Our staff based in the US focus on the sponsor-child relationships that help our students excel and succeed. When asked, the students have indicated that these relationships are the ones that encourage and inspire them to perform well in their studies and beyond.
Carole Patrikakos, Executive Director
Carole joined Friends of Ngong Road in the inaugural Executive Director role in 2022. Carole’s background in international education and development includes volunteer and professional roles with the University of Michigan’s Office of Overseas Opportunities, Fund for African Relief and Education and PLAN International in Senegal, French immersion education, Concordia Language Villages, refugee resettlement, and fifteen years in fundraising at Books For Africa. These experiences led Carole to form an appreciation for the child sponsorship model as a way to preserve a child’s emotional attachment to their caregiver and provide encouragement and support in a culturally appropriate setting.
Carole holds a BA in French and Women’s Studies from the University of Michigan and University Gaston-Berger in Senegal, and a certificate in Integrative Nutrition from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. In her free time, Carole likes to support charitable initiatives, feed people, read historical fiction, chase two Olde English Bulldogs, and win at ping pong.
Contact: carole@ngongroad.org
Jil Bakko, Accountant
Jil has been with Friends of Ngong Road in her current position as an Accountant since 2012. She enjoys the challenge of full-charge bookkeeping along with being the point person for the annual audit. She has been proud of seeing the organization grow over the years and the impact that we have made in students’ lives.
Before Friends of Ngong Road, Jil worked at Bancorp Asset Management, Piper Capital Management, and Voyager Asset Management as an accountant. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
While Jil isn’t working she enjoys spending time with her teenage daughters and getting away to her cabin in Brainerd.
Contact: jil@ngongroad.org
Naomi Miezwa, Donor and Communications Manager
Naomi joined our organization in the summer of 2021. Her position focuses on the sponsor and donor experience. She ensures that sponsors feel connected to our mission and their students and that donors feel they are having an impact.
Naomi started her non-profit career in 2012 as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate. She grew her career in non-profit management, specifically as a Volunteer Services Manager. Her work building relationships and engaging community members made for a natural transition to working with donors. She holds a BA in History and Women’s and Gender Studies from Winona State University
Outside of work, some of Naomi’s favorite things to do are: traveling, camping with friends, and spending time with her husband and dog.
Contact: naomi@ngongroad.org