RESTORE, EMPOWER, STRENGTHEN
Crazy Love Africa is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to serve, restore, empower, and strengthen women in Uganda who are HIV positive, single mothers. As a result, we will touch the children in their care, through education, community, and sustainable job creation. By working alongside women as global sisters, we create change, while addressing inequality, and strengthening families, and communities. We believe women deserve our effort, attention, respect, and love. Over 25 women have been empowered with a micro-business grant to provide an opportunity for a sustainable income for their families.
Our Crazy Love Africa sisters are encouraged to follow their dreams and use their gifts when starting their businesses. Women who are selected to receive a micro-business grant must meet the qualifications and be motivated to succeed. We have watched our sisters start sewing shops, small livestock farms, dairies, and other businesses selling firewood, groceries, used clothing, shoes, and traditional food.
When women enter Crazy Love Africa they join a global sisterhood. Working alongside their fellow Crazy Love Africa sisters in our artisan program, savings group, and support circles; receiving education and mentorship, and growing stronger together.
Source: UNAIDS Data 2019
Our initiatives build confidence in such a meaningful way in the lives of our sisters. We are able to address inequality while promoting economic and social transformations. This is giving women opportunities and elevating their voices.

THE STORY OF CRAZY LOVE AFRICA
After adopting 4 children from Ethiopia and Uganda who were orphaned by AIDS, the mission to empower mothers living with HIV grew in the hearts of the Wiederholt family. In 2014 Crazy Love Africa was born. Jess Wiederholt, happily married to Ben since 2001, is the mother of 7 children. Samuel, Luke, and Abe joined the family 1st by birth. Abiti was then adopted from Ethiopia in 2011. Joselyn and Joseph were adopted from Uganda in 2013 and Lillian adopted from Uganda in 2014. “Our eyes were opened to the injustices surrounding women living with HIV in Africa. HIV was not killing these young mothers. Instead stigma, poverty, fear, hopelessness was taking these women from their children. We had to do something about that.” Jess began reading about micro business grants and ways to give women hope through empowerment and community. What started as a way for the Wiederholt family to empower a few women and keep their children involved in the villages where they were born has evolved into a beautiful movement of empowering women and strengthening entire communities. Through creating safe cooperatives, providing training, and teaching skills, our Crazy Love Africa sisters are now leaders in the villages where they live. “We are giving women opportunities and elevating their voices.”
OUR TEAM

JESS WIEDERHOLT
Founder
Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
Jess has a master’s degree in child & family therapy and spent many years working with the psychosocial needs of hospitalized children. She nows spends her days homeschooling her 7 children and running them to sporting events. Her heart is with the marginalized and she works passionately towards forwarding issues of justice for global brothers and sisters living in poverty, women, children, and as an HIV advocate both in her own community and with Crazy Love Africa in Uganda.

BRIGHT HERBERT
Ex-Officio/Secretary &
In-Country Coordinator
Uganda
In-Country Coordinator
Uganda
Bright has been part of our Crazy Love Africa community since its founding. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and spends his life dedicated to youth and family projects in his community. He is a gifted field worker and relates very well with youth. Bright himself has a beautiful family. In his spare time, you can find him working on his home or spending time with family.

SHANNA SOLLA
US Board President
Arvada, CO
Arvada, CO
Shanna is the mother to 2 cool kids and has a huge heart to serve the Lord. Shanna has a Masters of Public Health degree and a dream to work to eradicate extreme poverty globally. Favorite quote: “To whom much is given, much is required” – Jesus, Luke 12:48.

KAREN SEAR
US Board Vice President.
Denver, CO
Denver, CO
Karen is a trauma-informed Psychotherapist. She has 4 children both adopted and biological. Karen believes change and healing are possible for all human beings. Favorite quote: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

KELLY SCHAER
Board Secretary
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Kelly is the Program Director for College Possible. Kelly has a degree in Biology and Psychology and has worked professionally in the non-profit sector helping at-risk youth prepare for college. Kelly is a mother to 3, including 2 sons adopted domestically, Favorite quote: “Only when we take ourselves lightly can we take ourselves seriously, so that we are given the courage to say, “Yes! I dare disturb the universe.” – Madeleine L’Engle

GINA WALTER
Board Treasurer
Arvada, Colorado
Arvada, Colorado
Gina is a Colorado native and mom to 2 Ugandan sons. She has a passion for our mommas in Uganda and our mommas. Gina has a degree in Behavioral Science and Psychology. Favorite quote: “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou

AGABA CHRISTOPHER
Secretary Human Resources
Uganda
Uganda
Christopher is a development worker specializing in programming and management. He has much experience in development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, planning, and evaluation. Christopher has a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Management. He is married and is the father of four children. His life passions are supporting his family and helping others in his community to have a fulfilling life. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys small-scale farming.

NATUGOZA SUSAN
Field Assistant
& Board Member
Uganda
& Board Member
Uganda
Susan is a social worker in Ft. Portal, Uganda and we are lucky enough that she works for Crazy Love Africa. Susan joined our community in 2016 by receiving a micro business grant. A few years later we hired Susan to be our field worker. Susan has a certificate in social work. Susan lives in her extended family home and has one son.

KABASINGUZI KISEMBO MARGARET
Secretary of Finance
Uganda
Uganda
Margaret is a social worker in Ft. Portal, Uganda. She holds an honors degree in Social Work and Community Development as well as a diploma in Finance. Margaret is married with four children. She has dedicated her life to the growth of women and youth in her community. In her spare time, she enjoys raising rabbits and poultry. We are so honored to have Margaret on our CLA board.

ANN KONIECZNY
Board Member
Denver, CO
Denver, CO
Ann is a mother to 2 awesome sons and works as a Pediatric Physician Assistant. Ann believes all human beings should have access to education and health. Favorite quote: “For small creatures such as we the vastness is bearable only through love.” – Carl Sagan

BAMUTURAKI FLORENCE
Vice Chairperson
Uganda
Uganda
Florence is a social worker and counselor in her community. She has a diploma in social work. Her work and passion is working with vulnerable children. Florence has five beautiful children and enjoys her spare time spending time with her grandson, working on her garden, and spending time with family and friends.

DR. ATEGEKA GILBERT
Chairperson
Uganda
Uganda
Dr. Gilbert is a medical doctor in Ft. Portal, Uganda. He has a medical degree in Medicine and Surgery. Dr. Gilbert is married and has been blessed with beautiful children. He has dedicated his life to reaching out to the less privileged in his community. You will see Dr. Gilbert dedicating his free time to many charity organizations in Uganda, especially women and children living with HIV. He lives a simple life and works hard to help others achieve good things for their communities.

TINAH BIRUNGI
Board Member
Uganda
Uganda
Tinah joined Crazy Love Africa in 2016 when she received her micro business grant. Since that day, she has worked so hard and been a role model sister and leader in our Crazy Love Africa community. Tinah has served as a mentor to new sisters and continues to inspire women throughout her village. Tinah is the mother of four children. In her spare time, you will find her starting new projects at her home and improving the lives of others.

SHONTE DANIELS
Board Member
Azusa, CA
Azusa, CA
Shonte is a mother of two young men ages 24 and 15. She is a dedicated Christian and devotes her time to helping underprivileged children. Shonte has her Masters in Strategic Leadership and focuses on a transformative leadership style that seeks to identify the leadership potential in everyone. Favorite Quote: “Don’t judge a man by the color of his skin but by the contents of his character,” MLK Jr.

KIM BENAGE
Board Member
Denver, CO
Denver, CO
Kim is a family physician, practicing full-spectrum hospital and clinic-based medicine for underserved patients in the Denver area. She is dedicated to providing a healthy home to all patients regardless of insurance, education, or immigration status. She is the mom of four busy children and often volunteers in school and community programs for kids. Favorite quote: Peace begins with a smile. -St. Teresa of Calcutta

KOMUHENDO CONCEPTA
Board Member
Uganda
Uganda
Concepta is a therapist in her community. She is married and cares for many children within her village. Concepta’s life passions include giving motivational speeches, offering counseling services, and providing spiritual support. In her spare time she also enjoys reading motivational books.

TANISHA WEBB
Board Member
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO
TaNisha has a degree in Respiratory Therapy and worked for 14 years at a children’s hospital. She is a travel consultant and the owner of Urban Chic Travelistas, LLC. TaNisha has an amazing adult daughter. Favorite quote: “Rosa Parks inspired me to find a way to get in the way, to get in trouble… good trouble, necessary trouble.” John Lewis

CADELL WALKER
she/her
Board Member
Denver, CO
Board Member
Denver, CO
Cadell is the Director of Philanthropy for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. She is a University of Louisville graduate with a B.S. in Pan-African Studies. Cadell and her husband Bret adopted their beloved daughter Solome, from Ethiopia in 2013. Favorite Quote: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” ― Angela Davis

AMY FEIJOO
Board Member
Henderson, CO
Henderson, CO
Amy has a master of Arts in Education and is a 3rd grade teacher. She is mom to 2 cool boys and enjoys watching them play sports. Their family loves camping in the Colorado mountains. Amy believes all human beings should be able to live without being worried about food, shelter, or safety. Favorite quote: To make a school successful, surround yourself with people who share your vision and stand back and let them work. – Kurt Braginetz

BETH DICKINSON
she/her
Board Member
Denver, CO
Board Member
Denver, CO
Beth is a graphic designer and owner of Kreimer Design. She and her husband, Matt, have to 2 amazing children. Beth donates time and design to helping non-profits, schools, and small businesses. Favorite quote: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman