This year marks 10 years since Alice Karpeh made her dream of turning Rural Health Care Initiative (RHCI) into a source of lifesaving programs for women and children in Tikonko, Sierra Leone a reality. As we reflect on the accomplishments made over the past 10 years, much of these can be attributed to supporters like you, and in particular to Dr. Carol Nelson. Carol has served on RHCI’s Board of Directors since 2013. Her passion and dedication were a driving force behind getting RHCI’s healthcare programs for women and children off the ground in Tikonko. As our vision evolved over the years, Carol stepped in to take on the role of volunteer Executive Director. Through her leadership over the past 5 years, RHCI has been able to sustain and expand our healthcare programs beyond Tikonko Town and into the surrounding communities in Tikonko Chiefdom.
Dr. Nelson in Tikonko
As we express our gratitude to Carol for her years of service with RHCI, we congratulate and support her as she transitions into the role of Program Director for RHCI. As our Program Director for health programs, Carol will continue to do what she does best for RHCI and that’s using her medical expertise to help enhance and strengthen our health programs.
It is also with much gratitude and excitement that we introduce you to RHCI’s new Executive Director, Lisa Peterson. Lisa shares the values of RHCI’s mission, passion for service to women and children in Sierra Leone, and has the leadership to sustain and grow our programs.
In Lisa’s words, “My decades-long heart for Africa started when I served two years in Sierra Leone with the Peace Corps right after college graduation. I would go on to work in international development again in Africa, but not yet back in Sierra Leone. When the opportunity to join the team at Rural Health Care Initiative (RHCI) in Sierra Leone arose – I reached out instantly to apply. This was a dream come true!”
Lisa Peterson
Please join us in welcoming Lisa as Rural Health Care Initiative’s Executive Director! We look forward to her leadership as we continue to partner with local Sierra Leonean communities as they work to rebuild and advance their rural community health systems. We also look forward to Lisa collaborating with supporters like you!
In our local Mende language we say “Buwah” , (Welcome) Lisa!
Read Lisa’s full biography here.
