Our Organization
Rooted In Hope is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development. Our organization addresses the challenges of ecologically fragile and socially underserved regions of the world, with a particular focus on the interdependencies of forests, food, and water. We work with international partners on grassroots projects that protect and restore the planet’s natural resources, while helping rural communities find new opportunities for growth. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and education, we are advancing local solutions to global challenges.
- Promote environmental awareness through community engagement
- Recharge watersheds by improving root systems and reducing soil erosion
- Protect endangered species by restoring vital ecosystems
- Improve biodiversity by planting native species and preserving natural habitats
- Create solutions through agricultural training and resource optimization
- Increase farmer yields by using agroforestry, water management, and kitchen gardens
- Empower communities through employment opportunities and community involvement
- Educate students through participation and cross-cultural collaboration
- Stimulate local economies through job creation and income generation
- Advance sustainability through holistic projects that encourage local ownership
- Combat climate change through reforestation and forest preservation
Rooted In Hope’s mission was designed to meet the needs of both the environment and the communities that depend on it. To date, Rooted In Hope has planted over 100,000 trees, improved food security and climate resilience for hundreds of smallholder farmers through the use of drip irrigation, educated over 5,000 students, trained women in several rural villages, and employed hundreds of local laborers. While the majority of projects have been conducted in Kenya, Rooted In Hope also has projects in the United States, Central America, and other parts of Africa.
Rooted In Hope fostered early partnerships with conservation organizations such as the Green Belt Movement and Kenya Wildlife Service, and continues to build alliances with government agencies, international NGOs, community-based organizations, and volunteer groups to carry out international projects.
Our Founders
Cathy is long standing member of the Institute of Supply Management, Committee Chair for Sustainability & Social Responsibility and one of the original members of the Women Executives in Supply Management Advisory Counsel. Cathy has been a long time supporter of women and minorities in business, and was featured in the New York Times for her work with minorities in business development.
Cathy has visited close to 100 countries, and is both personally and professionally dedicated to advancing environmental and social development.
She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cal Poly State University and her Master’s Degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Katie worked at DISH Network where she developed and managed the companywide corporate citizenship program. She also worked in Coca-Cola’s sustainability office and at a Buenos Aires-based NGO where she led an analysis on social investment in Argentina. She now works in tech where she oversees software product launches and strategic GTM initiatives.
Katie is passionate about nonprofit work and has led several environmental and social development projects, including many of Rooted In Hope’s reforestation, drip irrigation, and sister-school programs.
Katie has visited over 50 countries and all seven continents. She recently completed her goal to run a half-marathon on every continent with her mother.
Currently, Jennifer is a Brand Manager for Weebly. Previously, she worked as Communications Designer for an energy management company in the Silicon Valley and as the Marketing and Communications Manager for School-to-School International, a nonprofit organization focused on educational development. Jennifer has traveled to over four-dozen countries, is a Semester at Sea alumna and holds dual Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations and Latin American Studies from the CSU, Chico.
Jennifer led a study examining the the impact of water on girls’ secondary education in rural Kenya. She has worked extensively on projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Jennifer currently serves on the Board of Directors for Rooted In Hope.
Our Board of Directors
