By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

Volunteers make an organization like Mali Rising work, and no volunteers are more vital that the board of directors. In March, a new board member joined Mali Rising — Andrea Lewis. Andrea jumped in to our work feet first, and we are incredibly excited to have us join us.

As a long-timer producer at CNN, Andrea brings a great background in communications and story-telling to Mali Rising. I asked her to share her responses to a few questions to help our supporters get to know her as she takes on leadership at Mali Rising:

What inspired you to join Mali Rising’s board?
I am a big believer in the power of education to change lives.  When I learned about the stories of those whose futures had been impacted by the work of the Mali Rising Foundation, I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of.  I am always inspired by those who overcome adversity and make the best of any difficult situation.  Reading stories about kids like Oumou, Miriam and Adama made me want to get more involved.  Having spent the past 20 years helping people tell their stories to a worldwide audience at both ABC and CNN I knew I could help spread the word about Mali Rising’s great work. 

What is your first project you tackled as a board member?
My first project was to hold a storytelling workshop with the staff in Mali.  The hope was to help them cultivate and share more stories from the schools and communities in which they teach in a way that would resonate with a Western audience.  The first attempt was interrupted by a power outage and lack of internet which was a reminder of the extra challenges faced by teachers and students in a country like Mali.  When we were able to connect, I was struck by their enthusiasm, attentiveness and thoughtful questions.  I look forward to reading and hearing more stories from them in the future.

What is one thing you’ve learned so far about Mali or about Mali Rising’s work that surprised or delighted you?
The Mothers’ Loan Fund is a holistic approach to improving the lives of girls and their families. Mothers are offered a loan to start up a small business such as making and selling shea nut butter.  The interest that is paid back as part of the loan is put towards their daughters’ future school fees ensuring that they will stay enrolled beyond the years they are fully sponsored by the foundation.  I love that this model is sustainable and a great way to invest in the future for both girls and their families. 

What do you like to do when you are not being a dedicated board member?
I love spending time with my husband and two kids. When we are not cheering the kids on at dance competitions or football games we love to spend time in the mountains skiing, hiking, biking and paddle boarding.  We also love traveling and hope to travel to Mali someday to meet the teachers and students there.

Learn more about volunteering at Mali Rising.