Board of Advisors
Foundation
Eldonna Lewis Fernandez
Founder/US Director
Eldonna is a visionary founder and strategic advocate dedicated to eradicating poverty through the power of entrepreneurship. As the driving force behind Baskets and Beads Kenya, she has pioneered a "hand up, not a hand out" model that empowers women in Kenya’s Kipsongo slum to transition from survival to self-sufficiency. Her work is rooted in the belief that economic opportunity is the ultimate catalyst for dignity and lasting community change.
Through the strategic marketing and sale of handcrafted baskets, beads, and artisanal products in the United States, Eldonna has created a vital bridge between grassroots Kenyan craftsmanship and the global marketplace. Her efforts have provided a sustainable alternative to the streets, allowing countless women to leave high-risk environments and provide for their families with pride. Eldonna’s cross-sector approach includes wholesaling to retail stores and integrating her mission into her professional speaking engagements.
A published author and speaker, Eldonna utilizes her unique “Book and a Bead” initiative to share the stories of these resilient women with audiences worldwide. By combining storytelling with tangible commerce, she ensures that every speaking platform serves as a direct engine for impact. Her leadership continues to scale the reach of the organization, proving that through mentorship, market access, and faith, it is possible to build self-sustaining families and change the trajectory of an entire community.
Leila Salma
Kenya Director
Leila is a social worker and dedicated minister whose life’s work is defined by the intersection of faith, empathy, and economic empowerment. A wife and mother of two, her journey began in 2009, but it was a profound personal loss in 2017 that became the catalyst for her mission. Realizing the immense privilege of having a support system during grief, Leila felt a divine call to serve the women of the Kipsongo Slum—resilient individuals who often face overwhelming loss without the safety net of time, resources, or financial stability.
Driven by a commitment to move beyond handouts toward true empowerment, Leila founded a transformative micro-finance initiative in August 2017. What began as a table banking model for five women has since blossomed into a thriving community of over 24 businesswomen and leaders across Kitale and Mount Elgon. By establishing governance structures and fostering a culture of mutual encouragement, Leila has helped these women transition from survival and scavenging to dignified entrepreneurship.
Through her partnership with the social enterprise Baskets and Beads, Leila continues to bridge the gap between emotional healing and financial independence. Her approach combines her professional expertise in social work with a deep-rooted belief that sustainable change happens "one woman at a time." Seven years into this journey, she remains focused on her ultimate dream: building self-sustaining families through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the restorative power of faith.
Dorcas Iris
Kipsongo Slum Manager
Dorcas is a resilient leader and visionary whose life story is a testament to the power of transformation and the strength of the human spirit. A single mother of five, Dorcas overcame a childhood on the streets of Kitale and a difficult season in the Kipsongo slum to become a pillar of her community. Driven by a fierce determination to provide a better future for her children, she transitioned from a life of survival to one of purpose, becoming one of the founding five members of Baskets and Beads Kenya.
As a master artisan, Dorcas brings incredible skill and creativity to her craft, specializing in intricate seed bead baskets, handbags, and jewelry. Her expertise extends into the organization’s sewing initiative, where she produces everything from professional-grade table sets to custom apparel. Her work is not just a source of income, but a medium for storytelling and craftsmanship that reflects her journey from hardship to artistry.
Today, Dorcas serves as the Kipsongo Slum Manager for Baskets and Beads, where she oversees local operations and mentors other women on their path to independence. Her leadership is particularly significant as it breaks long-standing tribal traditions, establishing her as a rare and respected female voice in community decision-making. Through her strength and daily commitment to excellence, Dorcas continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to challenge the status quo and build self-sustaining lives through dignity and hard work.
Vanessa Romero
Creative Director
Vanessa Romero is a creative, connector, and collaborator whose work is rooted in a deep passion for uplifting others. She brings a unique ability to inspire ideas, build meaningful relationships, and turn vision into action. With a strong instinct for creativity and storytelling, Vanessa adds valuable perspective and energy to every initiative she touches. As a member of the Board of Directors for Baskets and Beads Kenya, she contributes insight, heart, and strategic creativity to help advance the organization’s mission and expand its impact.
Advisory Board
Larry Broughton
Larry Broughton is an award-winning hotelier and entrepreneur, leadership and business mentor, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and former US Army Green Beret. As Founder/CEO of Huntington Beach, California-based broughtonHOTELS, CBS News has called Larry “one of the nation’s foremost experts on leadership and entrepreneurship.”
Larry connects with forward-thinking leaders and organizations to foster entrepreneurial mindsets, develop strategic visions, and enhance peak performance. His inspiring keynote presentations cover leadership, team building, and personal branding.
He has been featured in national newspapers and magazines, and has been a guest expert on every major television and cable network. Larry’s awards include Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year®, the National Veteran-Owned Business Association’s Vetrepreneur® of the Year, Coastline Foundation’s Visionary of the Year, and Passkeys Foundation’s National Business Leader of Integrity.
Renele Brooks
Renele Brooks is a strategic consultant, certified project manager, and founder of Purpose, Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to helping nonprofits, social enterprises, and mission-driven organizations build sustainable, high-impact solutions. With over 15 years of experience across federal, local, and international sectors, her work spans program development, strategic planning, and community-based initiatives focused on food security, housing, and economic empowerment.
Renele has served in roles with organizations including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the South African Consulate General, and nonprofit initiatives such as Citilink (Water of Life Church). Her cross-sector experience allows her to bridge the gap between government systems, nonprofit operations, and grassroots community needs.
Through Purpose, Inc., Renele equips leaders with the tools, frameworks, and clarity needed to execute vision-driven projects, scale their impact, and navigate complex challenges. Her approach combines strategic structure with purpose-centered leadership, helping organizations move from ideas to measurable outcomes.
Renele is also an author, speaker, and coach who is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to walk in their purpose and create lasting change in their communities and beyond.
Nancy M. Barr
Nancy M. Barr is an attorney and educator with a deep commitment to international learning and cross-cultural understanding. A United States citizen, she is currently living in Nevada bringing a blend of legal expertise, instructional skill, and global perspective to her work with Baskets and Beads Kenya.
Nancy’s career recently included six years living and working in China and two years in Kazakhstan. Her time abroad shaped her belief in the power of cultural exchange, global citizenship, and relationship-centered education. She is known for her curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and dedication to understanding the unique interests and backgrounds of the people she supports.
Beyond her professional life, Nancy is an avid reader and gardener who also enjoys cooking and traveling. She is a passionate supporter of the arts and loves attending ballet and opera. Her personal interests reflect her wide-ranging curiosity — from discovering cultures beyond her own to learning about the passion of others.
Nancy brings energy, empathy, and intellectual breadth to every community she joins. She hopes to contribute these qualities to Baskets and Beads of Kenya.
Raymond Williamson
- Hometown: Detroit,Michigan
- Married 38 years to wife Kai, Two Children Raevette & Raymond Jr.
As the CEO of Williamson’s consultant’s for over four years, it has culminated all my education and experience while honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps for over 21 years. My expertise in the field of Business Development and Recruiting has allowed me to use my experience in capturing major contracts with companies such as Panasonic, Raytheon, SpaceX, Virgin, Rivian and hundreds more. Furthermore, I enjoy recruiting employment for companies by finding top level candidates in making their companies achieve their maximum potential.
I love to use my over 38 years of leadership skills influencing our next generation of leaders by assuming the role as Commander in the National Young Marines program. This influence has effectively impacted thousands of youths from the ages of 8 to 18 years of age. Always instilling discipline with core values of leadership, teamwork and living drug free lifestyles.
Licensed Minister inspiring communities in growing spiritually through a personal relationship through Jesus Christ.
MISSION
Create sustainable social enterprises/employment mentorship to build self sustaining families through entrepreneurship or employment one woman at a time.
VISION/PURPOSE STATEMENT
Until every Kenyan woman in poverty is fully supporting by their own contributions through sustainable businesses or employment. Eradicating poverty - we bring innovation, safety and service to those suffering from extreme poverty and hopelessness.