B2THEWORLD - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Alvin is currently an Industrial engineering and engineering physics student at Cal Poly Pomona and a member of the B2THEWORLD board. Through his position on the board, he is able to bring a student perspective to the organization and learn from other leaders. He has a great passion for Rwanda and Africa, in general. Alvin wants to see his country Rwanda on the path to growth while being an example for other countries that are going through some of the challenges it has faced. While there is still a long road ahead, he believes the future is bright. For Alvin, continuing to push forward and build onto what the generation before his have built, is an opportunity he hopes to pursue at B2THEWORLD.
Audrey Sims are serving with B2THEWORLD at Kigali International Community School since 2017. Francis is the Primary Physical Education teacher at KICS and heads up the Primary Specials Department and the Primary Athletics Department. Audrey is a registered nurse. She hopes to use her background in nursing to bless the KICS community as well as the greater Kigali community. Francis and Audrey have three children, Chloe, Caleb, and Seth.
Francis grew up in a missions-focused family in Pennsylvania, and Audrey grew up as a second-generation missionary kid in East and Central Africa. They have seen first-hand the devastation of war and have a heart for seeing war-torn nations transformed by the gospel. They are excited for the opportunity to be part B2THEWORLD in sharing the hope of Jesus through education.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Darrell David and his wife Brenda have been ardent supporters of B2THEWORLD. Once they heard B2THEWORLD's desire to help prepare the next generation of leaders in countries recovering from war, they were in. Being of Syrian-Lebanese heritage, their passion to help in countries that are impacted by war was rooted deep in their hearts. Darrell and Brenda live in Austin, Texas and they are great encouragers to Ben & Susie and always open their home and their hearts for the mission of B2THEWORLD.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Founder
- Member of the Board
Benjamin Thomas is Founder and CEO of B2THEWORLD and the leader of Kigali International Community School in Rwanda. He is a New Yorker, the son of Indian immigrants to the U.S., a husband, and raising 4 kids in Rwanda. Ben is passionate about global leadership (leading people from multiple nationalities), education for children in post-conflict countries, and most passionate about being a dad and a husband.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Kayan has been a part of the B2THEWORLD team since its inception as a founding board member. She serves the B2THEWORLD Board utilizing her Ph.D in statistics in a variety of ways. She is passionate about education, serving those who do not know Jesus, and has a deep love for Rwanda having lived there for 3 years. Kayan, her husband Marc, and their three children live in Austin, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair
- Vice Chair of the Board
- Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at ACSI
Dr. Lynn Swaner is the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at ACSI, where she leads initiatives and develops strategies to address compelling questions and challenges facing Christian education. Prior to joining ACSI, she served as a Christian school administrator and a graduate professor of education. Dr. Swaner serves as a Cardus Senior Fellow and is the lead editor of the books MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education and PIVOT: New Directions for Christian Education, co-author of Bring It to Life: Christian Education and the Transformative Power of Service-Learning, and editor of the ACSI blog. She received her EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York City.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Secretary of the Board
Marc is an ardent supporter of the work and mission of B2THEWORLD. He brings firsthand experience to the board through his work in international education. He and his family lived in Kigali, Rwanda, for three years and during that time, Marc partnered with the national medical school to educate, train, and equip medical students and residents. He has seen how a focus on education in post-conflict settings develops leaders, fosters a pattern of lifelong learning, and promotes a mindset for service. Marc has a heart for international missions and missionary care. Marc, his wife Kayan, and their three children live in Austin, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Dr. O'Connor is passionate about connecting donors with meaningful causes, and enjoys helping nonprofits better care for the donors who invest with them. Teri views her work as a ministry and believes in the responsibility of Christians to learn and teach true generosity. To that end, she is committed to helping individuals and organizations grow in capacity and impact.
Dr. O'Connor has published research on Donor Motivations for Charitable Giving and Improving Donor Retention through Dialogue. She earned her doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University and holds an MA in Communication from Gonzaga University. She and her husband, Sean, have served together in full time ministry for more than 30 years.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Operations
Erica Munyaneza is currently serving as the Director of Operations for B2THEWORLD, working remotely in Kigali, Rwanda.
Erica has co-founded or served nine non-profits around the globe since 2001, serving in the areas administration, finance, operations, and program development. She holds a bachelors in music business and a masters in accounting and has a passion for helping non-profits succeed through good financial management and efficient operations.
Erica, and her family of four, have lived in Kigali, Rwanda since 2014. Aside from her work at B2THEWORLD, she and her husband have a church ministry in East Africa which includes developing children and youth musicians, creating African children's worship media, and educating 2000 children.
Job Titles:
- Communications Specialist
Gloria has for the past 15 years has lived and worked in Rwanda in various roles in administration, communications, and Children ministry leadership. She is passionate about the development of children in her community and enjoys using her experience and skills to communicate and advocate for their education through her work. Being part of the B2THEWORLD team as well as her time previously serving at Kigali International Community School (KICS) has allowed her to interact with a global community. As a Rwandan, she is not only inspired by education but also appreciates the unifying factor that diversity brings toward attaining a transformative education.
Gloria studied her M.A in Mass Communications at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). She also attained her B.A in Biblical Studies with a minor in Communication from Lancaster Bible College (LBC) as well as, holds a Diploma in Information Systems Management. She hopes to contribute toward advancing the cause for a transformative education through the work of B2THEWORLD.
Jordan Mbaraga have been serving in Kigali, Rwanda since 2013. Jordan has served as the 4th grade teacher at KICS since 2015 and Ivan has served as the Director of Operations at KICS since 2018. Both armed with a Master's degree, education is their passion, especially in developing countries where it has the impact to transform the lives of individuals, communities, and countries.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Operations Associate
Joan Nieh serves as Operations Associate for B2THEWORLD working remotely in Kigali, Rwanda. Born and raised in NYC, Joan has taught mathematics in NYC middle schools and high schools since graduating from Macaulay Honors Queens College in 2020. She believes in empowering students through education, not only in NYC, but worldwide. Her passion for international education led her to pursue her Master's Degree in International Educational Development at Columbia University. Aside from teaching, she volunteered as a youth group leader and worship leader at Edge City Church. As a staff member for B2THEWORLD, she is excited to champion students to reach their full potential as world changers through transformative education.
Jordan Mbaraga have been serving in Kigali, Rwanda since 2013. Jordan has served as the 4th grade teacher at KICS since 2015 and Ivan has served as the Director of Operations at KICS since 2018. Both armed with a Master's degree, education is their passion, especially in developing countries where it has the impact to transform the lives of individuals, communities, and countries.
Nigel has been a supporter of B2THEWORLD since 2018. He has served on numerous educationally focused non-profit boards and the opening of the Sunrise Boarding School in Rhunegary Rwanda in 2000. He was an accomplished operational and C-Level executive leader prior to following the calling to support Christian leaders as a C12 Chair. Nigel's corporate roles included Global Chief Talent Officer for a multinational agency, launching Customer Service and Airport Technologies at JetBlue, and leading hub and global operations control for USAirways. He's active supporting leaders and groups at DC Metro Church in Alexandria Va. with his wife of 16 years, Andrea, who is a professor at UDC. They have one daughter and two granddaughters all-residing in Alexandria Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Executive Research Intern
Kerry Bryan met at Kigali International Community School in 2010 after Douglas moved to Rwanda in 2009. They share a passion for teaching kids about Christ. Douglas continues to teach third grade at KICS and is pursuing his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction to grow as a teacher and better serve his students. Kerry stays at home with their three children, Elias, Adeline, and Oliver. She serves the B2THEWORLD team through member care.
Douglas and Kerry are happy to be a part of B2THEWORLD and KICS to impact the world for Christ through education. In addition to serving at KICS, they also participate in B2THEWORLD's teacher training projects around the world
Paige serves as the Portfolio Specialist at B2THEWORLD. She brings experience from working alongside over 40 nonprofits and ministries to serve our donors stateside. She loves seeing the results of empowerment and enjoys mobilizing others to impact their spheres of influence. Through her missionary work in North Africa, Paige has seen the impact of broken education systems firsthand and worked to provide opportunities to the next generation through her previous work with HOPE International.
Paige, her husband Ryan, and their daughter live in the Seattle area where they pour into the area through their church and the business community.
Rebekah (Becky) Reeves is serving at Kigali International Community School as a 5th-grade teacher beginning in August 2022. Becky holds a B.A. in Elementary Education and an A.A.S. in Medical Assisting. She has 13 years of elementary teaching experience, and has been an educator and/or missionary together with her husband David, who holds a M.A. in Sustainable Practice. Over the past 22 years, Becky and her family have lived and ministered in France, Togo, Rwanda, Washington, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Becky and David have 3 young adult children (Hannah, Elijah, and Gabriel) living in Tennessee and a 9th grader, Caleb, attending KICS. As both a teacher and missionary, Becky has a passion for igniting a curiosity for learning in both children and adults to enable them to become ambassadors for Christ as peacemakers and bridge builders in the world. B2THEWORLD's vision of bringing fullness of life to children impacted by war through education is uniquely compatible with Becky's desire to bless both children and adults through the opportunities that education brings, especially in situations of devastation or loss. Becky is honored to serve with B2THEWORLD as she teaches and partners with the global community at KICS.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Tom has been pastor of Alexandria Presbyterian Church since 1990. Before coming to Alexandria, Tom pastored Abingdon Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, VA, for nine years. Tom is a graduate of Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary. Tom loves reading history, playing church softball, and swimming. In his spare time, Tom loves hanging out and playing with his grandsons, traveling with Sharon, and following his favorite sports teams (two from Pittsburgh and one from Washington, DC
Tom has been part of the B2THEWORLD journey since its inception serving as a founding board member.
Job Titles:
- Executive Research Intern
Simon Thomas is serving as one of B2THEWORLD's Executive Research Interns in Kigali, Rwanda. He moved to Rwanda in 2014, after living in the United States, and is currently living in his ninth year in Rwanda. He is a junior in High School, at the Kigali International Community School (KICS), and will graduate from KICS in 2024. He plans on attending university in the United States after graduation. Besides school, Simon is involved in extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations and has developed a passion for public speaking and advocacy which he wishes to possibly pursue in university. He is passionate about the work that B2THEWORLD is engaged in and excited to help further their work through research.
Susie Thomas have benefited throughout their lives from quality education, strong family values, and learning from and working with people from different cultures. Currently, they have the joy of leading the Kigali International Community School (KICS) in Kigali, Rwanda. KICS is home to over 30 nationalities, and Ben and Susie are cherishing this opportunity to serve globally while preparing servant leaders to impact the world.
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Executive Research Intern
Tunu Kibe is serving as an Executive Research Intern for B2THEWORLD. Tunu is passionate about serving and using his God given skills and abilities for the kingdom. Tunu serves as a youth leader at Christian Life Assembly, Rwanda, and is an alumni of Kigali International Community School. He is spending his gap year supporting B2THEWORLD in its mission to combat the generational impacts of war by leveraging the power of education. Tunu believes in the ability of education to transform lives, and create opportunities for young people. He one day hopes to mentor young believers, and support them in their faith journey. He is a compassionate and empathetic person who seeks to follow God's call in every aspect of his life.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Treasurer of the Board
Hunter has been privileged to have been on the B2THEWORLD train from the beginning, hoping to play a small part in helping the organization to realize it's vision to bless and transform communities all over the globe. Professionally, Hunter is currently a Sr. Director at Capital One, where he has played a variety of Strategy, Operations, Process Improvement and Risk Management roles. He also helped lead Karisimbi Business Partners, a management consulting and equity investing company in Kigali, Rwanda for three years. During that time, the Thompson family had the privilege of attending and being a part of the KICS community, one of B2THEWORLD's partner schools. Hunter lives in Richmond, Virginia with Adrianne, his wife of 15 years, and 4 children. The Thompsons have loved being a part of their neighborhood and participating in the Northside Church of Richmond community and still often miss their time in Rwanda.