Board of Directors

Seres operates under the direction of Compassion Fruit Society, a Canadian non-profit registered charity that was established in 2002. The Society oversees two projects working on the ground in Guatemala: Seres Centre for Climate Change Education & Sustainable Community Development and the Project Somos Children’s Village.

To find out more about Compassion Fruit Society visit www.compassionfruit.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lloyd Bernardt

Lloyd Bernhardt established the Ethical Bean Coffee Company in Summer 2003 in Vancouver, British Columbia. It started with a deep, personal connection with Latin America. It grew out of a sense of social and environmental responsibility and a love of great coffee. Ethical Bean has quickly evolved into the Lower Mainland’s fastest growing Certified Fair Trade coffee supplier and BC’s only 100% Transfair Canada Certified Fair Trade coffee roaster.? A recipient of various excellence awards, Lloyd was honored to be included in the 1991 ‘Top 40 under 40 Achievers’ (Business in Vancouver)

Maria Jacome

Maria Jácome came to Canada as a refugee from Guatemala when she was a child.  She is currently an elementary school teacher in Vancouver, and a proud mother of a 10-year-old boy.  Maria is motivated by her love of children and her strong belief in Sustainable Community Development. She enjoys working with children and helping in the community any way she can. Maria has always been passionate about giving back to her homeland, a passion which is evident in the infectious energy that she brings to Project Somos.

Greg Kemp

Greg Kemp has been continuously engaged in the non profit sector for over 30 years, in many capacities including work as a volunteer, board member, founder, and executive director. In the private sector he has also had a wide spectrum of successful venturesincluding; an organizational development consultant; partner in a successful dealership selling homeopathic diagnostic software; owner and operator of an organic farm; cofounder of a retail and wholesale import giftware business; certified Waldorf teacher, and home renovation and repair business. Greg is fluent in Spanish.

Denis Knox

Denis Knox is an experienced hands-on Human Resources professional with a commitment to helping others help themselves. He has used his expertise as a Board member with a number of not-for-profit organizations that have a focus on helping women and children. He works as an independent executive coach and is actively involved in his church. Denis lives in Burnaby, BC and has been married to Susan for over 45 years. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Ginette Neilsen

Ginette Neilsen is a passionate Mom of three homelearners, a professional gardener, a loyal friend and a loving partner. Her life has been enriched by the amazing number of wonderful families that she has met through the alternative education community. She’s an enthusiastic, confident and diligent worker, and believes her life experiences will be beneficial in aiding Project Somos to enrich the lives of Guatemalan children. She believes when love guides our decisions the answers to our questions come to us quickly and clearly. She is extremely honoured to be a board member.