About Us

Hugh Evans (CEO) is an internationally renowned development advocate.  Hugh founded the Oaktree Foundation and was a leader in the Australian Make Poverty History campaign.  Hugh was named 2004 Young Australian of the Year and 2005 Junior Chambers Young Person of the World. Hugh holds a law and science degree and is undertaking a Masters in International Relations at the University of Cambridge, UK.

Erin Hayba (USA Office Manager and EA to the CEO) Erin is passionate about addressing poverty through education.  She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya for two years teaching HIV/AIDS at a school for Deaf children, followed by a stint at Peace Corps headquarters.  As a strong advocate for people with disabilities and education in developing countries, Erin has presented her research at international conferences.  She most recently held a fellowship with the Human Rights Commission in the U.S. Congress. Erin holds a B.S. from Penn State and an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from Harvard University.

 Donna Redel (Advisory Board) Donna Redel is an accomplished executive in both the private and public sector. Among her wide-ranging accomplishments of innovative leadership and strategic vision she served as managing director of The World Economic Forum, the foremost global organization combining business, political, academic, and other social leaders committed to improving the state of the world.  Additionally, Ms. Redel has had global responsibility for several distinguished institutions, including being the first woman chair of a U.S. exchange where she completed a historic merger during her tenure.  The focus of Ms. Redel's public service efforts are health, education and promoting women’s leadership.  Ms. Redel serves on the boards of Penn State Smeal, The Alliance at Columbia University, The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and as President of the Lying-In Executive Committee at NY Presbyterian Hospital. She has a J.D. from Fordam University School of Law, an M.B.A. from Columbia University and her B.A. from Barnard College.

DEBORRA-LEE FURNESS (Chairperson) Deborra-lee Furness is an internationally acclaimed actress as well as a passionate supporter of children and defender of their human rights across the globe.  A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, Deborra-lee has won Best Actress awards and has appeared in many movies, on television and on stage.  Deborra-lee’s humanitarian work for children is a driving force in her life. In 2005, she co-founded the Rafiki Society which assists orphanages in Africa. She is the patron of The Lighthouse Foundation, Bone Marrow Donor Institute, and International Adoption Families of Queensland. In 2007, Deborra-lee founded Orphan Angels a child advocacy foundation improving adoption programs. In recognition of her work, Deborra-lee serves as a World Vision ambassador, was honored at the World Wide Orphans Gala, and was the recipient of the Charity/Community Award for Australia’s In Style magazine.