An Interview with Sam Church
After an exhaustive search for the next Executive Director of Manna Project International, the hiring committee reached the unanimous decision to offer the position to Samantha Church. We are pleased to introduce you to Sam. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and vision to lead this community into our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to have her on board! Who is Sam Church? Get to know her in the exclusive interview!
Sam, we’re so glad you have joined the team! Many in our community have anxiously awaited the announcement of our new Executive Director. Will you tell our community how the story of Manna Project intersects with your life?
Yes! First, I’d like to thank the Manna Project community for your warm welcome. I have a passion for international development and nonprofit program excellence and am excited to step into the role of Executive Director.
Sam with her students in the Philippines
I was drawn to Manna Project because of the organization’s emphasis on capacity building, training and building relationships, so that community change happens from within. My first cross-cultural experience was studying as an undergraduate student in South Africa, and my time there ignited a passion for collaborative community development. It showed me how immersing yourself in an entirely new culture can have a profound impact on your life and future.
After South Africa, I went on to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, where I learned the importance of establishing strong relationships with community members. Creating programs by building upon the strengths of the local community solidified my desire to work at the grassroots level of development.
Where did you go from there? How did it prepare you to lead the Manna Project community?
After more than two years in the Philippines, I worked with the Peace Corps as a Strategic Recruiter at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Since that time, I have gained extensive managerial and nonprofit program development experience. Like Manna Project’s volunteers and staff, I have seen firsthand and believe that working with community groups leads to sustainable change.
“It’s incredible to see how much Manna Project has grown and I’m thrilled to collaborate with our stakeholders to launch the organization into our next phase.”
As the HIV Planning Manager at Suncoast Health Council, I worked with a group of community leaders to disseminate $10.5 million in funding to HIV care service partners in Central Florida. In my role as Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii, I learned a variety of nonprofit leadership skills including strategic planning, grant writing, fiscal accountability, and evidenced-based programming. I’m excited to partner with Manna Project’s stakeholders to develop strategic long-term goals for the organization.
What excites you about MPI’s mission?
Since joining Manna Project, I’ve spoken with some of our alumni. Though this is a diverse group of people spread out around the world, they all have one thing in common: working with a developing community abroad completely changed their lives and worldview. My time abroad has done the same for me. International service helps develop empathy and grit and has the power to transform young people into leaders with the skills and understanding to bring about social change.
How has international service shaped your career?
International service taught me how to be creative, humble, adaptable, and collaborative. It taught me to step outside my comfort zone and experience life to its fullest. It has proven that real-world experiences are just as important as academic achievements.
What do you do when you are not working?
I love the ocean. I always seem to surround myself with beautiful beaches having lived in Florida, Hawaii, and the Philippines. I try and travel as much as I can. My most recent trip was to Costa Rica for my honeymoon! I enjoy spending time with my two rescue dogs...they are very spoiled. I also teach a weekly art class at the YMCA.
What are your top priorities during the leadership transition?
I am quickly learning that Manna Project has the best team. The staff, Board, alumni, donors, and volunteers are incredible. Getting to know our team is one of my top priorities in the coming months. I love hearing alumni stories as well as stories from our sites about our impact in the community. I can’t wait to travel to both Ecuador and Nicaragua to gain a deeper understanding of our organizational impact. I’m also partnering with our outgoing Executive Director, Lori Scharffenberg, to learn the day-to-day operations of the organization. Lori has devoted years to building Manna Project into what it is today and has been a tremendous asset to the organization.
What do you believe are Manna Project’s strengths?
I think Manna Project’s greatest strength is its mission to foster communities of talented young leaders to become the next generation of social change agents. I also believe we have an amazing staff who work tirelessly to fulfill our mission. The Manna staff deserve a lot of praise!
Given these strengths, what are the top three opportunities you see for Manna Project in the coming year?
#1
Boost our recruitment efforts
so we can continue to grow
our top-notch, short-term
and long-term
volunteer teams.
#2
Continue to build
strong relationships
with community partners
as well as potential corporate partners.
#3
To Increase the organization's fiscal resources, helping us improve existing programs as well as provide greater support for our staff and volunteers.
Is there a quote that inspires you?
“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” - Kid President
Thank you, Sam, for Joining the Manna project family!
Highlights from Sam's Résumé
Professional accomplishments
Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii Designed and managed educational programs and support services, increased annual revenue as Executive Director
Suncoast Health Council Disseminated $10.5 million in funding to HIV care service partners in Central Florida as HIV Planning Manager
Hawaii and Pacific Islands Campus Compact (HIPICC) Facilitated strategic planning to develop mission, vision, values and organizational goals
Peace Corps Led life skills and therapeutic intervention programs in Baguio City, Philippines for 27 months; continued as Strategic Recruiter in Hawaii
West Central Florida Ryan White Care Council Recruited, trained, supervised, and evaluated 40+ members
University of Hawaii at Manoa Guest lecturer; planned and implemented college preparation program for youth from educationally/economically underrepresented backgrounds
Academic Accomplishments
Master of Social Work, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Certificate in Volunteer Management, Nonprofit Leadership Center
Leadership Development Certificate, United Way
Bachelor of Social Work, Florida State University
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in progress, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling