The women behind it all.
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Jessica Livingston is the executive director of African Promise Foundation. She is a mom to a little boy, and calls San Diego home right now. She is also a wedding photographer! Jessica has an International Relations degree from Brigham Young University – Idaho and currently acts as the Executive Director. She spends her time fundraising for African Promise Foundation and taking photos.
Jessica loves to spend time at the beach, traveling to new places, learning about different cultures and religions, and meeting new people. Jessica has a deep love for and connection with Uganda, and is devoted to making a brighter future for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. She believes in the power of education as a means to make a positive change in this world, and empower many.
” We all know that education, more than anything else, improves our chances of building better lives” - Nelson Mandela
PRESIDENT
Kelly graduated with a Master of Social Work from Cal State San Bernardino. She has worked with non-profit organizations for 12 years, specifically with adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently, she works with foster youth. Kelly believes strongly in advocating for and empowering underserved populations and finds great enjoyment in volunteering her time to a variety of causes. She is looking forward to assisting APF in continuing its mission.
TREASURER
Rene is a stay at home mom to four incredible and adventurous kids. She has a masters degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. She worked with refugees, starting in 2002, from all corners of the globe, helping them become comfortable in their new surroundings. She also grew up with very strong humanitarian beliefs. Making this her life goal, to help those in developing countries or right here in our own community’s. She is devoted to helping others succeed and become more self reliant.
She values family relationships and loves spending time with her family and friends doing anything outside and is often found behind a camera or cooking in the kitchen!
She is so excited to be working with APF to better help the students in Uganda.
SECRETARY
Stefany
VICE PRESIDENT
Becky is the mother of four kids and wife to one big kid. She enjoys being outside; especially if it involves her family, the beach, a tent, or a hiking trail. She also loves reading about and experiencing different cultures. She has a bachelor’s degree in public health which she obtained from Brigham Young University and is also a Certified Massage Therapist. She serves on the board of African Promise Foundation because “it feels good to put my energy and time into something that lifts and empowers others in the world and takes the focus off myself.”
FOUNDER
Suzy Benson Gillies is the Founder of African Promise Foundation. She is the mother of five children, but many children in Uganda also fondly call her mom. Suzy has an Elementary teaching degree from Brigham Young University. She runs African Promise Expeditions, and organization that gives people opportunities to travel to Uganda and do humanitarian work. She also has a full time coaching practice that focuses on executive development.
Suzy is an avid soccer player, loves to mountain bike, ski and do anything outdoors. She was the co-coach for the first American girls soccer team to go to Uganda (2009). Suzy has a deep love for the vulnerable children and feels a responsibility to help make their future brighter. She believes in the power of one.