TEAM
INFINITE FAMILY began as the idea of Amy Conrad Stokes after she adopted her son from South Africa. She joined forces with Dana Gold, another adoptive mother of a South African child, and with the help of many thoughtful and generous advisors, the two connected their first Video Mentors in America with Net Buddies in South Africa in June 2006. Today, video mentors live in six countries, including South Africa, and 19 U.S. States. In 2010, we expect the Family to grow with children in other southern African countries.
AMY CONRAD STOKES, Founder & Executive Director. Economic development professional with 20 years experience in for-profit and non-profit strategic
planning, start-up and operations.
Why I am part of IF: The children of Infinite Family say it best, "Umuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantu," which in Zulu loosely means, "I am a better person because I am part of the community to which I belong." I am inspired daily by the power for change that is born in the personal relationships between Infinite Family's mentors and children. The ongoing creativity and support from our partners and advisors to keep Infinite Family growing and improving takes my breath away. I am honored to work among so many who share all they can, simply because all children are our children.
DANA GOLD, Program Director. Program design and development professional with more than 20 years non-profit start-up and management experience.
Why I am part of IF: Infinite Family is the perfect expression of my passion, experience, and purpose. Working to create Infinite Family gave me the opportunity to blend my experience living in Kenya, the adoption of my son from South Africa and my work in the poorest communities in the United States together to create something unique, wonderful and world changing. It is an amazing thing to be part of something so innovative and pioneering as it buds and blossoms through the efforts of a small, talented, passionate group of people. I am grateful to be a part of it.
SHANNON MISCHLER, Volunteer Coordinator. Professional background in English as a Second Language and family literacy instruction and program development for immigrant and refugee communities.
Why I am part of IF: I am a part of Infinite Family because I gain great inspiration from our volunteers' dedication to video mentor a child, half a world away, with a desire to make a difference one child at a time.
ZOLEKA PETSE, Program Coordinator, South Africa. Social Worker with extensive experience counseling individuals and families, and working with
communities at large.
Why I am part of IF: As an employee of IF partner NOAH, I had always thought the objectives of Infinite Family were a valuable complement to the services of South African organizations, already endeavoring to create better opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. When the opportunity presented itself for me to become part of this noble cause I embraced it and thought my previous experience working with disadvantaged communities would come in handy in addressing issues facing the stakeholders of the IF program. I wake up with a sense of purpose each day, knowing I am contributing to making a difference in some young lives in a very unique way.
SHEBA GITTENS, Volunteer Support, Served with Americorps for 2 consecutive years as a Keys Service Corps member and as a Public Ally.
Why I am part of IF: As a global citizen and woman of the Africana Diaspora, whose ancestry stems beyond the coastlines of North America, I feel a close connection to the work of Infinite Family. Through video mentoring, Infinite Family provides a venue in which children who have been prematurely exposed to the harsh realities of poverty and loneliness in Southern Africa are encouraged to dream out loud and with their eyes open. As a staff member and mentor, I am able to act upon my Global responsibility through direct service.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHRISTINE BOEKE Owner and Pricipal, Liquid Design
RICHARDT DANNHAUSER Operations Manager for Satellite and MPLS (Internet) Networks--Emerging Africa, Internet Solutions
MICHAEL E. FETSKO III Vice President of Automated People Movers, Bombardier Transportation
YVONNE KEAIRNS, PhD Licensed Pennsylvania psychologist in private practice specializing in children and families
KATY KECK Founder and President, Savoir Fair Foods
NANCY L. MUIRHEAD Assistant Secretary, Rockefeller Brothers Fund
NIVEN POSTMA South Africa economic development consultant and Founder of Spanner and Wench
JOAN A. SHERMAN Prior co-owner, Waterfield Mortgage Company
AMY CONRAD STOKES Founder and Executive Director, Infinite Family
NGOs
NKOSI’S HAVEN
REFILWE
NOAH
TSOGANG SECHABA
VIDEO WALL