BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elizabeth McGovern, President

Dr. Elizabeth McGovern founded WEEMA in 2011.  She is passionate about the issues of extreme poverty, especially the effects of the water crisis on women and girls. Prior to becoming the full-time executive director of WEEMA, Liz worked for 19 years as a family physician serving the urban poor including immigrants and newly arrived refugees.  Liz's ties to Ethiopia date back to 2008 and she currently travels to Ethiopia three times a year.

Gina DaCruz, Secretary/CLERK

Gina DaCruz joined the WEEMA board as Clerk in 2011.  She earned a master's degree from University of New Hampshire in sociology/family research and a second master's degree from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst in family therapy.  Prior to being a stay-at-home mom/artist, Gina worked in the mental health field as a bilingual family therapist.  Much of her work in the field focused on working with underprivileged immigrant families, particularly women and children.  She is strongly committed to building ties between adoptive families and Ethiopian culture, and much of her artwork is inspired by her first trip to Ethiopia in 2008.  Gina is excited to be a part of WEEMA International and its mission.

PhilLip mason

Phillip Mason has served on the WEEMA board since spring 2019. Phillip has worked for over 15 years in fundraising and events management, and has extensive experience supporting programs focused on inclusion and helping people with disabilities in the domestic and international spheres.

He is currently Associate Director of Individual Giving for the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund, headquartered in Boston.

Lisa Laurel Weinberg

Lisa joined the WEEMA board in 2016.  She is a political asylum lawyer at Community Legal Services and Counseling Center and is passionate about international issues, especially the rights of displaced people and refugees. She has worked overseas including in Egypt and Senegal.  Lisa is proud to be a part of this team.

Denise Faneuff, treasurer

Denise Faneuff joined the WEEMA board in 2012 and became Treasurer in 2015.  She earned her master's degree in psychology from Antioch University and is in private practice as a psychotherapist.  She is committed to the issues of poverty and hunger and is very excited to contribute to the great works of WEEMA International.

Habtamu Lamore

Habtamu Lamore joined the board in 2016.  He was born in Mudula, Ethiopia in 1983.  He graduated from Mudula High School (the very first high school in Mudula built in 1995) and attended Bahir Dar University.  He holds a Master of Education Psychology and is now living in the US.  Habtamu is dedicated to "mobilizing people for big changes, reaching people in the grassroots level and addressing their needs."

Corey Van Hove

Corey Van Hove joined the WEEMA board in 2013.  As a trained surgeon, Corey understands the importance of access to quality health care.  She is committed to WEEMA’s work and has a particular interest in medical supply and beekeeping activities.