Brett first fell in love with Uganda 10 years ago. Sharing this love with her Indiana students has been a passion. She recently took ten students to Uganda for the experience of a lifetime! The relationships she has formed in Gulu have made it a second home. As a long-time educator and advocate, the creation of The Ribe Project is her way of becoming more involved in the local Gulu community.
Akena Boni Ugandan Director
Born and raised in Gulu, Boni has seen first hand the need for economic opportunities for women. Kidnapped by the Lord's Resistance Army at a young age, his life was deeply affected by the impact of war on his homeland. As an adult, he has become dedicated to implementing change for his Acholi community and to assure his daughter has many opportunities available as she grows up.
Orombi Gladies Ugandan Operations Director
Gladies came to The Ribe Project in July of 2020. She previously worked with a nonprofit in Gulu that no longer has their offices in Uganda. Her knowledge of the community, her skills in bead making and management, and her ability to form relationships with our beneficiaries, make her an invaluable addition to the organization.
Haley Krieble Board Member
Haley's love for Uganda began at age 14, as the original founder of a club at her high school, dedicated to raising scholarship funds for Gulu students. After traveling to Uganda at 15, she knew the Acholi people would always have a place in her heart. Haley is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work while working for a nonprofit which assists women and children in domestic violence situations.
Niki Gates Board Member
Niki's dedication to social change began early in her high school career when she became a leader in raising money for Ugandan scholarship funds. Social change has continued to shape and guide her life as she studied international relations and justice, spent time in Tanzania, and completed two years of national service with AmeriCorps. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University.
Zach Johns Board Member
Zach has been committed to social change since high school. After spending a semester abroad in India, his dedication to providing global opportunity was deepened. Zach currently works for Eli Lily and Company in Indianapolis, IN.
Opwonya Innocent Board Member
Innocent is currently living in Cologne, Germany where he is a candidate for a master's degree in economic policy. He has been a tireless advocate for the people of northern Uganda, working for several organizations as a youth mentor and global representative. As a former child soldier, he recently spoke at a global conference in Berlin, addressing the continuing forced conscription of children around the world. Married in 2018, Innocent and his wife Anne look forward to returning to Gulu when their education is completed.
