Founders
Bishop Wilybard Lagho
Willybard Lagho a Catholic Bishop and co-founder of SEAVURIA and ecological development center (ECODEVEC) with vast experience in training the next generation of global leaders from minority communities.
MaryMargaret Welch
MaryMargaret Welch is a passionate educator, nonprofit leader, and STEM advocate dedicated to empowering students and teachers through transformative learning experiences. As a driving force behind SeaVuria, she fosters cross-cultural collaboration and equitable STEM education for students in Taita-Taveta, Kenya and the U.S. With a strong focus on teacher professional development, mentorship, and technology integration, MaryMargaret leads initiatives that shift classrooms toward student-centered, inquiry-driven learning. Her work bridges continents, builds capacity, and inspires the next generation to solve real-world problems through science.
Seattle Board of Directors
Jeanne Chowning
Jeanne Ting Chowning, PhD, has dedicated her career to advancing science education by supporting teachers' professional growth and expanding opportunities for students. She has served on the SeaVuria Board of Directors since its inception. She has been instrumental in consulting on our Extravaganza and Professional Learning.
Kimberly Miyazawa Frank
Kimberly Miyazawa Frank leads an organizational development and strategy consultancy. Her 30+ years of experience globally and across sectors have focused primarily on addressing policy and systems change to ensure access for those furthest from opportunity. She is also a long-time community volunteer, currently serving on local and national nonprofit boards. She joined the SeaVuria Seattle board in 2024 after traveling to Kenya with the student delegation which included her daughter, a member of SeaVuria's PETRI club at Mercer Island High School.
Beth Fritzler
Beth Fritzler is a veterinarian who is passionate about STEM education. Beth’ commitment to eliminating human rabies in Africa has taken her to Kenya several time. Currently Beth uses her experience as a small business owner to assist with finance and budgeting supporting the SeaVuria Kenya NGO to transition to an online platform for their work.
Judy Ginn
Retired Primary School Teacher; have been on the SeaVuria Board for 8 years. Judy is an active Rotarian and has traveled to Kenya several times as a Rotary representative. Judy helps teach SeaVuria’s summer STEM camp.
Pam Kraus
Pamela Kraus is a retired physics education researcher. She first started working with SeaVuria Kenya conducting teacher professional development in 2015. Pam is the current treasurer of the SeaVuria Seattle Board and resides in Seattle. Pam is a huge ultimate frisbee supporter.
Matthew Reardon
Matthew Reardon, a seasoned leader in business development and strategic partnerships, has driven growth initiatives across technology, consumer products, and enterprise sectors. Based in Mercer Island, WA, Matthew holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and has served on the SeaVuria Board for over 10 years, currently as the Fundraising Chair.
Kenya Board of Directors
Kennedy Awuondo
Kennedy Awuondo is head of Laboratories for OUCRU, has been a member of the SeaVuria board since its inception. Ken is currently based in Vietnam.
Florence Lenjo
Florence Lenjo is a retired principal from Ngami Secondary School, has been part of the SeaVuria community for over 10 years. Currently serving on the SeaVuria Advisory Board for fiscal oversight. Florence resides in Voi.
Dr. Justin Kambale Maghanga
Dr. Justin Kambale Maghanga is a Senior Lecturer of Analytical & Environmental Chemistry at Taita Taveta University, has been instrumental in our programs, including serving as a student advisor and judge during the Extravaganza. He is based in Voi and serves as the program liaison for the SeaVuria Kenya NGO Board of Directors.
Thomas Mwaita
Thomas Mwaita is a professional in the mining industry, has served as the parent representative to SeaVuria for over 10 years. He resides in Mwatate.
Jackline Mwambere
Jackline Mwambere is a dedicated science teacher and deputy principal at Ngami Secondary School. A graduate of Maseno University with a degree in Education Science (Biology and Chemistry), she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Psychology at Kenyatta University and has completed a Senior Management Course at the Kenya School of Government.
With a passion for STEM education, Jackline creates engaging learning environments that spark curiosity and innovation. She has been an integral part of SeaVuria since its inception and now serves as the chairperson of its advisory board. Committed to empowering fellow educators, she actively mentors colleagues to implement effective, student-centered teaching practices that enhance learning outcomes.
Laura Chao Mwangola
Laura Chao Mwangola is a governance expert specializing in International Development Cooperation. Laura brings extensive experience working with Kenyan NGOs, enabling us to align our initiatives more effectively within the Kenyan context. Laura is based in Nairobi and serves as the Chair of the SeaVuria Kenya NGO Board of Directors.
