Kristen Combs-Bicaba, '98-'00
President/ interim Newsletter Officer

I am an RPCV for TEFL, based in Kalsaka from '98-'00 and then worked with an NGO from '00-'01. At our COS dinner I was voted "most likely to never leave Burkina", but after marriage & a baby, my family returned to Nebraska in 2006. I am a stay-at-home mom and graphic designer and enjoy yet another link to Burkina via FBF!

Dr. Delwendé Innocent KIBA

Kiba Delwendé Innocent is Burkinabé, a former Minister in charge of Agriculture, and a soil scientist. He is working on integrated soil fertility management in Africa, actively contributing to the production of useful knowledge for agricultural systems. Through his collaborations with national and international institutions, he contributes to strengthening the capacities of rural actors as well as academic stakeholders. Since 2019, he has supported Friends of Burkina Faso in supervising VACAP project activities related to capacity building for smallholder farmers in southern Burkina Faso

Tièrowè Nadine Somda

Nadine Somda is a Lecturer at Université Lédea Bernard Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso and a former NGO practitioner with experience at Plan International (child sponsorship, donor fund management) and INSO (donor reporting, M&E, communication). She is the co-founder of Association Impact Jeune and an alumna of the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the International Visitor Leadership Program, two flagship exchange programs of the U.S. Department of State. As a Burkinabe, she values FBF’s commitment to communities in Burkina Faso and is eager to contribute to its mission.

Leslie Berger, '81-'83
Secretary

I am thrilled to have the chance to work with a motivated group of people all committed to making a positive contribution to the lives of the people of Burkina Faso. My Peace Corps experience was managing a rural credit program for farmers and small business enterprises in Kaibo from 1981-83. Following Peace Corps, I studied Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University and subsequently worked for USDA as part of their Foreign Agricultural Service. I’ve been based in the UK for the past 26 years working as an agricultural consultant, raising a family and for some of this time managing a family farm.

Jennica Betsch '16-'17
Technology Officer

I served as a preschool volunteer (Kaibo '16-'17) until the Peace Corps’ evacuation in 2017. I currently work in wildlife conservation in Madagascar, supporting communities who live in tandem with the local biodiversity. I hope to one day return to Burkina Faso to visit my beloved host community. 

Brad McKim
At-large Officer / Legal Counsel

Brad was a lawyer for 30 years and through his work and love for travel, has visited all 50 states and over 75 countries.  He has published a book, A Presidents Story, and his other passions include fly fishing and songwriting with an album available online, The Road.  He lives in Wyoming with his first passion, his wife Kay.  He visited Burkina Faso in 2013. 

Caroline Chambre Hammock, '02-'04
Projects Officer

I am a non-profit leader with experience and passion tackling complex social problems. I served as a Community Health Development Volunteer (Mahon ’02-’04). I have worked for NGOs in NYC and NC developing and leading programs aimed at ending homelessness and improving health outcomes. 

Drissa Dao

I am a cybersecurity and technology professional with more than a decade of experience supporting U.S. federal agencies and private organizations. My commitment to community development and public health motivated me to co-found Uphope International in 2021, where I continue to contribute to meaningful, people-centered initiatives. I have been a proud member of FBF since 2007 and am honored to serve on its Board of Directors. Originally from Burkina Faso, I now live and work in the Washington, D.C. area. I am also passionate about history and understanding how things come to be.

Kristin Lavoie
Treasurer

I am a K-12 teacher-librarian and an adjunct professor at Wayne State University where I received a Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology in 2016. I am connected to Burkina since 2010 when I first met my husband, Mike Lavoie† (RPCV ’75-’77), and was instantly drawn to his enthusiasm and love for all things Burkinabé. 

Michael Lavoie, '75-'77
President (Emeritus)

Michael J. Lavoie served as a well-digger from 1975-77 in the village of Namtenga in northeast Burkina Faso. He was active with Burkina friendships and projects ever since. He served as President of Friends of Burkina Faso from 2010 - 2016, but passed away suddenly in October of that year. He was a strong force for social good, serving as Commissioner on the Michigan Community Service Commission from 2011 and as Secretary and mentor of the Pontiac Alumni Foundation from 2001. He was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Detroit Law School. He practiced law at the Butzel Long law firm in Detroit, Michigan from 1986.