Supporters - Professionals of Industry

Mam Mamina Masengo, Journalist in the DRC
Mrs. Mam Mamina Masengo is a well know journalist, and most viewed reporter in the Congo. Mrs. Masengo has seen the potential in the Mwamba Family Foundation, and has expressed her willingness to involve her influence as a well known journalist to help the foundation's cause and vision via the media. She has reported on the Mwamba Family Foundation, and has recently given an interview to Patrice Majondo-Mwamba, CEO of the Mwamba Family Foundation, that was seen throughout the Congo. Mrs. Masengo remains committed to using her status as a well known journalist to help make the lives of those in her country better.

Antoinette Nyakunoba
Mrs. Atoinette Nyakunoba is a very successful business woman in the Congo. She has been involved in providing shelter for orphans who have been displaced. She has also been involved in directing the infrastructure for many women's shelters throughout the Congo. The shelters provide a safe haven for so many women who have been through horrendous atrocities. Mrs. Nyakunoba has a God given ability to help others, and she loves her country of Congo. She is a close friend of the Mwamba family and is excited to be a part of the Mwamba Family Foundations' vision. She has given her full support.

Koffi Olomide
Koff Olomide was born in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo.Koffi grew up in Kinshasa. He went to France to study. While in Paris, he began playing the guitar and writing songs. On his return to Congo Koffi re popularized the slower style of soukous, which had fallen out of fashion. Koffi has successfully won 4 kora in south Africa and also won the best artist in central Africa.

Alex William Forrest, General Malta Forrest Group International
Alex Forrest is a close friend of the Mwamba family. Alex has lived in Brussels, Belgium, where he was actively involved with an American football club, the Black Angels. This program allows for children to take part in the football experience, and help in building up strong character and discipline through football. He is currently residing in the Congo with his family, where he is involved in business. Alex is excited to be involved with the Mwamba Family Foundation, and help to make the lives of others better.

Robert D. Morris, MD, President of Board of Directors
Dr. Robert Morris received his M.D. from the University of Kansas Medical Center, and completed an internship and residency at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Dr. Morris has served as Director of Emergency Services at Natividad Medical Center, Santa Cruz Community Hospital and Dominican Hospital. Dr. Morris founded Doctors On Duty Urgent Care, which became affiliated with Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in 1996. Dr. Morris has been a member of the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Board since 2001. Dr. Morris also was a member of the Peace Corp and has spent time in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ken Murray, Senior Associate Athletic Director,
Texas Tech University
Ken Murray was raised in Africa, the son of a Presbyterian missionary. Both Ken and his wife Lenore, grew up as children in the Congo. Ken's African name was Kueta Mikobe wa Muambi Mikobe Ken. He grew up in Kananga, which is the same town as Leon and Alphonsine Mwamba. Ken and his wife grew up speaking Tshiluba, and Ken did not speak english until he was 6. Professionally, Ken Murray worked for the Atlanta Falcons, East Tennessee State, Eastern Kentucky, University of Southwestern Louisiana and Texas Tech University. Ken remains the Senior Associate Athletics Director at Texas Tech University. Ken and his wife Lenore are close friends of the Mwamba's, and are very excited to be involved with the foundation. Both Ken and his wife Lenore love the Congo, and have lent the foundation their support.

Gerald E. Bourque, Attorney at Law
Gerald Bourque earned a B.A. in Government in1974 at Lamar University. His post graduate degree as a Doctor of Jurisprudence, in 1979 at South Texas College of Law. Gerald is an active member of the Houston Bar Association, the Montgomery County Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He has been an active member in various charities around the Houston area, and believes strongly in the vision of the Mwamba Family Foundation. Mr. Bourque is a close friend to the Mwamba family and has offered his support of the foundation's vision.

Benoît Turcotte, Attorney at Law
Benoît Turcotte, is a Criminal Defense Attorney with the International Criminal Defense Attorney's Association (ICDAA) and the International Legal Foundation (ILF). Mr. Turcotte gave a speech entitled "Post-War Justice in Afghanistan" about his work creating and operating a network of public defender offices throughout Afghanistan. Mr. Turcotte is a renown lawyer in Montreal. He specializes in particular the International Criminal Defense Attorneys Association. As a recognized lecturer, Mr. Turcotte took part in conference nationally as well as internationally. Being that Mr. Turcotte is a senior analyst of policies, he was invited to hold a speech for the Office of the Private Council, which is a directive of the government of Canada, on the activities of regulation for the community of the regulators at the time of the 2nd annual National Workshop of Canada. Mr. Turcotte has lent his support to the Mwamba Family Foundation, and believes in its cause and vision.

Maître Alain Dubois
Maître Alain Dubois is a notorious criminal jurist in Quebec. He also represents the Québécois Association of Lawyers of Defense. From 2000 to 2002 he was the president of this association. Mr. Dubois is one of the members of the organizing committee of the Congress of the Barreau of Quebec .He is author of legal such texts as: Dubois codes criminal annotated and related laws. Mr. Dubois is also administrator of the organization Shelter of the L'Abri de la Rive-Sud, which is the only resource of lodging for the men and women in the Montérégie Area. Mr. Dubois is a close friend of the Mwamba family and has offered his full support to the Mwamba Family Foundation.

David Roche, International Artist
David Galvez Roche was always interested in arts in his youth. In 1997, he obtained, with excellent results, a diploma in Plastic Arts (Painting, Sculpture and Engraving) at the prestigious National Academy of Fine Arts of San Alejandro in Havana. Continuing his studies, he obtains in 1983, a Bachelor's degree in Arts History from the University of Havana, Cuba. As a professor of Visual Arts and Arts History at the Ministry for the Arts, and Ministry of Education in Cuba (1970-1991), he continues his pedagogical and educational work since his arrival in Canada. Often, he has spoken at International Conferences on Caribbean Art and Latino-american Conferences on Artistic Education. His rich and diversified works of art received prizes, both nationally and internationally. They are found in private and public collections in Canada, Cuba, the Unites States, Mexico, Spain and many other countries around the world. His artwork is appreciated and has been shown in private and public gallery such as the University of Havana, the Ministry of Culture in Cuba, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Havana, and at the private collection of Pueblo in Gumenos. He also give a incredible gift for the Trans Canadian Trail opening in Longueuil. His recent exhibitions include: Olympic Fine Arts 2008 in Beijing, 3rd Beijing International Art Biennale, 2007 International Biennial of Contemporary Art in Florence, and A Passion, Two Encounters and Three Glances at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. He was recently invited to some prestigious art exhibition such as the Florence Biennale 2009 and 8th edition of Dak'Art - African art Biennale of Dakar. Mr. Roche is a friend to the Mwamba family and has lent his full support to the Mwamba Family Foundation.

James F. Smith, Premier Landscaping Contractor
James Smith is a landscaping contractor in Monterey Bay, California. James is the owner of Smith & Enright Landscaping, which has been the premier landscaping company in the Monterey Bay for over 25 years. James is a supporter of the Mwamba Family Foundation, and is actively involved in the efforts the foundation is making.

Gabriel Djunga, Wall Street Banker
Gabriel Djunga is a consultant for a leading jewish bank in wall street. He came to the US 10 years ago to accomplish the american dream from Belgium by way of the Congo. Gabriel feels strongly about giving back to his native land and plans to invest there in the future. He is a good friend of Patrice Majondo-Mwamba. Gabriel has lent his full support to the Mwamba Family Foundation.

Patrick Nyembo Mugalu
Patrick Nyembo Mugalu was raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He now resides in the San Francisco bay area where he earned is college degree. Patrick is the Executive Assistant of the Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers, a youth development and violence prevention organization headquartered in San Francisco, CA that emphasizes academic achievement and non-involvement with drugs. Patrick has dedicated his life to help youth by provide them the tools for success. Patrick’s vision and commitment to return to his beloved Congo and to give back to his community has been the overriding motivation for his academic success and community work. He is a close friend of the Mwamba family, and has offered his full support to the Mwamba Family Foundation.

Ceasar Iracheta, IRA Mortgage and Sales, Broker
Ceasar Iracheta is mortgage broker and very successful business man who owns his own mortgage company along with his brother Jaime. Ceasar is also an insurance agent for World Financial Group. Ceasar has served in the United States Army and was deployed in the Gulf War. Ceasar was born in Mexico, and has been active in helping the less fortunate in his native country through different charities. Ceasar is a close friend of Patrice Majondo-Mwamba and is excited to be involved in the Mwamba Family Foundation, and has lent his full support.

Jaime Iracheta
Jaime Iracheta is a broker in central California. He is a co-owner of Wargods in Fresno California. Jaime played college football at Fresno State and is actively involved in various football activities in his local area. He is fully committed to making a difference in the lives of others and is a strong believer in discipline. He is in full support of the Mwamba Family Foundation.

Frank Knappe
Frank Knappe is the wellness coordinator at The Boys and Girls Club, Monterey County. Frank has been involved in coaching football for many years. He believes in giving of his time to help children that are in need. Frank is a close friend of the Mwamba family has offered his full support to the Mwamba Family Foundation.

Stephanie Knappe
Stephanie Knappe is a registered nurse at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. She is actively involved in fitness and owns 2 Steps Ahead Fitness with her husband Frank. Stephanie is also actively involved in her local community and always lends a helping hand to those in need. Stephanie is in full support of the Mwamba Family Foundation's cause and vision.

Emily Jones, Sports Anchor and Reporter
Emily Jones joined FOX Sports Southwest in August 2004 as an anchor and reporter.She serves as sideline reporter on many of FSN’s event telecasts, including the network’s national Big 12 Conference football games, a position she’s held since 2006. She also serves as courtside reporter during Dallas Mavericks telecasts and anchors and reports on FOX Sports Southwest LIVE pre- and postgame shows for the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars.  In January 2008 she became host of BIG 12 SHOWCASE, the network’s weekly magazine show covering all Big 12 Conference sports. Jones spent six years at Lubbock NBC affiliate KCBD before moving to FOX Sports Southwest. She started as a news anchor, reporter and producer in September 1998 and was elevated to sports director in May 2001. She anchored the station’s two nightly sportscasts and oversaw the sports department. A native of Plainview, Texas, Jones graduated from Texas Tech University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism. She resides in Fort Worth.

Tamara Jolee, Broadcaster and Sports Journalist
Tamara Jolee is a 2009 Texas AP Broadcasters award-winning sports journalist. She's the host of "The Show," a regionally-syndicated sports program that airs across Texas and Louisiana in almost a dozen markets. During football season, you can find her live on location each week, hosting "Friday Football Fever," along with studio host and sports director, Danny Elzner. Jolee joined the KETK and Fox News East Texas team in Dec. 2007 as a general assignments reporter and later assumed the role as weekend morning show anchor. Currently, she splits time between news and sports, covering general assignments and other news during the week. Jolee has worked in the sports arena since graduating college at Texas Tech. Before getting in front of the camera, she taught college and professional athletes how to speak with reporters as a sports publicist. In six years, she worked in five states and lived in Europe. More than 50 of her former athletes play in the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB. She also worked with national sports networks like Fox Sports, ESPN and CBS Sports. She's written and published a dozen media guides and she's had several sports articles published in various magazines. The early years...Jolee grew up in Midlothian, Texas, a town 30 miles south of Dallas. A former four-sport athlete, she earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in English from Texas Tech University. Jolee says her relationship with Jesus Christ is her first passion in life. In her spare time, she travels a lot and has visited 15 countries worldwide, naming Cuba, Ireland and Switzerland as her favorites. Jolee's also involved with world-ministries and says doing outreach work is one of her favorite things.

The Drollinger Family
Alex, Richelle and Erich Drollinger live in Salinas, CA.  Alex works for United Ag. And Richelle is a Special Education Teacher for Salinas City Elementary School District.  Their son Erich is 13 years old and in the 8th Grade. Erich does karate, and also has a band called “August Sky”.  The Drollinger Family enjoys the opportunity of helping others to make this world a better place.

Hadad Moran
Civil Engineer from the Polytechnic school of Brussels, CEO of IBSP, Moran is also the president of Together in Life, an NGO active in the sustainable development field since 2005. Moran has led big scale projects in Europe, Asia and Africa in the past years, and is now bringing his management and marketing experience and skills to the profit of the MSEA project.