By Merritt Frey, Executive Director

After 10 years at Mali Rising Foundation, I am moving on to new challenges. This has been an incredible decade of service….a truly indescribable time. I feel lucky to have worked with the people of Mali, and with our donors from the U.S. and beyond. While I’m sad to go, I am certain that whoever replaces me will take Mali Rising to the next level.

When I look back, I will mostly remember the people of the last 10 years. Our dedicated staff — Hindaty, Adama, and Fatoumata, but also those staff who came before from Alou to Ousmane — who all taught me a lot about the culture and ways of Mali.

Our wonderful board will loom large in my memory. I can honestly say I’ve never worked with such a kind and open group of board members. Our volunteers were also a wonderful part of my time here, especially those who traveled to Mali with me (Courtney, Tim, Jill, Susan, and Fred) in a bonding experience like no other! And above all I will miss the people of Mali, who welcomed me into their villages, taught me how to carry water on my head (see video below), and shared their dreams for their children.

It is hard to believe I’ll never again sit under the mango tree in the courtyard of our favorite Ouelessebougou hotel, so I’ll chose not to believe that. :) In fact, Hindaty has promised to invite me back for her wedding someday, so I’ll focus on that.

In the meantime, the board is working hard to hire our next leader. I am absolutely certain the board will find someone ready to pick up where I left off and take it farther than I ever could. The new ideas and energy are going to be amazing for the work in Mali. I’m excited to see what comes next for Mali Rising, and I hope you are too. Thank you to everyone who makes this important work possible.