OPEN HAND - Key Persons
Alisun DeKock has been involved in non-profit organizations for most of her professional career. While Manager of the Volunteer Program at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, she pursued her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois which landed her current role as Manager of Information Services and Archive at the Shedd Aquarium. At Shedd she oversees all operations of the library and archive, as well as leading and serving on numerous teams in a research, records and information management capacity. Alisun's board of directors experience includes past roles of treasurer and president on two different boards and two years as the chairperson for a regional conference. She is currently serving as President for the Special Libraries Association Illinois Chapter, a 400+member professional organization.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Media Producer at the Field Museum
Emily Ward is a Media Producer at The Field Museum in Chicago, where she plans and produces media pieces telling cultural and scientific stories to museum visitors. Emily has a B.A. in mathematics and is currently working on a Masters of Nonprofit Administration at the University of Notre Dame.
Jeff DeKock is a filmmaker, photographer, and university professor who studied visual anthropology at the University of Manchester. His global experience extends to almost every continent and he has shot films and photographed in over seventy counties. He has run university programs in Central America and East Africa, researched for the BBC and photographed abroad for the New York Times. His book, Faces of Dignity, documents stories of the people he has met around the globe and the corresponding exhibit has traveled across the US.
Job Titles:
- Social Worker
- Treasurer of the Board
Jenifer Van Wyngarden is a Social Worker working in the mental health field in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She received her BSW from Grand Valley State University. Jenifer has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past ten years. Early in her career she was a case management for adults with sever and chronic mental illness and the last five years has been spent in management. Jenifer is currently the Operation Manager at InterAct of Michigan. Jenifer likes to use her vacation days to travel to the all the countries and locations that Open Hand Studios has projects. Jenifer's extra-curricular activities include being active through soccer, volleyball, camping or hiking, knitting, watching the Detroit Tigers baseball team, going to the theater and reading.
Kaitlan Spencer received a degree in media studies from Cornerstone University where she produced projects spanning all genres from music video and narrative film to corporate video and documentary. With passion for people, story, and the power of culture, Kaitlan has focused on bringing communities together through cross-cultural media creation. She has produced videos for non-profits in the US, Haiti, Kenya, and Jordan, and she documents her travels and daily adventures in her blog "Spine and Beat." As Communications Manager, Kaitlan is the voice of Open Hand Studios. You will find her writing in our newsletters, website, and Facebook page.
Muaffaq Hazza is an archaeologist and graduate candidate in History at el-Beit University. Having grown up in Umm el-Jimal, he continues to call it home along with his family. Muaffaq has worked on the Umm el-Jimal Project since his youth and currently serves as an archaeologist and coordinator for its grant-funded programs and field seasons. His research interests and academic publications concentrate on early Islamic dynasties and epigraphic remains in the Hauran plain.
Nicholas Kokita is a Tax and Legal Practitioner in Nairobi where he specializes in helping businesses to manage and grow their financial well-being. He prides himself in finding innovative and sustainable financial management solutions for projects in Africa. Hailing from the indigenous Pokot community in Kenya, Kokita enjoys working with local communities and participates in a series of charitable activities that impact on these communities. He has previously volunteered with I Choose Life in Nairobi and with the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims in West Pokot. Nicholas has also conducted extensive field work with the World Food Programme and other NGOs in the counties of Laikipia, Marsabit, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu. Kokita has a Law Degree from the University of Nairobi and has obtained Accounting and Secretarial certification in Kenya. He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Tax at Moi University.
Paul Christians is a curator and educator who earned an MA in anthropology from the University of Chicago, where he focused on cultural heritage in developing communities. He has worked in museum settings from creating content and community relations to the Petra: Lost City of Stone traveling exhibition. He has also developed databases and GIS archives for clients such as the Center for Ancient Middle Eastern Landscapes. In addition, he has served as a professional editor and researcher on academic projects published in university presses. Paul has developed and taught undergraduate courses in museums, history, and cultural heritage.
Yves Niyiragira is from Burundi and Executive Director of the social justice NFP Fahamu. He has more than eight years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy and campaign management on a number of charters, protocols, conventions and policy standards of the African Union, especially those related to governance, democracy, freedom of movement and women's rights among others. Yves also has a solid understanding of international affairs and international humanitarian laws. Before being appointed Executive Director, Yves served under various capacities within the organization and is one of the longest serving members of staff of Fahamu. He holds a Masters degree in International Relations.