Shannon Fernando, MSN-FNP-C, is a respected family nurse practitioner and global non-profit leader dedicated to expanding healthcare access, empowering female entrepreneurs, and advancing food security initiatives for indigenous women and their families in East Africa. As the Founder and CEO of Alabaster International, Shannon is a trailblazing social entrepreneur, working directly in remote regions of Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia to elevate local voices and champion equity and justice for marginalized women. Shannon created the Alabaster International Network - a matrix of closely vetted, community-centered local NGOs in East Africa, with whom she works closely to co-design and co-implement locally-led initiatives to benefit rural women. Her approach combines capacity-building and localization to ensure Alabaster’s work is led by local voices, local agendas, and local solutions.

Shannon’s impact has been widely recognized with numerous honors, including the Humanitarian Award from the 15th Annual Taste Awards and nominations from the Los Angeles Times and features in NPR, LA Times, and Spectrum News. Recently named a 2024 Commitment-Maker by the Clinton Global Initiative, she leads Alabaster International’s pioneering initiatives to combat hunger in East Africa. Thanks to her innovative approach to food security, Alabaster International was also welcomed into the U.S. State Department’s Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Champion Program and named a Longlist 2025 Nominee by the Food Planet Prize.

Truphosa is a passionate Project Coordinator with experience in community-based initiatives, focusing on agriculture, education, and community empowerment.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of Nairobi and is working with Girl Child Network (GCN).

Truphosa is dedicated to the Enset project, which focuses on fostering sustainable development and creating community impact by combating food insecurity in ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions.

Frida Barragan is a dedicated healthcare professional specializing in infectious disease care, street medicine, and community outreach. She currently serves as the Infectious Disease and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Supervisor at Los Angeles Christian Health Centers and was a volunteer with Alabaster International from 2022 to 2024, traveling to Kenya in 2023 on one of Alabaster's humanitarian service trips.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA, Frida has held various impactful roles, including COVID Response and Recovery Care Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the Chief Innovations Officer. She has contributed to grant proposal writing, managed pandemic-related health data reporting, and expanded street medicine programs.

Frida is an active leader with Alabaster International, where she develops marketing strategies, educational programs, and fundraisers to support healthcare and food security initiatives in remote regions of East Africa.

Angelo was born and raised in Leer County, Unity State, South Sudan. Angelo is currently a 4th-year student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.

Angelo works at Universal Intervention and Development Organization (UNIDOR) as a Project Officer coordinating Alabaster International project activities on Education, Women & Youth Empowerment, and Food Security in Leer and Mayendit Counties of Unity State.

Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Ashantha works as a financial planner in the greater Los Angeles area. His passion is to educate clients on strategic savings and long-term investments, and help them to create solid financial foundations to achieve their dreams and move closer to financial clarity. An avid traveler, Ashantha has visited more than 40 countries, and has been involved with Alabaster International for close to a decade. He spearheaded the Endonyolasho Community Library project and has established deep relationships within the community. Ashantha combines his love for people and food through leading the hospitality ministry at Vision Christian Fellowship, serving as president of the Burbank Toastmasters Club, and producing a cooking show on YouTube called Smiling Islander.

Jane Limei was born and raised in Kajiado County and is currently a 4th year student at Moi University in Kenya. Jane is passionate about community-based initiatives driven by her lived experience in a marginalized community, where she faced challenges like limited access to quality education and healthcare services.

Jane works at Girl Child Network supporting Alabaster International’s projects, coordinating programming for Masai and Turkana communities. Her focus areas include: improving healthcare services, women empowerment and access to quality education.