supports Leaders ...to develop sustainable villages
Supports leaders to Develop sustainable villages
Supports leaders to develop Sustainable villages
Joseph Barrett has built a life-long career in management consulting serving global corporations, organizations and family enterprises. He is passionate about economic development for the underprivileged. Joseph is the founder of Lift Kids, Inc., a global non-profit which supports leaders in the business planning process to develop sustainable villages. Previously, Joseph held senior corporate and investment banking positions at Citigroup, Société Générale and GE Capital. Prior to creating Lift Kids in 2007, Joseph worked in over 20 countries as a consultant, business owner and entrepreneur. Upon completing his degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and his Masters Degree in International Affairs from the University of Aix-Marseille, Joseph's global career included 2-3 year assignments in New York, London, Toronto, Brussels, Dallas, Houston, Athens, Paris and Jakarta. As he traveled and worked around the world, one over-arching theme was always present: the millions of children, hungry, homeless and begging in the streets. Lift Kids was founded for the purpose of creating a scalable model for sustainable villages that would finally provide all children with basic living conditions and establish education, healthcare and economic viability. Joseph was previously a part-time professor of Strategy and International Business at the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management and at a number of other MBA Programs in Minnesota.
Abdul Dire is an Advanced Technical Service Engineer at 3M Company. Prior to his current 3M position he was an Insulation Engineer at Converteam. While he was a student at University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, he held various technical positions in different divisions of 3M as an intern for 5 years. In 2007 he graduated from University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology with Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science & Engineering. He was a former board chairman of American Oromo Community. Abdul is an individual volunteer at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity cultural diversity training for AmeriCorps volunteers. Abdul is an Ethiopia country leader for Lift Kids.
Ms. Yasukawa has more than twenty five years of experience in the fields of architecture, planning and education. She has worked as an architectural designer and project manager in both Argentina and in the U.S. and her portfolio includes projects in North America, South America and Europe. Her portfolio also includes LEED and Sustainability consulting for different types of projects. She has taught architectural design as a member of the faculty of the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba in Argentina and has served as an invited critic to the thesis students at Cal Poly Pomona. She is currently associated with University of California Irvine and Cal State University Fullerton on their Sustainability Education programs. Ms. Yasukawa has been honored with three AIA Design Awards for her work on University Campuses and Urban Landscape. She has founded YCC International LLP, and she is presently a Principal in the firm.
Ms Yasukawa was one of the Founders of the United States Green Building Council-Orange County Chapter in 2003 and is presently serving as the Advisory Chair and National Liaison for the Chapter. She is the World Green Building Council Special Representative for Latin America and one of the Founding Members of the Argentina Green Building Council. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the Egyptian Green Building Council. Elsa is currently leading Lift Kids' Argentina, Villa Tranquila Project.
Kent Zeigler is a Certified Public Accountant. He has a BS in Accounting from Drake University, and an MBA from the University of Colorado.
Kent has a professional background in both Public Accounting and Industry and is presently an Investment Advisor with SII Investments. In addition, he is a member of several professional groups including the Minnesota Society of CPAs, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Tax Practitioners.
Kent has volunteered extensively both domestically and overseas.
Pierce McNally is a senior attorney at Gray Plant Mooty practicing in the areas of business law and entrepreneurial services.
In December 1983, Pierce was elected to the Board of Directors of his family company, Midwest Communications, Inc., owner of numerous broadcast properties including WCCO-TV, WCCO-AM and WLTE in the Twin Cities. In 1989, he was subsequently also elected an officer of the company and he served in both capacities until the company merged with CBS, Inc. in 1992.
Pierce also began investing in start-up and early-stage companies with which he would also develop an advisory or management relationship. He has written and lectured on numerous topics pertaining to corporate governance issues including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Twenty eight years in the architectural profession, Duane has developed a variety of building types such a office/warehouses, car dealerships, hazardous waste facilities, science labs, grocery stores, office buildings, post offices, airport retail, housing, casinos, and restaurants. In addition to architecture Duane has worked as a designer for a scenic art studio creating sets, displays and props for casinos, restaurants, retail and filming, also worked as a creative director for an international company that designed and manufactured display booths for trade shows.
Duane's volunteer work includes overseas assignments and planning for several villages within the Lift Kids Planning Process. Duane is one of the primary creators and founders of the Lift Kids Village Model. His architectual designs are transnational and replicable in nature. Duane has supported leaders in the development of palns for Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, Uganda and Laos. His work at Lift Kids is on-going.
Registered Architect:, Certified Interior Designer, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
