
Bigena Jerry
Human Resources Manager
Overseeing the hiring of new staff members in Uganda, Jerry is the person at the office to impress. With his degree in Human Resource Management from Makerere University, he asks loads of tough questions to applicants in order to determine whether or not they are a good fit for the organization and how they will contribute to IC's mission of improving lives and education in northern Uganda. Jerry says that his goal is to help Invisible Children grow nationally and globally. When he isn't pouring over applications or conducting interviews, Jerry likes to play basketball and pool or watch sports on TV.
Okabo Benson Gard
Operations Director
A new addition to the IC family, Benson joins us from his hometown of Lira. An integral part in keeping things afloat, he’s the guy leading pretty much anything to do with management and finance. With a double B.A. in Economics and Administration, Benson comes to IC with an already impressive background in administration management, having worked with the Lutheran World Federation, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and the Christian Children’s Fund Uganda. Though he clearly shows his dedication to his job (especially as his favorite thing about it is “the stress”), there’s only one place you can find Benson on a Friday night – the dance floor.
Masaba Francis
Administrative Officer
Born and raised in Mbale in eastern Uganda, Francis graduated top of his class at Makerere University where he studied Secretarial Studies and Administration. Although young, Francis is a key member of the Administrative staff. He is the proverbial glue that holds the office together, from writing up memos and meeting minutes and drafting official letters, to greeting and catering to all incoming phone calls and visitors that walk through the door. Even with all these tasks, Francis works with an infectious good attitude and admirable work ethic. His goals are to eventually pursue a master's degree in Human Resource Management and to continue improving and serving IC in Uganda.
Okello Richard
IT Officer
Holding a degree in Information Technology, Richard addresses any IT related problems that arise in the office. In this position he is brilliant at keeping the server, databases, and office printers running smoothly, let alone, giving calm reassurance to all staff members who encounter technological difficulties. Richard says that his goal is to help IC attain its objectives in Uganda and the US. He enjoys the good working environment at Invisible Children and the relationships between employees. On the weekends, he likes using the internet to find new knowledge and playing volleyball.
Lanyero Benna
IT Assistant
Benna was one of the first bracelet makers hired in northern Uganda. Despite her youth she distinguished herself as a leader in the bracelet making community of Koro IDP camp, coordinating and translating for her fellow workers, not to mention paying school fees for younger family members, paying her own college tuition, and interning at the IC office in Gulu. Initially serving as the Operations Officer for the Bracelet Campaign, she was responsible for coordinating bracelet making at all five sites for Invisible Children. Now she works in the IT department, which is more in line with her interests. She says that she loves the way the staff members of IC cooperate. Benna received her degree in Computer Science at Gulu University, likes to make time to spend with friends, and watch the occasional movie.
Erica D'Alessandro
Public Relations Officer
Erica just couldn’t get enough of Gulu. She returns to the IC Uganda family—this time as a more permanent fixture—after having spent three months this summer as the GO! Public Relations Intern. A recent graduate of Miami University of Ohio, she received her B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in Africa and a minor in French. Her interest for public health, international development and human rights was piqued during her semester spent in Geneva interning for the International Centre for Migration and Health. Beyond her constant thirst for learning anything and everything about Africa, Erica loves Indian food, reading travel essays, dabbling in writing on her manual typewriter and Ugandan mornings with a big cup of Ugandan coffee.
Andrew Morgan
Communications Officer
Hailing from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Andrew comes to IC after the trip of a lifetime— bicycling through North, Central, and South America from New Jersey all the way to Santiago, Chile and then Buenos Aires, Argentina. With a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Montclair State University, his itch to see the world has found him teaching all over the place: from New Jersey, to Japan, to Central and South America. He first watched the Rough Cut during his time in Japan, but it wasn’t until he (randomly) met Katie and Margie in Cusco, Peru that he sent his CV in, and he was Gulu-bound. Among his favorite things about working for IC, Andrew appreciates working for an organization that really believes in education’s ability to empower students and being surrounded by the ever-smiling, motivated Ugandan staff in the office. Though his future plans include many trips and further explorations of the world, he might find himself settling down somewhere soon to establish his new, self-proclaimed tribe: Humans Who Love Burritos.
Lapolo Mercy Flora
Logistics Officer
Mercy learned about Invisible Children when a friend showed her the film in 2006. Shortly after, an opportunity came for her to become a staff member at IC. Using her degree in Procurement and Logistics Management, Mercy coordinates the movement of supplies and people to and from the office in Gulu and IC’s project locations in surrounding areas. She also loves children, likes working with people from different cultures, and believes strongly in the work that IC does to improve education in the North. When she is not organizing logistics plans, Mercy will challenge you to a mean game of chess or scrabble, and you can bet your lunch money that she’ll win.
Andruvile Emmy
Logistics Officer, Kampala
When program and office supplies are not readily available in Gulu (an often occurrence, mind you) a quick phone call is made to Emmy in Kampala. He is responsible for searching high and low for any number of items needed and then procuring them at the best price. His job is definitely not an easy one, but Emmy travels tirelessly around the capital city making sure that the program managers have whatever they need to achieve their goals.
Nikoma Samuel
Logistics Assistant
Born in Gulu, Sam pursued a degree that allowed him to specialize in Procurement and Supply Chain Management so that he could return to northern Uganda and help his people. He feels that joining the team at IC has given him the chance to work with a young, dynamic team of individuals who share his vision of “making the lives of children better for the future.” Around the office, Sam works alongside other members of the logistics team to procure various items that further the work of each program. In his free time he likes to read journals and play chess, but claims rugby as his sport of choice and love.
Nimungu Eric
Logistics Assistant
Eric currently serves as the Logistics Assistant, and plans to stay with IC, “for as long as I’m still useful.” He’s always there when you need some new pens, folders or love advice. He was previously a data clerk with the World Food Program in Gulu and holds a B.S. in quantitative economics, with a concentration in economics and statistics. He first heard about Invisible Children when he watched the Rough Cut at university and decided to join in on the action. His favorite thing about working here is that everyone is simple and friendly. In his spare time, he plays football for the Gulu United club. In the future, he plans to pursue a PhD.
Tom Kikulube
Accountant
Coming to us all the way from Iganga, Tom comes to IC with years of experience in accounting under his belt. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Higher Diploma in Accountancy – not to mention the years of experience working with everything from the Lutheran World Federation to Accountant and Tax Consultant offices – there is not doubt that Tom knows what he’s doing. He says his favorite thing about working for IC so far is being part of such a wonderful team. When he’s not at work, Tom enjoys reading professional journals, newspapers and the Bible, working with teams, professional enrichment, listening to gospel music, and a good football match.
Aguti Monica Pinkett
Cashier
Passionate about the vision of Invisible Children, Monica put her enthusiasm to work and joined the finance staff. She received her B.S. degree in accounting and finance and has a handful of related experience, as she worked as a cashier with another local NGO. Monica first heard about Invisible Children on Mega FM radio and also through some of her friends, compelling her to work here. Her favorite thing about Invisible Children is the measurable success IC has done uplifting children affected by war in northern Uganda. When she’s not handing or counting out IC’s cash, you will most likely find her wrapped up in a great novel. She also enjoys praising and worshipping God. In the future, Monica dreams of becoming a financial executive director at an international NGO.
Okwera Francis
Security Supervisor
Francis learned about Invisible Children on the radio and then came to see the program for himself. Now on staff, he coordinates security at the office and intern and staff houses. His favorite things about working for Invisible Children are the way the organization helps children and the support staff members receive in their positions. Francis likes to spend his free time watching football on television, and his ambition is to provide education for all of his children.
Adonga Quinto
Compound Manager
In the two years that he has worked for Invisible Children, Quinto has had his hand in a variety of projects around the office. He converted the garage into a conference room, built internal walls to help divide the building into office blocks, and contributed the look of the compound with his superb gardening skills. Quinto is also the first and last face that visitors to the office see. His smile leaves a lasting impression of the friendliness of the staff in Uganda. When he is not at work, Quinto likes to watch football.
Atai Annet
Office Assistant
Annet comes from Kumi in eastern Uganda. She first heard about Invisible Children from students in the Visible Child Scholarship Program. They told her about IC’s work in the community and the ways the program is working to improve education in northern Uganda. Soon after, she came to work for IC as an office assistant, where, among other things, she keeps the staff supplied daily with a much-needed cup of tea or coffee. Annet says she enjoys the friendships she has with other staff members in the office. When she isn’t at work, she likes to spend time with her family and travel to new places.
Layat Peace
Office Assistant
Peace first heard about IC from a close friend who was seeking a scholarship, and she decided to join the team. Coming from Kampala/Kitgum, she knows many languages, including Luo (Acholi), Swahili, Luganda, Japhdhola, and Lusoga. Peace says she loves being in the office because of the staff’s team spirit and welcoming smiles. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, making friends, and baby-sitting. Peace’s future plans include helping children in need (particularly orphans) and going back to school.
Kilara Thomas
Driver
One of Thomas' greatest joys is simply being alive. In his previous job with Uganda Electricity Board, he was severely electrocuted when he was asked to isolate a power line that, unbeknownst to him, was still live. He woke up in the hospital one week later, but remained there for six and a half months undergoing reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Now working for Invisible Children as a driver, his joy for life is contagious. He says that his favorite thing about IC is the way that the organization is helping children in northern Uganda attend school. Thomas is a family man at heart, raising his biological children and two that he adopted from an aunt who passed away.
Otika Walter
Driver
Walter heard about Invisible Children on the radio when he was working as a driver for Posta Uganda - the bus that transports mail and people to and from Kampala each day. In addition to driving staff to project sites, Walter helps Robert with mechanical work at the office. He is an avid football enthusiast who supports Arsenal, and in his free time, you may find him watching or listening to matches. In the future, Walter hopes to continue to build his family and support his children.
Komakech Richard
Driver
Hailing from Kitgum district in northern Uganda, Invisible Children’s newest navigator of the roads is Komakech Richard. An experienced driver who has worked for multiple other NGOs in the past, Richard was seeking a change when he came across an ad for the position with IC in the local paper. When he is not happily carting the staff to and fro, he spends his time watching football and speaking four languages. He loves working with the Invisible staff and hopes to someday to further his education to the university level.
Agenorwot Shally Ruth
Office Messenger
When Shally first heard about Invisible Children, it was because she saw the sign - literally. While passing the office one day she noticed the signpost and became interested in finding out more about this organization called Invisible Children. Shortly after Shally heard a radio show about the scholarship program and how IC is supporting vulnerable children in northern Uganda. At the time she was working for Dyeretek, a local organization that supports children with HIV/AIDS, but she soon came to work for IC as an office messenger. She says that her favorite thing about IC is how friendly the staff are and how all staff are made to feel appreciated. Shally is currently finishing her degree in Public Administration at Gulu University. She likes to cook, watch videos and sing, but says that she spends most of her free time studying because she has set her sights on finishing her degree and moving forward with her career.
Burungi Robert
Mechanic
A broken motorcycle brought Robert to Invisible Children. As a well-known mechanic in Gulu Town, he had heard of IC before, but first came to the office after Peter Abiyo approached him for help on some much needed bike repairs. Robert was so talented that he kept coming back at the request of IC, until he finally came on staff as our full time mechanic. Robert says that he likes working at Invisible Children because of the good group environment and ability to learn within the organization. Right now his biggest priority is taking care of his twin daughters and planning for their future education.
Economic Development Initiatives
Okori Eric Okonye
Economic Program Manager
With a degree in economics and experience in development and program management, Eric is prepared and excited to lead IC’s economic interventions into the future. He first heard about IC from friends, but soon came to know the organization for himself when he came on board as the Economic Program Manager. His goal in this position, he says, is to firmly establish IC’s economic programs in Uganda, but his hope is to build a vision for extending them to other countries that have also experienced conflict and crises. When he wants to take a mental break from short-term and long-term program planning, Eric likes to watch movies and football.
Florence Odong Achan
SITI Officer
Hailing from the Pader district, Florence is the latest addition to the EDI office. After hearing about IC from a friend, she knew she had to find out more about the organization, so she joined the team. With a Bachelor of Arts in Administration (Finance), and having worked for Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, she comes to IC with plenty of experience in the area of finances. Among her favorite things about working for IC, Florence lists “being a part of an organization that is people oriented.” Though you’ll usually find her hard at work, her favorite things to do on a Sunday afternoon are studying the Bible and relaxing in a nice steam bath.
Okello Comfort
Program Assistant, EDI
Coming to us from Nebbi District, Comfort first heard of Invisible Children through the parent of a VCSP beneficiary, and her curiosity was piqued. After finding out more about IC, she applied for an internship position. Not only did she get that job—six months later, she’s here to stay. With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, her previous work experience includes an internship with World Vision in Gulu, and hopes to continue building her education and career in the future. Comfort loves IC because she feels part of a family that is determined to see their work through to the end. During her free time, Comfort enjoys watching movies and spending time with her friends.
Matsiko Gilbert
Operations Manager, Kampala
Hailing from Kabale, Gilbert has been working with IC for the last three years with the economic development intiatives. He currently serves as ICBC’s Operations Manager in Kampala, while simultaneously pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. He loves that everyone at IC is friendly, cooperative and helpful. Gilbert also likes how well employees are treated and recognized for their hard work. When he’s not managing operations or studying, he enjoys playing volleyball, swimming, listening to music and meeting friends. He plans to gain more experience at IC and further his education in the future.
Schools for Schools
Munduga Patrick
Program Manager
To say that Patrick is a hard worker would be an understatement. He shows up early, stays late, and is passionate about IC's projects in northern Uganda. With nearly 10 years of experience in supervising engineering projects, he plays a crucial role in enabling the success and sustainability of IC's ongoing improvements in northern Uganda's education system. Patrick claims Arua, Uganda, as his hometown. Soccer is his second love and he supports both Arsenal and the Uganda Cranes. Although he has immediate goals of motivating youth in northern Uganda to excel in education, Patrick is also working to achieve his long term personal plans of “getting married, getting babies, and getting fat someday.” He just knocked one of these goals off the list: he and his wife Mary were married this summer.
James de le Vingne
Assistant Program Manager
This newby may be a fresh addition to Invisible Children, but James is already familiar with living and working in Uganda. A native of Brighton, UK, he received his BA in Fine Arts from the University of Nottingham. Not only has he vastly traveled the African continent, but he has also spent over two years in sum volunteering in Uganda and West Africa. He worked for 18 months as a project coordinator in a Liberian refugee camp located in Ghana. “Fast paced with gritty determination” was James’ first impression of Invisible Children. He feels like a natural member of the innovative and warm IC family and couldn’t ask more from such a group of international colleagues. Inspired by people, homes and their cultures, James is itching to one day cross a continent or dessert on foot, while simultaneously learning a second language.
Omara Christo Balmoyi
Head Engineer
Born in Gulu, Christo received a degree in Civil and Building Engineering and focused on structural design for human settlements and shelters. He previously worked as an Assistant Project Coordinator for Steelworks Limited and hopes to continue developing his knowledge base of management and engineering during his time at IC. The film first introduced Christo to Invisible Children and to the benefit of “working with a project that adds value to quality of human life.” Christo says that “as opposed to designing structures for only the rich, [this work] is much more fulfilling.” Outside of the office, you’ll most likely find him playing darts.
Labuke Jennifer
Education Officer
One of the newest additions to the Invisible Children offices in Uganda, Jennifer comes to us with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and plenty of work experience. To name a few of her previous positions, Jennifer’s worked as a Court Interpreter for the International Criminal Court, a Senior Inspector of Schools for the Education Standards Agency; so she definitely knows what she’s doing. Her wonderful personality and ever-present smile have also helped her transition into the IC team go very smoothly. Among her favorite things about working for IC, Jennifer enjoys working with education stakeholders. When she’s not hard at work, Jennifer listens to gospel music, and attends prayer meetings and Bible study groups.
Otim Charles
Engineering Assistant
Charles heard about Invisible Children firsthand from students who had received scholarships through the education program. With his own education and experience in civil and building engineering, he soon joined IC as an Engineering Assistant with S4S. In his position, Charles is directly involved in creating construction plans and supervising rebuilding projects at the 10 project sites. Although he is passionate about his work with IC, Charles’ greatest joy comes from spending time with his wife and daughter, who recently had her first birthday.
Nyeko Denis
Engineering Assistant
With previous experience in construction and road engineering, Denis helps facilitate Schools for Schools construction and refurbishment projects. Described by others as honest and hardworking, his commitment to the program’s success is daily evident in his work, so much so that he was willing to travel eight hours each way in the floods to a site that needed a progress evaluation. He may be a big, strong guy, but Denis' warm smile and caring heart are evident to everyone he works with.
Kyarisiima Anitah Vera
Accounts Assistant
Anitah hails from Mbarara in southwestern Uganda. Using her degree in Business Computing, she focuses on streamlining Schools for Schools payments and helps monitor project costs against the program budget. Before transitioning to the Schools for School programs, Anitah worked for IC as an IT Assistant where she was involved in training mentors and other staff members on how to use the computer and the IC databases. She loves the way that the staff at Invisible Children work as a team to achieve the organization’s set goals and objectives, and she says that the staff at IC have a unique character. Anitah sings in the choir at Holy Rosary alongside Jamie Roach, and also likes to listen to music.
Obwalet Job Isaac
Office Manager, S4S
Job joins Invisible Children well versed in the demands of his position. He earned his university degree in secretarial studies at Makerere University in Kampala. While at school, he went to a campus screening of the Invisible Children: The Rough Cut documentary and was inspired to act. He volunteered for the Ugandan Red Cross Society in his home district before he made the move to Gulu to become a full time staff member. He loves the teamwork and feeling of family created by the IC staff. He sees his position as a way to help his fellow Ugandans directly and plans to continue to do his part as he works he way into the top administrative units. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing volleyball.
Visible Child Scholarship Program
Okot Geoffrey Howard
Program Manager
One of four original mentors in the education program, Geoffrey has risen to become the VCSP Program Manager. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Arts with Education, he has previously worked as a teacher, choir trainer, and a project and music program coordinator with the HEALS Project. Inspired by his coworkers to live a creative and successful life, Geoffrey is always eager to give a helping hand to those in need. When he is not working at IC, Geoffrey cares for his three younger brothers and a younger sister. In his spare time he enjoys reading, listening to music, singing, traveling to new places, and making new friends. He is also currently pursuing an advanced degree in Educational Administration.
Ocwee Grace
Special Mentor
Grace has a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Human Resource Management with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling. She uses her previous work experiences as a classroom teacher to help the students she mentors - students who have appeared in IC media. After work, Grace likes to play with her daughter and visit her friends. She also enjoys watching African movies and mystery films. Grace is excited about the future of IC and its ability to change the lives of vulnerable children in northern Uganda.
Odong Kenneth
Lead Mentor, Gulu
Having struggled with support for his own education, Kenneth has dedicated his life to assisting the children of northern Uganda by using counseling and education as a tool to help them build a brighter future. His background as a professional social worker directly contributes to this goal. His favorite things about working for IC are the variety of services offered by the organization and the interaction he has with the students he mentors. Kenneth enjoys listening to debates, watching movies, listening to music and spending time with his friends. In the future, he wants to continue his education, progressing to a higher level within the counseling profession. Kenneth also hopes to one day set up a firm that offers free counseling services to the community.
Komakech Hannington
Lead Mentor, Pader
Hannington is an exceptionally encouraging person, so much so that he regularly greets his fellow staff members with a heartfelt “well-done.” He started out at Invisible Children as the Schools for Schools Education Officer, but transitioned to the scholarship program where he currently works as a mentor. With previous experience as a teacher, he invests himself in the students he mentors to help them achieve personal and academic greatness. Hannington says that he values the spirit of oneness exhibited by the staff at IC. In his spare time, he likes to relax and read the newspaper.
Okwir Joyce Patricia
Assistant Lead Mentor, Gulu
When Patricia was in her last year of secondary school, her sister died and left behind three children. Patricia adopted them as her own, but continued to go to school. With the financial help and support of family and friends, she graduated from university with a degree in Arts with Education. Before working at IC, Patricia was a school counselor and classroom teacher at Gulu Parents' Comprehensive College. As a mentor, she uses her past experience to help guide the students she mentors in the right direction. When she is not mentoring and contributing her services to those in need, she prefers to read and listen to music, take adventures, and make new friends. Patricia recently ended a nighttime gig hosting a radio talk show that focused on relationships.
Okettayot Leo
Assistant Lead Mentor, Gulu
Leo has worked as a mentor with IC for one year. In addition to supporting students in the scholarship program through mentoring, he is involved in developing the program’s new sports and games initiative. Leo says that he loves mentoring. His previous education and experience is in teaching, but Leo is currently working on a postgraduate diploma in Project Planning and Management. Even though his school and work schedule keep him busy, Leo likes to stay active by playing volleyball.
Odong Collie Mark
Student Coordinator
Mark worked for one year at IC as a gatekeeper before moving over to the VCSP program where he has been a mentor and most recently, the program’s student coordinator. In all of his roles, Mark has displayed a strong work ethic and a commitment the goals of IC in Uganda. Mark says that he has been inspired by the diverse groups of people he has met who are contributing to the educational future of the children of Uganda. He appreciates the cooperation and tremendous good will of his coworkers.
Okello Quinto
Mentor
Quinto was one of the initial four mentors hired to pilot the education program in northern Uganda. He enjoys working for IC because it gives him the opportunity to restore hope and offer career guidance to students in the North. Quinto has a diploma in Special Needs Education and worked as a teacher before joining the scholarship program as a mentor. His goal is to develop a sense of self-responsibility in the VCSP students so they become visible in the community as agents of change, and eventually rise up to become leaders. When he is not working hard in the field, Quinto enjoys participating in cultural activities, such as dancing and singing.
Nono Francis
Mentor
Francis learned about Invisible Children while he was attending Makerere University in Kampala. From there, he received his degree in Arts and came to work for IC right after graduation. Francis was first hired as a researcher, but became a mentor in the VCSP program six months later. He enjoys working with fellow staff members to help the children in northern Uganda succeed in secondary and post-secondary education. Francis is currently continuing his own education by pursuing a master’s degree in Administration and Management at Gulu University.
Lalam Marylyne
Mentor
Marylyne has a bachelor's degree in Arts with Education as well as a post graduate diploma in Project Planning and Management. Before she became a mentor at IC, she worked as a teacher for Gulu Central High School. As a mentor, Marylyne feels she is making a positive impact in children’s lives by sharing her own experiences and values, giving guidance and advice, and helping young people realize and achieve their dreams. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies and football, spending time with her family, and reading articles focused on the social facets of life.
Akiyu Stella Mistica
Mentor
Stella became a mentor to help support students so that they could achieve success in education. She has first hand experience in overcoming educational obstacles. Her father died shortly before she entered university and Stella was forced to take a night job to continue with her education. On top of her job and studies, Stella also participated in an HIV/AIDS drama group with other students from her university, touring from village to village to perform an informational presentation on the dangers of HIV/AIDS. Stella believes that hard work equals success, and her goal is to teach this belief to the students she mentors.
Adong Evelyn
Mentor
Having taught secondary school for five years, Evelyn knows a good deal about what it takes to succeed academically and she passes this knowledge on to the students she mentors. She fulfills a motherly role for her mentees, treating them like her own children. Ever the role model, she takes her own advice about education seriously and has set a goal for herself of getting a second degree in the near future. Evelyn says that her favorite thing about working for IC is the team work and cooperation of staff members. When she isn’t mentoring high school students, she likes to listen to church songs and watch films.
Okot Peter King Mwaka
Mentor
Peter is another IC staff member who has been around since the beginning of the organization. He helped the filmmakers during their initial journey to northern Uganda. Now working as a mentor, he plays an extremely influential role in the lives of the students he mentors. Peter is also a professional pastor and he spends time each day praying specifically for his students. As you might expect, he enjoys preaching and singing spiritual songs, and his goal is to be a great evangelist in the future.
Oyella Betty
Mentor
Don't be fooled by Betty's quiet demeanor. She is a strong woman who seeks to instill the same confidence in the female students she mentors. She holds a diploma in Geography and Political Education and has former experience in teaching. At the office, Betty helps teach Luo to western staff. She says that she enjoys the administration at IC. When she isn't mentoring, she spends time with her friends, participates in scouting activities, and likes to have fun with her children.
Topaco Betty
Mentor
Betty heard about Invisible Children from the filmmakers themselves, and as the education program formed she joined the team as one of the first mentors. Betty has a degree in Social Science and is a trained teacher and social worker. Before coming to work with Invisible Children, she was an Outreach Coordinator at a World Vision Rehabilitation Center for returning children. In addition to mentoring, she is the Chairperson of the Student Disciplinary Committee. Betty says that she likes the team spirit at IC. On the weekends she spends time with her family.
Ojok Amos
Mentor
Amos heard about Invisible Children through two of the first students in the scholarship program - Jacob and Tony from The Rough Cut - when they began attending secondary school where Amos was teaching. Shortly after he was recruited to join IC as a mentor. Amos is also involved planning the new VCSP sports program that will begin in the spring. He says that he likes working at IC because of the way that everyone's contributions combine to make a difference in northern Uganda. His future plans are to pursue further education and get married.
Ochaka Richard Mark
Mentor
Richard Mark first heard about IC from students in the scholarship program. Inspired by the mission of reaching vulnerable children and helping them succeed in education, he soon became a mentor. Richard Mark has a degree in Secondary Education and an advanced certificate in Trauma and Crisis Counseling. He brings this experience and an extremely positive attitude to his work with Invisible Children. Richard Mark’s hobbies include playing sports and watching movies.
Komakech Lawrence
Mentor
Lawrence graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Before joining the IC team as a Mentor in Pader, he has worked as a teacher, volunteer counselor and program officer for other companies and organizations. Local advertisements and the IC logo on vehicles and posters posted around town are what attracted Lawrence to what he sees as IC’s “friendly working environment.” He sees Invisible Children as an organization that is “working for the real needy people.” Outside of office, Lawrence enjoys thought-provoking discussions and listening to music. Aside from the varying experience he already possesses, Lawrence plans to enrich his work-related qualifications through further study. He also hopes to marry in the near future!
Latigo Irene
Mentor
Already having worked as a teacher and correspondent analyst, Irene has taken up her role as a Mentor in Pader with expertise and excitement. Born in Kitgum, she received her diploma in Education. After hearing about IC through a friend who works for another local NGO, she applied for a position in the scholarship program. Irene has found that her favorite thing about working for this organization is the gratification she gets in helping children change their attitudes toward life. To help her pass along these new and encouraging outlooks, she reads inspirational books in her free time, as well as participates in a local choir. She has even begun writing a book and hopes to continue doing so in the future.
Odong Kizito
Mentor
A native to Pader, Kizito is a great addition to the VCSP Mentor program. His degree in education and previous experience as a teacher greatly benefit Kizito as he guides the new students from Pader District. His favorite thing about working with IC is the close contact that he is able to have with his mentees, especially the vulnerable children that live in the IDP camps, in order to better help them succeed in life. Outside of work, you can find him participating in athletics - football, volleyball, and pool - or reading a good novel. In the future, he hopes to find the perfect match for marriage!
Nyeko Balaam Otim
Mentor
With a passion for sports, music, dance and drama, Balaam pursued a Bachelor of Science in Education, with an emphasis on Sports Science, at university. Working now for IC as a Mentor, he finds that the interaction he gets with the mentees as well as fellow staff is his favorite aspect of the VCSP program. He previously worked as a lecturer at the National Teacher’s College and University, and in the future he ambitiously plans to obtain his Ph.D.
Aol Betty Tinah
Mentor
A speaker of seven languages, Betty earned her degree in Developmental Studies. She was born in Patiko, Amuru District, and has previously worked as a research assistant. Betty first heard about IC from watching the film documentary with a friend, as well as from GuluWalk. She has found that the teamwork, hospitable staff, and a conducive work environment have endeared her to IC. When she is not mentoring students in the program, Betty likes to read and write novels, share new ideas with friends, as well as making new friends and traveling. For her future, she hopes to further her education and work with the mentees to help them realize their dreams.
Anywar Robert
Mentor
A former primary school teacher for the Gulu District of Education, the head of volunteers for the Norwegian Refugee Council, a mentor for Medecins Sans Frontières and program coordinator for Chaford Uganda, it would be obvious to say that Robert is joining the IC team with little experience. He heard of Invisible Children through various radio programs as far back as 2005,and was inspired after seeing the documentary and visiting the Gulu office. He enjoys the welcoming and supportive family environment created by the staff here in Uganda, as well as the equality shown to all staff members. Outside of the office, he likes to read a variety of literature and play football. Robert hopes to one day receive his University degree in Education or Community development, but also wishes to make his career with Invisible Children a lifelong commitment.
Bikala Tom
Mentor
Born in Mbale, Tom received both his diploma and university degrees in Education. He started as a security constable, then quickly moved up to become teacher and eventually worked his way all the way up to Deputy Head Teacher status. He saw firsthand the effects of the scholarship program on the students in his school. Tom now joins what he considers a spirited staff of mentors who specialize in teamwork and cooperation. Already considered by some a great role model in society, Tom still pushes himself higher: he aspires to be a doctor or a professor in the future. But for now, he is proud to be a member of the VCSP staff.
Oroma Kristie Proscovia
Psychosocial Officer/Mentor
Passionate about putting smiles on more faces in northern Uganda, Kristie’s role at IC is not only welcomed, but part of the organization’s mantra. With a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences, as well as previous experience as a research assistant, psychosocial facilitator and gender-based violence focal person, she brings her expertise and talents to the office of the VCSP. A multi-talented Acholi woman, she enjoys singing, listening to music, watching movies, going to the health club and making new friends around the office. Kristie certainly doesn’t dream small: in the future she hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology and form an organization that specializes in children’s issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence.
Akello Babra Bridget
Office Manager, Gulu
With education and experience in administration, Babra’s role in the education program is to create and maintain student files, update student records on the database, and help organize workshops for students and head teachers. She heard about Invisible Children from an uncle who sent her a copy of The Rough Cut. Babra says that she enjoys her job with IC because of the way staff work together. After a busy day at the office, you can find her at choir practice with her church, KPC Gulu.
Amony Joseline
Office Manager, Pader
Born in Gulu, Joseline earned her diploma in secretarial studies - something she has put to good use in her past work as a data clerk, supervisor and secretary. Although she has not previously worked with Invisible Children, she is proudly committed to contributing as much time as necessary to the organization as the new Pader Office Manager. After hearing about IC through friends and an advertisement, Joseline has discovered that her favorite thing about working here is the visible cooperation, dedicated teamwork and unending love that spreads throughout the office. When she is not keeping the office in Pader running smoothly, you can find Joseline watching movies, going to the beach, or reading the Bible. In the future, she hopes to finally find her dream car.
Ouma John Patrick
Accounts/Finance Assistant
After hearing about IC through a news story featuring the documentary film, John Patrick found himself hired as the new Accounts/Finance Assistant for the Pader office. Born in Anaka, Amuru District, he has spent the past few years working as the Accounts Assistant for the Anaka Foundation. In the future, he hopes to become one of the best finance managers that northern Uganda has to offer. The good reception from other staff, and having the ability to truly help vulnerable people in his community is what John Patrick enjoys most about IC. Aside from crunching numbers, he likes to read and write in his journal, and of course, watching football.
Internship Program
Aida Aguado
PR/Communications Assistant
Aida always has a hard time answering the question of where she’s from. Hailing from two completely different places—Caracas, Venezuela and Laramie, Wyoming—she comes to us after being heavily involved with the Invisible Children club on her college campus since 2006. Having recently graduated with a double B.A. in International Studies and Journalism from the University of Wyoming, she cites escaping the cold winter as one of the many things she enjoys about joining the IC team in Uganda. With a love of traveling (especially after a wonderful semester spent at the American University of Rome in Italy), Aida’s goal is to live in a new place every year. Her second (after Gulu) this year will be Brighton in the UK, where she hopes to receive a Masters of Arts in Human Rights at the University of Sussex. When she isn’t seeing as much of the world as she possibly can, Aida loves to write in her journal, play soccer, waste hours on the video game Mario Kart with her friends, speak in Spanish, and cook Venezuelan food.
Cassandra Belanger
Education Assistant, S4S
Cassandra is Canadian, and proud of it! Coming to Gulu all the way from Kelowna, B.C., she joins the team after years of screening IC media and independently fundraising all sorts of money for programs on the ground. Cass pretty much lights up when she talks about her job, saying her favorite part is interacting with teachers and students at our partner schools [and] letting their voices be heard. It’s also pretty clear that she still has many things she wants to accomplish. Already with a degree in Fashion Design from the Okanagan Fashion Institute, Cass’s future ambitions include returning to school for a degree in International Development, completing her A.A. in Theology, visiting Sudan, Congo and Rwanda, and working for IC’s latest economic venture, MEND. When she’s not at the office, Cass loves sewing clothing, knitting, reading, skateboarding, and talking to her friends and family on the phone—without whose help (and that of her former employer, Disney’s Club Penguin), by the way, she wouldn’t be in Uganda.
UK Staff
Movement
Davy Young
Movement Director, Europe
Born and raised in Oxford, England to U.S. parents, Davy is the definition of a "Third Culture Kid" – slightly misplaced while perfectly at home in a variety of countries. While knocking the tennis ball around, Davy attended the College of William and Mary for his B.A. in Government before returning to London for his M.A. in International Security. Davy has worked in Europe, the United States and Africa for the international consulting firms of Booz Allen Hamilton and Oxford Analytica, and most recently started a boutique, NYC-based global risk management firm. Davy loves an adventure: hitchhiking the coast of Mozambique, driving from Oxford to Sarajevo, scuba diving around the world, and next on his list … a motorbike journey from Ghana to London, across the Sahara.
Jedidiah Jenkins
Director of Creative Expansion, Europe
Jed is the newest member of our UK team. While simultaneously acting as Invisible Children's enforcer of regulatory compliance, this Pepperdine School of Law graduate and Nashville, Tennessean is taking on the behemoth of creative expansion – a task which includes (but is never limited to) the creation of innovative communication methods and tactical partnerships, as well as, the forging of strong relationships with students and educational institutions across Europe. For this reason, we appreciate Jed’s captivating sense of adventure – a characteristic for which we can thank his parents, whose walk across America in the 70’s earned them a spot on the cover of National Geographic and inspired part of the film, Forrest Gump. In addition to his excitement for IC’s new challenges, Jed’s affinity for exploration has yielded his obsession for studying maps, navigating back roads, watching LOST, and treasure-hunting on youtube. We also think it necessary to mention his fascinating and absolutely irrational fear of rabbits (“unpredictable terrors”).
Ami Anderson
Office Manager & Events Coordinator
Ami Anderson is a 100% authentic, Scot. Hired for her perfectionism, her ability to find order in chaos, her heart for Africa, and her love for people, Ami will be responsible for the overall efficiency of our
Simon Maude
Tour Manager
Simon is from “the middle of nowhere.” Apparently, that is code for “North Yorkshire, England” – but, don’t let the small town vibe fool you. Simon is a celebrity in his own right. If you ever happen to travel up the coast of north England, look for a statue of his likeness, staring out to sea through a telescope. No joke. Also, he is consistently told that he resembles celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver. However, we’d like to set it straight that Jamie Oliver resembles Simon Maude. Fame aside, Simon is uniquely qualified for his position. Before joining IC, he spent two years touring with the organization, Roadtrip Nation – crossing the United States a grand total of eight times. His dedication and expertise earned him the title of Tour Manager for IC’s first-ever European Tour. When asked to describe his position, Simon replied: “I'll be at home base, frantically searching for a solution when the van gets stuck in an immovable sea of sheep on a country lane.” And there you have it.