STAFF
The Inua Team
After graduating from high school, Florence became a social/community worker, with her mother as her role model in that career. She attended the Kenya Institute of Management, attaining a certificate in Community Development Management; the Community Based Development Institute Kenya (COBADES), attaining a certificate in Community Development; and INADES Formation Kenya, attaining a certificate in Social Work and Home Economics Management. Florence worked for PLAN International Meru and Plan International Kismu as a Community Development Advisor. In 2002, she became Project Coordinator of Laikipia Women Advocacy Development Organization for The Netherland Development Organization External Program. In 2008, she joined the ZOE Ministry – Giving Hope Program in Maua Methodist Hospital, as a social worker. In September 2010, Florence became an important part of the team to begin, develop and implement Inua Partners in Hope. Florence has enjoyed witnessing the growth of the project, as well as the development of the orphans and vulnerable children in the areas of livelihood, food security, education, health, child’s rights and HIV/AIDS.
REV. PAUL MATHERI
Co-Founder & Program Director
Paul is a pastor and elder in the United Methodist Church, serving as Dean of Superintendents in Kenya. A leader in his community, he is renowned for advocating change. He also holds a degree in psychology and counseling, and he delights in helping his people move toward self- actualization. He has spent most of his time in the ministry serving and advocating for the needy and the less fortunate. An avid volunteer for most of his life, Paul has also served as chairman on many boards including government public schools, bursaries, interfaith groups, government relief programs, and peace and reconciliations. He has been a member of the probation department and other welfare programs for both government and community. Rev. Matheri was a key instrument in the foundation and formation of Inua Partners in Hope, where he serves as Director and counselor.
FLORENCE MURIUKI
Field Operations Manager
PATRICK NDONGA
Business Program Manager
Patrick is an MBA graduate from University of Nairobi with a specialty in Strategic Management. He holds a B.Ed (Arts) with specialty in Mathematics and Business studies. He has worked with Kenya Women Finance Trust as a Business Development Officer and was engaged in client recruitment, training, assessment of businesses and loan disbursement. He was a Senior Training Consultant with TechnoServe where his main role was to supervise trainers and business counselors, identify and work closely with partners and support all training activities. Patrick has also received entrepreneurship training facilitation. With so many gifts, we are blessed to have Patrick on the Inua team. He states that “given an opportunity and conducive environment any person can rise to the highest height possible.”
EPHANTUS KARIUKI
Finance Manager
Ephantus was raised in Naivasha. He has bachelors and maters degrees in Political Science and Public Administration, and is a CPA and is currently working towards his PhD. He worked in various organizations prior to joining Inua including The National Treasury. Ephantus is married to Regina, who is a degreed teacher. He is excited to be part of Inua Partners In Hope “because of the noble course and goals the organization aims at achieving (i.e. social economic empowerment of orphans and vulnerable children). I also have a nephew and nieces who are orphans being served in another program. and these two reasons always give me the desire to continue being part of the team.”
EUNICE MARI
Social Worker
Eunice joined Inua in Summer, 2016, as a Social Worker. With the growth of Inua, a second Social Worker was imperative to ensure each youth the individual attention they require. Eunice is a born-again Christian and a single mom to Max. She graduated from Makerere University with a degree in Community Psychology in 2009. Eunice has worked as a teacher in Naomi’a Village, and as a social worker at Light of Hope Children’s Home, where she became a manager. Eunice has a passion for orphaned children and feels obligated to seize any opportunity to serve and give hope to a hopeless soul. She believes that in working with Inua, she will be able to reach and empower more souls.
LAUREN BERLIN
USA Program Director
Lauren is the newest member of our team. She first heard about Inua while attending graduate school in 2014 while our team from Kenya were visiting Winter Park, FL. In January of 2020, she officially joined the staff as the US Program Director. Lauren received her MBA from Rollins' Crummer Graduate School of Business in 2015. She also earned her bachelor's degree in International Affairs from Rollins in 2012. From 2003 - 2013 Lauren worked at Northland, a Church Distributed which allowed for a diverse work experience both in Central Florida working with students, and internationally. Lauren has teamed up with multiple organizations facilitating partnerships located in multiple different countries which is one part of the job that excited her to join our team on the USA side.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kenya Board Members
Jimmy Njuguna: Board Chair
Rev. James Kinoti: Director
Jane Njeri: Director
Mary Gacheru: Director
Catherine Gachara: Director
Ann Munene: Director
United States Board Members
Larry Brown: Board Chair
Carol Smith: Vice-Chair
Laura Blackmore: Treasurer
Carlin Beekman: Secretary
Mark Leggett: Director
Evanne Mines: Director
Tim Smith: Director
Mia Thomas: Director
Jim Flatley: Director
Michael Linn: Board of Directors, Past Chair Emeritus
Amy McKenna: Board of Directors, Past Chair Emeritus