Board of Directors
Deborah Lindholm | Founder/CEO
As the Founder/CEO of the Foundation for Women (FFW) which is dedicated to eliminating global poverty by creating and funding microfinance programs. Deborah has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards highlighting outstanding work in the non-profit sector. She is a member of Women Moving Millions and is passionate about raising unprecedented resources for women and girls. She is a 20-year member of Rotary and has served in several board capacities; a founding member of the global Rotarian Action Group for Microfinance and Community Development. She has served on numerous boards, including the Women’s Leadership Board at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Deborah is convening “Seats at the Table for Liberia” to achieve collective impact in a country she treasures. She is the executive producer of two documentary films about Liberia, ONLY LOVE and HOPE. Deborah is the author of the book GRATITUDE Always… A Woman’s Journey to Total Trust in Spirit. She lives in La Jolla, California and Liberia, West Africa.
As the Founder/CEO of the Foundation for Women (FFW) which is dedicated to eliminating global poverty by creating and funding microfinance programs. Deborah has been the recipient of a number of prestigious awards highlighting outstanding work in the non-profit sector. She is a member of Women Moving Millions and is passionate about raising unprecedented resources for women and girls. She is a 20-year member of Rotary and has served in several board capacities; a founding member of the global Rotarian Action Group for Microfinance and Community Development. She has served on numerous boards, including the Women’s Leadership Board at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Deborah is convening “Seats at the Table for Liberia” to achieve collective impact in a country she treasures. She is the executive producer of two documentary films about Liberia, ONLY LOVE and HOPE. Deborah is the author of the book GRATITUDE Always… A Woman’s Journey to Total Trust in Spirit. She lives in La Jolla, California and Liberia, West Africa.
Angela Benson, MD
Dr. Angela Benson received her medical degree from the A.M. Dogliotti Medical College at the University of Liberia and has completed post-graduate training in the National University of Ireland and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in Maternal and Child Health (MCH). Dr. Benson has vast experience in health sector management and health system strengthening holding positions within the Liberian Ministry of Health, the United Nations and WHO. For a decade, Dr. Benson was the Foundation Manager for the flagship capacity-building program within the Ministry of Health supported by USAID. She joined the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) as Asst. Secretary General in 2013 and later became the Secretary General. She served with the WHO as a Regional Advisor on Emergency and Humanitarian Action. Dr. Benson co-founded the Global Health Innovations and Action Foundation (GHIA Foundation), an organization focused on reducing the disease burden among vulnerable women and children in Liberia. She has published a variety of articles on the health landscape in Liberia, including research related to the health sector investment in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis.
Dr. Angela Benson received her medical degree from the A.M. Dogliotti Medical College at the University of Liberia and has completed post-graduate training in the National University of Ireland and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in Maternal and Child Health (MCH). Dr. Benson has vast experience in health sector management and health system strengthening holding positions within the Liberian Ministry of Health, the United Nations and WHO. For a decade, Dr. Benson was the Foundation Manager for the flagship capacity-building program within the Ministry of Health supported by USAID. She joined the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) as Asst. Secretary General in 2013 and later became the Secretary General. She served with the WHO as a Regional Advisor on Emergency and Humanitarian Action. Dr. Benson co-founded the Global Health Innovations and Action Foundation (GHIA Foundation), an organization focused on reducing the disease burden among vulnerable women and children in Liberia. She has published a variety of articles on the health landscape in Liberia, including research related to the health sector investment in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis.
Jane Ellen Davis | Philanthropist
Jane Ellen Davis has been in the personal growth arena for more than 35 years. As a spiritual mentor and educator she conducted private sessions and workshops focusing on self-discovery and life balance education. She has inspired many to discover who they are at their best and then be it. Her spiritual path has been intense: she has studied both Western and Eastern philosophies and incorporates spiritual principles in her writing, teaching and art. Her main focus now is to use her art to inspire others to discover their own creative self-expression.
Jane Ellen Davis has been in the personal growth arena for more than 35 years. As a spiritual mentor and educator she conducted private sessions and workshops focusing on self-discovery and life balance education. She has inspired many to discover who they are at their best and then be it. Her spiritual path has been intense: she has studied both Western and Eastern philosophies and incorporates spiritual principles in her writing, teaching and art. Her main focus now is to use her art to inspire others to discover their own creative self-expression.
Tracy A. Eames, MPH
As a marketing and e-commerce professional, Tracy has spent more than 15 years launching new brands, developing innovative products, and leading organizational change, both domestically and internationally. She is inspired by the intersection between health and business and has worked across the healthcare, biotech, FMCG, and nonprofit sectors. Tracy holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Oregon Health & Science University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from ESADE Business School.
As a marketing and e-commerce professional, Tracy has spent more than 15 years launching new brands, developing innovative products, and leading organizational change, both domestically and internationally. She is inspired by the intersection between health and business and has worked across the healthcare, biotech, FMCG, and nonprofit sectors. Tracy holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Oregon Health & Science University and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from ESADE Business School.
Barbara Insel | Philanthropist
Born and raised in Los Angeles. Graduated high school and attended San Diego State University. Worked in family jewelry business for many years and then credited small artistic as well as a catering sideline. Became involved with FFW and Jewish Family Service as happy volunteer. Happily married to my husband Paul, and blessed with 7 grandchildren. Pickleball, dinner club, and book club have become my passions.
Born and raised in Los Angeles. Graduated high school and attended San Diego State University. Worked in family jewelry business for many years and then credited small artistic as well as a catering sideline. Became involved with FFW and Jewish Family Service as happy volunteer. Happily married to my husband Paul, and blessed with 7 grandchildren. Pickleball, dinner club, and book club have become my passions.
Barbara Stinson | Philanthropist
Barbara is Co-founder of the LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub. She represents LadyAgri in the USA and Canada. With over 30 years of professional experience, and as Senior Partner of Meridian Institute, she brings a background building public private partnerships, working with philanthropic organisations, and supporting social investments focused on high impact projects in international agriculture, alternative energy, ecosystem restoration, climate change, and air-quality management.
Barbara is Co-founder of the LadyAgri Impact Investment Hub. She represents LadyAgri in the USA and Canada. With over 30 years of professional experience, and as Senior Partner of Meridian Institute, she brings a background building public private partnerships, working with philanthropic organisations, and supporting social investments focused on high impact projects in international agriculture, alternative energy, ecosystem restoration, climate change, and air-quality management.
Advisory Council
His Excellency Dr. Joseph Boakai | Former Vice President of Liberia
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is a public-spirited patriot and dedicated public servant who has served his country and people diligently. His service to Liberia, which has spanned more than 35 years, included various positions in government and the private sector. In all of those responsibilities, Vice President Boakai exhibited exemplary qualities, which is reminiscent of his humble beginnings. Born in the remote village of Worsonga in Foya District, Lofa County, on November 30, 1944, Vice President Boakai has withstood the test of time and epitomized the Liberian adage which states: “It does not matter where you are coming from, but where you are headed.”
His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is a public-spirited patriot and dedicated public servant who has served his country and people diligently. His service to Liberia, which has spanned more than 35 years, included various positions in government and the private sector. In all of those responsibilities, Vice President Boakai exhibited exemplary qualities, which is reminiscent of his humble beginnings. Born in the remote village of Worsonga in Foya District, Lofa County, on November 30, 1944, Vice President Boakai has withstood the test of time and epitomized the Liberian adage which states: “It does not matter where you are coming from, but where you are headed.”
Christopher A. Crane | Executive Chairman of Edify
Christopher A. Crane is the Executive Chairman of Edify Inc. which makes microfinance loans to Christian schools in Africa and Latin America. As the schools repay their loans the funds are recycled to other schools to expand. Prior to founding Edify, Mr. Crane was President and CEO of Opportunity International which provides microfinance loans, savings, microinsurance and training to over two million people annually. He was named Ernst and Young’s and USA Today’s Entrepreneur of the Year in San Diego in 1999. Chris was CEO of COMPS InfoSystems, which he took public in an IPO. He graduated from Boston College, summa cum laude, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Christopher A. Crane is the Executive Chairman of Edify Inc. which makes microfinance loans to Christian schools in Africa and Latin America. As the schools repay their loans the funds are recycled to other schools to expand. Prior to founding Edify, Mr. Crane was President and CEO of Opportunity International which provides microfinance loans, savings, microinsurance and training to over two million people annually. He was named Ernst and Young’s and USA Today’s Entrepreneur of the Year in San Diego in 1999. Chris was CEO of COMPS InfoSystems, which he took public in an IPO. He graduated from Boston College, summa cum laude, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Elizabeth Sheehan, PA, MPH
Elizabeth is an early stage investor in solutions that improve health care access and reduce inequality. As an emergency room clinician and health economist, Elizabeth worked in Africa and Asia for two decades, where she saw how the gap in health care services at the community level led to poor health and perpetuated cycles of poverty. She worked for USAID on a primary health care reconstruction project in post-war Mozambique and later Angola. Ten years ago, she co-founded Care 2 Communities (C2C), a non-profit social enterprise that delivers comprehensive primary health care in Haiti. Today, C2C operates a public-private partnership with the Haitian Ministry of Health, treating over 80,000 patients a year. Elizabeth has been a member of Threshold Foundation for 31 years, the New England International Donors (NEID) and Summit Powder Mountain. She has been a member of the executive board of Women Moving Millions and a founding community member of Co-Impact.
Elizabeth is an early stage investor in solutions that improve health care access and reduce inequality. As an emergency room clinician and health economist, Elizabeth worked in Africa and Asia for two decades, where she saw how the gap in health care services at the community level led to poor health and perpetuated cycles of poverty. She worked for USAID on a primary health care reconstruction project in post-war Mozambique and later Angola. Ten years ago, she co-founded Care 2 Communities (C2C), a non-profit social enterprise that delivers comprehensive primary health care in Haiti. Today, C2C operates a public-private partnership with the Haitian Ministry of Health, treating over 80,000 patients a year. Elizabeth has been a member of Threshold Foundation for 31 years, the New England International Donors (NEID) and Summit Powder Mountain. She has been a member of the executive board of Women Moving Millions and a founding community member of Co-Impact.
Stefanie Weiland, MSc
Stefanie has a vision to help all people have access to quality health care. She has significant experience in international development and global health, progressing to leadership in several roles, working across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. As Executive VP of Programs at American Leprosy Missions, she leads the organization’s work to pioneer new systems and approaches to improve care and access for people affected by neglected tropical diseases. Prior to ALM, Stefanie led LifeNet International, a social enterprise focused on improving the quality and sustainability of health care in Africa, scaling impact from 10 clinics in one country in Africa to 150 clinics in four countries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in Development Studies from The London School of Economics, and is working on a Master of Science in Public Health from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Stefanie speaks French and Japanese. She currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and two small children, where she enjoys running along the Potomac River.
Stefanie has a vision to help all people have access to quality health care. She has significant experience in international development and global health, progressing to leadership in several roles, working across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. As Executive VP of Programs at American Leprosy Missions, she leads the organization’s work to pioneer new systems and approaches to improve care and access for people affected by neglected tropical diseases. Prior to ALM, Stefanie led LifeNet International, a social enterprise focused on improving the quality and sustainability of health care in Africa, scaling impact from 10 clinics in one country in Africa to 150 clinics in four countries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in Development Studies from The London School of Economics, and is working on a Master of Science in Public Health from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Stefanie speaks French and Japanese. She currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband and two small children, where she enjoys running along the Potomac River.