Jackie Elward
Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board
Jackie was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and recently became a citizen of the United States. She has made it her life’s work to return to the Congo one day and extend a helping hand to those in need. She recently took a mission trip to her homeland and was deeply inspired by her love and passion for the displaced children of her country. She has made it her mission to make a difference in the lives of those children. So began the imagining of Les Enfants Baobab, a non-profit organization to help get the street children of the Democratic Republic of Congo off the streets and into homes, giving them a chance for a bright future.
John ryan Elward
Secretary and Board member
Born in San Francisco and raised in Novato, Ryan is the husband of Jackie, founder of Les Enfants Baobab. Ryan met her while teaching in a ministry training school in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. After a couple of years working with churches, teaching and encouraging leaders in Russia, India and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He can now be found raising his three children or inside of a book. He is a devoted husband and father. He is also passionate about seeing shifts in culture that better life for everyone, especially children.
linda Mazzariello
Board member
Linda Mazzariello serves as a worship leader at Marin Covenant Church in San Rafael, CA. She has a heart to lead people closer to God through music, and to engage with women who want to live out their purpose and be in close community with one another. Together with her husband, Jeff, who is a pastor, they have been serving in ministry for over 30 years. When they are not working or hanging out with their four grown children, they enjoy traveling, running, and good food. They currently reside in Novato, CA.
Alissa Feldman
Vice President and Board Member
Originally from New York, Alissa spent her time refining her passion for creating Art and Architecture. She relocated to California 20 years ago to continue her studies, and never left. Her experiences led to an overwhelming interest in the formation of communities for groups of under-served populations with unique needs. She has become a local activist and has always had a strong desire to be part of a collaborative group of individuals that work toward positive change in the world. She currently lives in Santa Rosa with her small but beautiful family.