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Mark Taylor - Managing director (USA)
Mark brings over 40 years of business management experience to Roots of Mercy, complemented by more than a decade of working with child development centers in East Africa. He is dedicated to collaborating with missions leaders, focusing on the Uganda team and fulfilling the specific assignment given to him by the Lord to work with the least of these in East Africa.
WASSWA GERRALD - Executive director (UGANDA)
Wasswa holds a Bachelor's degree in Procurement and Logistics Management from Kyambogo University. Born into poverty and orphaned as an infant, Wasswa brings firsthand knowledge of the struggles of growing up in impoverished communities in Uganda. His experiences have shaped his passion for child development, and he aims to connect with, encourage, and provide opportunities to others, just as he was given by his American sponsors. As a member of the Uganda team, Wasswa aspires to inspire fellow missions leaders to make a positive impact in their communities.
judy taylor - founding board member (usa)
With nearly two decades of mission work in multiple countries across the continent of Africa, Judy has extensive experience as a missions leader, organizing and leading mission trips, creating and implementing overseas programs, and serving as a communications liaison between the US and various African countries. She has also assisted with medical missions, focusing on child development initiatives. God has given Judy a heart for the vulnerable children of Africa. With the love of Jesus Christ in her heart, she desires for God to continue to use her in a mighty way to impact the lives of African children, especially through her work with the Uganda team, for many years.
Jenny white - Board member (USA)
Seeking first and foremost to be a follower of Christ, Jenny brings to ROMI extensive experience working in both ministry and Corporate Learning and development. Whether working in the ministry directly or indirectly, Jenny's real passion lies in child development and sharing Christ's Love with the children. She also collaborates with missions leaders and is excited to support the Uganda team in their efforts.
Joshua Cook - BOARD MEMBER (USA)
A Navy veteran with over 15 years of software engineering experience, Joshua currently serves as Director of Engineering for the largest Catholic hospital network in the US. After traveling to Uganda and seeing the profound needs firsthand, Joshua was compelled to give of his capacity. He brings a deep understanding of how technology can be used to solve complex problems for both the ministry and the children they help. Residing in Texas with his wife and three kids, Joshua’s heart for service drives his passion for child development. He is grateful to leverage his technical expertise to advance the organization's outreach, collaborating closely with missions leaders and the Uganda team to help vulnerable communities thrive and experience the love of Christ.
Angela Nikirk - Board member (USA)
Angela brings more than 25 years of experience in enterprise technology sales to the Roots of Mercy International board, combining professional excellence with a passion for serving those the world so often overlooks.
Rooted in her faith in Jesus Christ, she has spent years serving in women’s ministry, youth ministry, and nonprofit organizations. Her calling to the marginalized and underserved, particularly children, grew through seasons of service now carried forward in this new chapter with ROMI.
She is honored to be part of the Roots of Mercy family leveraging her gifts, experience, and faith to share the love of Christ and help empower the vulnerable children of Africa.
Shakira Namanda - child development specialist (Uganda)
Shakira has a heart full of love, sharing the love of Jesus with others and impacting those around her. She has a special passion for child development, particularly for working with children around the world. One of her dreams is to collaborate with missions leaders and join the Uganda team, ready to share God's grace and love with both kids and adults globally.
john Mutayi - accountant and spiritual leader (Uganda)
John is a Born Again Christian who is passionate about working for the kingdom of heaven. He focuses on child development by engaging with little children, helping them achieve their lifetime goals, and teaching them the love of Jesus Christ. John holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies, majoring in Accounts from Kyambogo University. He believes that his love for God, children, and people is part of the work of God, illuminating his life where everything seemed dark during his childhood. Growing to serve and serving to grow has always been a core part of him, especially as he collaborates with missions leaders and his Uganda team to make a positive impact.
JORDAN RIVERA - AGRICULTURAL consultant (USA)
Jordan brings a broad and sweeping range of skills, developed over a decade's worth of work in the Food Safety Industry. For many of those years, he worked closely with farmers and seed companies of varying sizes, focusing on post-harvest retention and sustainability. His strategies for achieving these metrics included innovative storage practices, techniques, and interventions, which he is excited to share with the families in Africa. Jordan is particularly passionate about child development, believing that empowering the children of Africa is crucial. He understands that food is much more than sustenance; it’s medicine. With empowerment, knowledge, and the love of Christ, he believes the children of Africa can rise out of poverty and become the world changers they are destined to be. Supported by his wife, Jasmyn, and their three boys, Copper, Hudson, and Shepherd, he continually strives to be a branch on the true vine of Christ, under the loving and knowing care of the Father, the Master Gardener. Alongside missions leaders and his Uganda team, he aims to make a lasting impact on these communities.
Tara Cook - Board Member (USA)
Tara is a community volunteer and education advocate who joined the board in 2026. Drawing from her experience in small business operations and homeschooling, she brings a versatile skill set centered on organization, communication, and resource management. Tara is honored to contribute to Roots of Mercy’s mission and enjoys spending time with her family and supporting both local and global initiatives.