Dr. Israel is a Professor of History and Intercultural Studies and former Vice President and Academic Dean at Guilford College where she has been employed since 1982.
She teaches African and African American History and is the co-founder of the College’s Study Abroad program in Ghana and current coordinator of African and African American Studies.
Dr. Israel plans and organizes fundraising events. She serves as Board-Chair of PTPL.
Ralph Cauthen has a Master of Social Work. He is a retired social work manager.
Ralph developed his concern for the world growing up in China in a missionary family. He also served in the first group of Peace Corps volunteers in the Philippines.
Ralph is active in civic affairs, church, and music, and he is also a beekeeper. Ralph serves as the Vice-Chair for PTPL’s USA Board.
Rev. Bahekelwa Imatha (Baim) was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He came to the United States as the result of the traumatic experience that helped him “relate to children who have undergone loss … or who were exposed to traumatic events.”
Rev. Bahekelwa attended the Union Presbyterian Seminary at the Charlotte campus where he received his Master’s degree in Theology. He serves as Pastor at Ferree’s Chapel and St. Peter’s United Methodist Churches.
He is the co-founder of PTPL and serves as Executive Director. His responsibilities include coordinating both the USA and DRC Boards while ensuring communication between them.
Matumaini Furaha (Mimi) was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She attended primary school at Kasenga in Uvira. She got her High School diploma from Bideka in South Kivu.
Mimi also has a B.A. in African Studies from the University of Lubumbashi and an M.S. in Adult Education from North Carolina A&T University. She works as a Nurse’s aide at Moses Cone Hospital.
Mimi is the co-founder of PTPL and is actively involved in Public Relations activities.
Casey Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor in History. She also has a Master of Science in Accounting.
She is currently employed by Bernard Robinson & Company, LLP as a tax manager. Her expertise is in individual and affordable housing tax work. She is a member of the NCACPA and the AICPA.
At People To people Liaison, Casey is in charge of bookkeeping and facilitates the disbursement of funds to different programs. She serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Budget Committee.
Dr. Goldie Wells is the District 2 council member for the city of Greensboro. She is the founder of Citizens for Economic and Environmental Injustice.
She has fought for families in Northeast Greensboro who were left without access to nutritional foods and goods. This fight would lead to the opening of a grocery store that is owned and operated by the community.
Dr. Goldie Wells joined People To People Liaison (USA) in 2017 and serves as People To People Liaison’s Board Secretary. Her responsibilities include recording minutes for Board meetings.
Chris Lumbu holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
Chris retired from corporate America at the age of 32. He currently consults, mentors, and teaches people how to scale their businesses.
At People To People, Chris is here to bring fresh ideas from the outside and help the team accomplish its goals and mission. Originally from DR. Congo; Chris is very excited about giving back to the country he was born from.
Tifanie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Divinity and a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. Tifanie founded M8D 2 Rise, Incorporated
(M8D 2 R) in February of 2011 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
M8D 2 R provides Supported Employment and Life Coach Services and is internationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
Ms. Rudd has been a community volunteered for over twenty years, helping those with various physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She’s provided assistance to individuals who were homeless, youth, and victims of domestic violence.
Her passion is helping youth, especially at Title One schools.
Suzanne’s musical pursuits have included piano and vocal performance, and choral conducting. Her community service work has centered on engagement in non-profit organizations that further education, with emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Suzanne’s skills in fundraising, grant writing, and strategic planning will be of benefit to PTPL.
Marcia Rhodes is a retired Greensboro public school media assistant and school counselor.
She has been involved in the Girl Scouts, served as a Sunday School teacher and youth leader, and has two children and four grandchildren
Marcia Rhodes passion for teaching and counseling children will contribute a lot to PTPL.