CONNECTION UBUNTU
Meet the CONNECTION UBUNTU Board of Directors:
Vicki Poole,
Founder and President,
Partner Management Committe
Vicki is a Senior Public Relations Representative for Evapco, Inc., a worldwide, employee-owned, manufacturing company. She has been employed for 30 years at Evapco. Vicki is very passionate about helping others learn how to become educated and self-motivated, especially girls and women in Africa. Connection Ubuntu is her dream, a life-line to Africa, and Vicki hopes that by learning new technology for their futures, this company gives many African women and girls hope to "be someone."
Raj Iyengar,
Secretary,
Director, IT
Raj Iyengar is a professional software developer, amateur trombonist, and mediocre (but avid) soccer player. He holds degrees from the University of North Carolina and Drexel University, and has worked for the University of Pennsylvania for over 7 years. Raj wants more people to have those sorts of opportunities. He believes that our lives are enriched by cross-cultural connections and cooperation, and he loves keeping useful computer hardware out of landfills and in the hands of people who can use it.
Cindy Garis,
Treasurer
Cindy Garis serves as the Senior Minister at Colonial Park United Church of Christ (Harrisburg, PA). She graduated from Messiah College with a dual focus in Christian Education and Marketing. She received her Masters of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and has been ordained in the United Church of Christ for the past 20 years. For 12 years, Cindy was the Executive Director of Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development (www.oasismin.org), a non-profit that teaches people spiritual direction, contemplative practices and retreat leadership. When not working, Cindy enjoys being outside and gardening, photography, and traveling. Cindy loves working with people and to see them grow into being the best they can be. She discovered Connection Ubuntu as part of a pilgrimage to Kenya in 2019, and worked along side of Vicki and saw some of the CU labs. Cindy has always had an affinity and heart for Africa and her people. Connection Ubuntu allows that connection to remain strong and makes a difference in the lives of individuals and communities, transforming the world.
Debra Hempfing,
Director, at Large,
Lab Application Committee
Deb's interest in serving on the board relates to her involvement and caring for the people of Kenya. After traveling to Kenya on three occasions, the
relationships increase and deepen. She participated in medical missions which allowed an immersion within that culture. They are such beautiful and humble people. Working to improve their lives through supplying of computers is inspirational for Deb. She would love to take a greater part in that effort... Plus, she finds Vicki’s efforts inspiring!
Deborah Becker,
Director, at Large,
Fundraising Committee
Deb is an artist and entrepreneur. She is a 1982 Millersville University graduate, Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree in art. She has her own art business, and is President of her own office cleaning company, both under the name of Wood ‘n Glass. Her passion is art, but she also loves getting her hands dirty in beautiful planet earth, growing many varieties of peppers, herbs and tomatoes. Deb loves to travel, mostly to work with those in other countries less fortunate than the USA. “Giving back changes the world, one person, one community at a time!”
Carla Horn,
Director at Large,
Lab Application Committee
Carla was employed at YTI Career Institute where she was involved in career focused education for almost 20 years, serving as Vice President Human Resources and Campus President. Her passion of helping students find self-sustaining employment and careers translates well to the mission of Connection Ubuntu. Carla has traveled to Kenya, visiting labs CU has provided, and was touched by the gratitude and enthusiasm of the Kenyans and is pleased to have this opportunity to continue to support our African friends. Carla enjoys time with her family, running, traveling, and golf.
Sallie Shepherd,
Director, at Large,
Lab Application Committee
Sallie is a graduate of Millersville University with a Master of Education degree. After 35 years of teaching children, she retired and started traveling. Her first trip was to Kenya and she fell in love. Later she joined the Kenya Mission team at her church, St. John’s UCC, and traveled back on a medical mission. There she really got to know the people and their needs. Recently, she went on a pilgrimage where she saw first hand what Connection Ubuntu is doing with computer labs in Kenya and beyond. Sallie has witnessed the love and appreciation of the people and wants to continue helping them and others through CU and her church’s mission.
Past Board Members:
Dianna George
Joe Subacz
Christen Chew
Megan Malick
Nick Santaniello
Sheryl Shultz
Connection Ubuntu is a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization founded in 2014 for the purpose of starting computer labs in Africa by providing computers and other technology tools.