BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JESSICA LEMBELEMBE
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!
ESTHER KAMAU
Esther Kamau is an climate technology investment analyst at 8 Rivers. Prior to her current role, Esther worked in Private Equity investing in Industrials and Advanced Materials companies. She also has experience investing in transportation infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. Esther is passionate about economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa. She is also an avid runner and singer.
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!
MOLLY QUINION
Molly Quinion is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) who has worked in several phases of the clinical landscape. She began her professional career as Program Coordinator for the Forest Foundation. The Foundation makes grants to new and emerging nonprofits in the Greater Boston area that focus on under-resourced youth and family organizations. Molly supported the summer internship program, by developing leadership skills of undergraduate college students serving in the nonprofit sector. For four years, Molly worked as a Direct Care Counselor, providing therapeutic mentoring and in-home therapy for children, adults, and families. Molly then worked as a Mobile Crisis Clinician, providing emergency psychiatric assessment and support for people experiencing acute mental health crises. Molly currently works as Clinical Social Worker embedded in a family medicine practice within the Massachusetts General Hospital healthcare system.
Molly holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work and Sociology from Gordon College (MA) and a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Salem State University (MA).
ROBIN CLOSSMAN-WRIGHT
Robin serves as Treasurer of the Board of Impact Now. She brings over 30 years’ experience in corporate human resources and business finance in organizations as large as 1500 employees, and as few as 5. Robin’s immediate goals as Treasurer are to throw support behind the creation of organizational reporting and policies and writing operational procedures.
Robin currently divides her work life between being Director of Operations for the business she and her husband have owned for over 30 years, and serving as Ministry Assistant at Gahanna Community Congregational Church (OH), where she will soon be ordained. She has a Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and is studying to become a Spiritual Director through the Columbus-based Wellstreams Program. Robin and her husband have been married for 30 years. They have two adult children, each of whom is married. They are expecting their first grandchild in February.
BREONNA STONE
Breonna Stone is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is committed to empowering people, especially women and BIPOC groups, to thrive as leaders. Breonna believes in the power of representation in leadership roles as a dynamic tool for solving complex problems, having courageous conversations, and establishing ecosystems that lead to positive change. Breonna serves as the Director of Research & Strategy at Loving Venti, LLC. and works as an Adjunct Professor at both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Bryant & Stratton College. She is a Doctoral Candidate at Cardinal Stritch University pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership. Breonna is an alumnus of Cardinal Stritch University where she earned an M.S. in Educational Leadership. She’s also a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she earned her B.A. in Africology and a certificate in Cultures & Communities. She’s a proud mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee and aunt to three beautiful kiddos, DJ, Nayeli, and Kyi.
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