We welcome four new board members to the Carr Educational Foundation. The mission of the Carr Educational Foundation is to create sustainable educational models in struggling communities. Daraja Academy is it’s first project.

In 2013, Margaret Pack, Sara Howard, Lisa Halsted, and Erika Merrel joined the board of directors of the Carr Educational Foundation, which currently raises awareness and funds for Daraja Academy initiatives and the work occurring on campus. The addition of these passionate four to our cause is tremendous as they exhibit the qualities of true Daraja women.

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Margaret Pack

Margaret Pack is an account coordinator at Breakaway Communications, a technology public relations agency, in San Francisco. After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in journalism, Margaret traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to volunteer at a primary school. This experience encouraged her to become involved with a non-profit upon her return to the U.S. Margaret learned more about Daraja when working as a PR intern before becoming the Carr Educational Foundation board secretary.

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Sara Howard

Sara attended University of Colorado, Boulder for her Bachelors degree, and Tufts University in The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy for her Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy. From New York City to San Francisco, She has lived and worked across the United States. She has a longstanding interest and expertise in International Relations. Sara now resides in California with her husband, Kip. She has three daughters between the ages of 16 and 24.

This summer, Sara’s youngest daughter, Amelia, volunteered with Daraja and conducted a water use audit with Leigh Pomerantz. Jackline, a first-year Daraja student, grew very close to Amelia and Leigh and expressed: “I hope that I get to meet Amelia’s mom, Sara. I am really excited for her to be helping Daraja in America!”

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Lisa Halsted

Lisa has thirty years of experience as the Founder and Director with Adventures Cross-Country, a company that offers adventures travel and community service programs around the world to teenagers. Lisa has knowledge and expertise in marketing, program development, human resources and bookkeeping. Through her travels, Lisa has gained a fondness for Africa, both its culture and its people. Lisa now resides in Mill Valley with her husband, Scott, and their four children, Katie, Sheldon, Heidi, and Willie.

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Erika Merrell

Erika Merrel grew up in Northern California before attending the University of Southern California where she received a Bachelors degree in Political Science. She has lived and worked across the United States and recently spent nine years in Sydney, Australia. Her career includes over seventeen years in sales and business development, and she is currently a Director with professional services firm, EY. Erika now resides in Marin County, California with her husband and 3 little boys.

“I am always excited when our Daraja family grows,” explained Molly, a third-year Daraja student, “I hope that I can meet Margaret, Sara, Lisa, and Erika one day.”

We couldn’t be more excited to welcome these four to the Carr Educational Foundation, and we appreciate their many contributions!