Heifer International has announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: Nomsa Daniels, Daron Joffe and Marianella Baez Jost.
The appointments bring the board to 17 directors, representing diverse backgrounds in business, agriculture, academia and the private sector, who guide the organization’s strategic vision.
“Between them, Nomsa, Daron and Marienella bring a wealth of expertise in sustainable agriculture, smallholder market access and social enterprise investing across Africa, Central America and the United States,” said Heifer International President and CEO Surita Sandosham. “We are excited to be able to benefit from their passion and knowledge in service of the small-holder farming communities we engage worldwide.”
Nomsa Daniels is the CEO of Blue Zebra Projects, a South African company that works with social enterprises in Africa to help them expand into new markets, raise capital and magnify their impact.
She also serves as an executive director of Anibok Investment Research Chambers, and she played an instrumental role developing and conducting research projects to advance women’s financial inclusion in 10 African countries as a founding member of New Faces New Voices (NFNV).
Marianella Baez Jost is the founder and director of Farmers Project Specialty Coffee, a group of Costa Rican producers who established a true direct trade model and now enjoy long-term partnerships with roasters in the USA and Canada. Her role in the coffee value chain affords her unique insights into market practices, gender equity in farming and sustainability challenges, and her passion to empower other women in coffee led her to serve on the board of directors of the International Women Coffee Alliance – Costa Rica.
Georgia-based Daron Joffe is a nationally recognised biodynamic farmer, educator, consultant, speaker and entrepreneur. He is the author of the recently published book Citizen Farmers: The Biodynamic Way to Grow Healthy Food, Build Thriving Communities and Give Back to the Earth, and is the founder of Farmer D Consulting.
Daron joins Heifer’s board with over 20 years of experience designing and building community farms and gardens all over the United States.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nomsa, Marianella and Daron to our board of directors, and we look forward to working alongside them as we harness their talents and unique perspectives to advance Heifer’s mission to end poverty and hunger while caring for the earth,” said Randi Hedin, Heifer International board chair.
Heifer International team members across the globe implement the board’s values and policies and, in turn, build inclusive economies that empower millions. At least one director resides in each of the international program areas where Heifer carries out its work. All directors are independent voting members.
