BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JESSICA LEMBELEMBE
Board Chair
I believe that leader development and institution building in for-impact settings fuels long-term social change. I currently serve as Chief of Staff for United World Mission, a leadership formation and ministry training organization. Previously, I served for 7 years with a leader development ministry in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I am from the United States, where I earned a degree in History from the University of Evansville (IN) and a Masters in International Peace Studies from Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute (IN). My husband and I live in Chicago where we enjoy exploring different neighborhoods, preferably by bike!
HANNAH CONNELLY
Hello, I’m Hannah Connelly. I’ve always had a passion for helping people and understanding what motivates us to chase our dreams and be happy in life.
I grew up in Granville, Ohio, and graduated from Granville High School in 2011. I then went to Bowling Green State University (OH), graduating in 2015. After working as a social worker in Toledo (OH) for five years, my husband, daughter, and I moved back home to be close to family and raise our daughter in the community I know and love. I am chasing my passion to help others through real estate and local/digital marketing.
I am so excited to start this journey serving my community who has given so much to me!
LOIS SHAW
I have a deep passion for networking, especially connecting African women who are full of potential and dreams with those who can offer valuable experience and wisdom.
Having spent most of my adult life in Kenya, I have witnessed the incredible resilience of women in our communities. My husband, a professor at Africa International University, teaches PhD students while I engage with women graduates and support single mothers grappling with poverty on the fringes of society. I thrive in these two worlds, where my heart truly lies.
For many years, I have found fulfillment in hosting tour groups of North American women who aspire to transition “from success to significance.” We collaborate to share professional insights with African women leaders and extend our outreach to marginalized women, helping to uplift those in need.
Impact Now is where I hope to harness my lifetime of experiences to create meaningful impact. I received my Doctorate in Transformational Leadership from AIU, centering my research on relational philanthropy. I genuinely believe that transformative change occurs when we build authentic relationships with those we aim to serve.
I am proud to be the grandmother of four exceptional grandsons, who inspire me every day!
JANICE MCADAMS
My professional experience includes over 25 years as a nonprofit and development leader. I enjoy building long term relationships and growing programs and buildings that accommodate those programs. In my spare time, just give me a good book or a great path to walk!
EMILY HAMILTON
Emily currently serves as the Teaching Pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota, where she has been on staff since 2018. In her previous role as Missions Pastor, she led the development of global and local partnerships designed to foster meaningful community impact. From 2015 to 2017, she lived in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where she worked with a leadership formation organization committed to cultivating transformational leaders. She holds a B.A. from Furman University and a Master of Divinity from Duke University. She and her husband live in the Twin Cities.
BETH FEHRENBACHER
I am passionate about lifting up others, especially women, to achieve their goals and dreams. I believe in the power of curiosity, connection and community.
I grew up in White Bear Lake, MN and now reside with my husband and children in Albert Lea, MN. I have a BSBA from the University of Evansville, IN, and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, IN. I’ve spent the last 10 years working in various marketing, sales, and innovation roles with top US Fortune 500 food companies.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading a good book, or being outside.
GRACE HA
MEGAN SLOAT
Megan is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who has been delivering babies for 14 years. She earned her midwifery degree (MSN) from Yale University and also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Boston University.
Besides her extensive clinical experience, Megan has worked on policy and programming issues related to maternal and child health across various settings. This work has deeply informed her perspective that a community is only as healthy as its women. She is driven by a passion for engaging in initiatives that foster healthier, more robust communities.
Megan currently lives in Ames, Iowa, where she enjoys reading, traveling, crafting, and spending time outside with her husband and two kiddos.
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