BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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ANGELA YABLONSKI

Founder and Past President

Owner of Okanagan Health and Fitness

Author of The Dust on my Boots and Heartbeat say Africa.

My first trip to Zimbabwe I knew I could not go back home in Canada and do nothing. I had to do as much as I could to help. In my free time I like to Paddle board, travel and adventure with friends and family.

Favourite quote: “Alone we can do little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller


MARCIA MASTERS

Board President

Presently working as Support Staff at Ka’u High and Pahala Elementary School.

Past employment:
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor/Case Manager/Coordinator for Adolescent Services on Hawaii Island.             

Co Owner Curves Fitness Center

After traveling with the ZPS team in 2019, I realized part of my purpose is to help people. Not only in Hawaii, but to share my hope, strength and experience with Zimbabweans. My values correlate with those of ZPS, to help people help themselves.

My favorite place to relax is at the beach, enjoying Ocean Therapy.  The Pacific Ocean is a  great reminder of the importance  of respecting our Mother Earth and each other. Also enjoying playing games, exercise, Zumba Dance classes and reading.

Favorite quote: “The quality of human relationships is more important than almost any other factor in determining results.” - Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky

ben lovely

Vice President and Board member overseeing Binga and Bulawayo regional projects.

My Zimbabwe story starts in 2019 when I joined a ZPS trip to experience the culture of the region and oversee some existing projects that had been completed the previous year. To say the trip was life changing would be an understatement. I wanted to do more than just be a visitor.

When we returned home I formally joined the society, putting my construction background to use as a project manager.

Abra Pintor

Board member

Born and raised on an island with cultural diversity had helped shaped who I am. I have a great passion for the youth and have been working with them for over 25 years.

My first trip to Zimbabwe was October of 2022. It was easy to fall in love with the country and the people, especially the children. I am blessed to be a part of a team that works hard to be a light in a sometimes hard and heavy environment. 

"It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education"

-Nelson Mandela 

Sandie Hoberg

Board Member 

Retired from Health Care management.

Have been involved with ZPS since 2010 when I took my first of three visits to Zimbabwe with the ZPS team. The other visits were 2013 and 2019.

Had served on board previously for 8 years until 2020.

Lives in Vernon, in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

Enjoys golfing, camping, reading and travel, as well as spending time with family which includes four grandchildren.

Patti Wood   

Treasurer

I joined the ZPS in 2021 as the Treasurer. After attending a fundraising event for the Zimbabwe Project Society, I decided to use my expertise for this great cause.

I have been a business owner / entrepreneur alongside my husband since 1987 with experience in business start-ups, retail and I am a professional certified bookkeeper. I have worked with accountants for over 40 years as well.

My children have been my priority and now as a grandmother of 6, my life is even fuller!! I have always looked for ways to do more, especially where children are involved. I was a 4H leader for 15 years, working with youth in animal husbandry, responsibility and leadership. I have spent many years assisting sports groups and sitting on executives for minor hockey, figure skating organizations and a coordinator for local and provincial minor lacrosse. I am a member and director of our local Chamber of Commerce as well. Today my husband and I still own and operate 4 successful businesses and are very active in our own community supporting different organizations and groups.

My free time is spent with my grandchildren. They are my heart and soul and “MY SECOND CHANCE OF DOING BETTER”. I enjoy exploring new experiences with them and watching them learn and grow. My husband and I enjoy travelling to sunny beaches and places that have family connections and history for us.

Favourite Quote

“Legacy is not leaving something for people. It's leaving something in people.” - Peter Strople