Building Pathways to Prosperity, Together
At Lalumwe, we’re a dedicated team with a shared mission to create life-changing opportunities for families village by village. Guided by compassion and innovation, we’re committed to transforming lives through our Poverty-to-Prosperity model. Meet the team that makes it all possible.
Our Core Team
The heart of Lalumwe is our passionate team, working together to empower communities and drive impact. With diverse expertise in fields such as health, education, and humanities, our team members are devoted to creating opportunities for families across rural Africa. Get to know the people who bring our vision to life.
Gloria
Director of Zambia Operations
As the founder of Believe Foundation, Gloria leads initiatives focused on girls’ empowerment, behavior change, and sustainable community development. She is also a senior facilitator specializing in psychosocial support and behavior change for both in-school and out-of-school youth, bringing transformative programs to those who need them most.
In collaboration with Youth Alive Zambia, Gloria provides vital psychosocial support to youth in educational institutions, ensuring they have the tools to navigate life’s challenges and achieve their potential. With deep expertise in program management and community development, Gloria continues to inspire change and uplift the next generation.
Key Areas of Expertise:
- Psychosocial Counseling and Mental Health Support
- Community Development and Program Management
- Youth Empowerment and Behavior Change Facilitation
Gloria’s work is driven by her belief in the power of compassion, education, and support to create a brighter future for individuals and communities alike.
Whitney
Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, U.S.
As the Marketing & Social Media Coordinator, U.S. for Lalumwe, Whitney plays a pivotal role in sharing the organization’s mission and impact with a global audience. In addition to managing social media platforms and storytelling, Whitney also supports the Executive Director of US Operations with fundraising and donor opportunities, ensuring the continued success of Lalumwe’s initiatives.
Whitney graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in Resort and Lodging Management and Event Management, complemented by a minor in Health and Wellness. This diverse educational background has provided Whitney with a strong foundation in event planning, building interpersonal relationships, and community well-being.
Inspired by a desire to make a difference, Whitney finds purpose in helping others and fulfilling a deep sense of social responsibility. Working with a dedicated team at Lalumwe has been incredibly rewarding, particularly seeing innovative solutions like portable ultrasounds powered by iPads—a game-changer in bridging healthcare gaps in Africa, where hospitals are often out of reach.
When not working, Whitney is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying activities like running, hiking with her dog, camping, snowboarding, and spending time at the lake or beach. She is also an avid traveler eager to explore the world and its different cultures. Looking ahead, Whitney hopes to see Lalumwe achieve its current project goals and continue making yearly trips to Africa to further its mission of transforming lives.
Trever
Executive Director of U.S. Operations
As the Executive Director of U.S. Operations for Lalumwe, I am dedicated to advancing our mission by cultivating strategic partnerships, managing key initiatives, and ensuring our sustainable growth in the U.S. market. My work is driven by a passion for helping people and animals, aligning closely with Lalumwe’s vision of creating lasting positive impact.
Outside of my role, I am an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. I’ve had the privilege of visiting 26 U.S. national parks, traversing the wilds of Alaska, and experiencing the beauty and culture of Europe. However, my most transformative journey took place in Africa, where I fell in love with the continent. During my time in Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, I went on thrilling safaris and visited multiple villages. These experiences connected me deeply with the people and wildlife of the region, leaving a lasting impression.
Traveling has not only broadened my horizons but also reinforced my commitment to making a difference. I bring this global perspective and compassion to my role at Lalumwe.
Nyika-ino (NYIKA)
Director of Africa Operations
Nyika was born in the tourism town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and grew up in a rural community nearby. Driven by a commitment to uplifting others, he pursued higher education, earning two certificates and a degree in Ministry and Theology, and now serves as a local pastor. In 2024, Nyika received both an honorary master’s in Leadership and Theology and a Doctorate in Humanity, honoring his years of impactful community work.
With over a decade of experience in community development, Nyika founded the nonprofit Sisonke Trust in 2016, focusing on youth empowerment. His work includes partnerships with organizations like ISWS and Global Sojourn Giving Circle, which emphasize education and empowerment for young people. An author of the self-published book I Should Have Known, Nyika brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and leadership to Lalumwe’s mission in Africa. He lives in Victoria Falls with his wife and two sons.
Lydia
Social Media and Marketing Intern
Lydia is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design, with additional concentrations in Sustainability and History/Social Sciences. She grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, near the heart of Appalachia, bringing her love for nature, sustainability, community, and narrative into her artistic practice. Her work has been featured in several galleries and won several awards, including the Norman Rockwell Award from the Society of Illustrators. Aside from her studies, Lydia enjoys travelling, scrapbooking, dancing, getting to know the local community, and spending time with her family and two dogs.
As a Social Media and Marketing Intern for Lalumwe, Lydia collaborates with multiple team members to effectively communicate the organization’s mission. She is passionate about her role and leverages her creative background to develop visually compelling content and strategic messaging that aligns with the organization’s values and goals.
Mac
Marketing & Events Intern
As a Marketing & Events Intern at Lalumwe, I contribute to the planning and execution of fundraising events and community outreach initiatives. My responsibilities include managing event logistics, developing digital marketing strategies, and designing promotional materials to help amplify Lalumwe’s mission and broaden its impact.
I’m entering my senior year at the University of Denver, where I’m majoring in Communications with a minor in Marketing. My academic path—along with a transformative year abroad in Spain—has shaped my approach to storytelling, cultural engagement, and human-centered communication.
Outside of work, I’m driven by a passion for adventure, travel, and the outdoors. Whether skiing in the Rockies, capturing landscapes through photography, or surfing coastal waves, I find inspiration in movement and exploration. These experiences have sharpened my creativity, adaptability, and commitment to purpose-driven work.
Through my time at Lalumwe, I aim to help forge meaningful partnerships grounded in cultural connection and to elevate the organization’s outreach through dynamic, community-centered events. It’s an honor to be part of a team that’s making a tangible cultural impact—and I’m excited to contribute to that mission.
Re’em
Associate Medical Director
Re’em was born in Pretoria, South Africa, spent a few years growing up in the United States, and eventually settled in Israel, where he built his life and career. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a doctor, fueled by a vision to improve healthcare access worldwide. Inspired by global health disparities, Re’em trained as an emergency medicine physician and specialized in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), bringing over a decade of experience to medical education. He has passionately taught countless healthcare workers to master this life-saving technology. His commitment extends to leading medical projects across Africa, participating in ongoing global health expeditions, reflecting his deep belief that quality healthcare is a universal right.
In 2025, Re’em joined Lalumwe, as Associate Medical Director. Leading the organization’s first POCUS course at Livingstone Hospital was a deeply fulfilling milestone, empowering local healthcare workers to save lives. Re’em’s work with Lalumwe blends his expertise and passion for global health equity, offering immense potential to transform communities. Supported by his wife and four children, he dedicates him-self to advancing medicine both at home in Israel and across Africa with Lalumwe, striving to improve access to medical care in every community.
Guiding Our Vision
Our Board of Directors brings together leaders from various sectors who share a commitment to Lalumwe’s mission. Their strategic insight and stewardship ensure we stay true to our purpose and continue making a meaningful impact. Discover the visionary leaders who guide our organization forward.
Co-Founder and Executive Board Member
Get to know Mike >
Co-Founder and Executive Board Member
Get to know Craig >
Co-Founder and Executive Board Member
Get to know Adam >
Mike
Executive Board Member | Co-Founder, Lalumwe | Co-Founder, Vivagen Health
Mike is an executive board member of Lalumwe and has always been deeply committed to helping others. Inspired by childhood dreams of becoming a physician, he is now an Emergency Medicine physician in South Florida and serves as the Chief of his Emergency Department.
Since medical school, Mike has participated in multiple medical missions to Africa, including Ethiopia and Uganda, where he developed a deep appreciation for the culture and a strong connection to the communities in need. In 2019, he founded CPR on the Fly, a non-profit organization offering free CPR and AED training to local communities in South Florida. While the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his focus, Mike’s passion for service remained unwavering, leading him to co-found Lalumwe. Mike is dedicated to improving access to healthcare through portable ultrasound technology and enhancing public health with clean drinking water and agricultural initiatives.
Mike is married to his college sweetheart, Jackie, and together they have three children: Lilly, Olivia, and Ethan. Community service and tikkun olam—the Jewish value of repairing the world—are central to their family’s values. Each year, Mike brings one of his children on a trip to Africa to work on projects with local students, experience diverse cultures, and share their experiences with family and friends back home.
Craig
Executive Board Member
Craig is a founding board member of Lalumwe and began his philanthropic journey at a young age, where he was taught by his parents and grandparents the value of serving others. Although his childhood dream of playing in the NBA didn’t materialize, he completed a global ambassadorship for social change through sports, working across New York, Ireland, Israel, and Africa. As a dental professional, Craig has built multiple brands in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, focusing on connecting for-profit businesses with philanthropic projects, which ultimately led to the creation of Lalumwe. Driven by the belief that lifting others can make anything possible, Craig is passionate about empowering future leaders to create a better world. He holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland and a D.D.S. from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Craig completed his Pediatric Dentistry residency at the renowned Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and has held faculty positions at NYU and Holz Children’s Hospital at the University of Miami.
Adam
Executive Board Member | Co-Founder, Lalumwe | Founder & CEO, KARV | Partner & CCO, X-AVA | Founder, Tribify
Adam Mead is a seasoned leader in the creative industries, known for his innovative approach to branding and his commitment to social impact. As a co-founder and executive board member of Lalumwe, Adam leverages his extensive experience to advance the organization’s mission through its brand.
In 2007, Adam founded KARV, where he serves as CEO, helping clients accelerate access to growth capital through disruptive narrative and brand.
In 2014, Adam established his own Commercial and Fine Art Photography business, Land of Adam, further expanding his creative portfolio. His entrepreneurial spirit continued to flourish in 2021 when he became a Partner and Chief Creative Officer at X-AVA, a unique agency specializing in designing and executing brand activations and humanitarian campaigns from outer space.
In addition to his roles at Lalumwe, KARV, and X-AVA, Adam is the Founder of Tribify, a consulting firm dedicated to transforming for-profit businesses into purpose-driven brands. His work at Tribify emphasizes the importance of aligning business objectives with social responsibility, making him a key advocate for change in the corporate landscape.
Through his diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, Adam Mead continues to inspire and lead in the areas of innovation and impact.












