MHA is governed by a volunteer, unpaid board of directors. They provide advice on policy, advocacy, fundraising and public relations.
Board Members:
Lovetie W. Major, M.ED
Founder, CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of My Heart’s Appeal, Inc. (MHA). She holds an advance Degree in Education from the College of Notre Dame Maryland, 2004; a M.Ed. in Special Education from Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland ,1994 and a B.Sc. in Elementary Education from Cuttington
University College in Liberia, West Africa, 1987. She is a native of Liberia, West Africa.
She authored the book “A Sibling’s Vow,” in which she tells the story of leaving civil war torn Monrovia, Liberia, 1993 and chronicles her determined effort to assist her sister who has Down Syndrome, and an intellectual disability who has been deprived of achieving her educational limits. With the passion to help her sister, she founded MHA to assist with the needs of training teens and adults with intellectual disability and to create awareness of the difficulties facing them socially, economically and educationally. It has always been her dream that every mild, moderate or severe intellectually disabled individual be given a chance to learn. MHA though its vision, mission and objectives will make these dreams a reality by creating an environment where everyone deserves a chance to learn.
She brings to MHA a worth of personal experience as an advocate for the intellectual disabled individuals. As a regular and special educator for over 25 years in Liberia and the USA, she has received several service and recognition awards. She feels strongly that there is a need for special education services in Liberia, West Africa. Most importantly as there is no individualized instruction for the mild, moderate and severe intellectual disabled individuals as they are placed in the normal classroom setting, without assistance, thus frustrating their efforts, and are often turned away. There is a dire need for qualified personnel to set up educational and vocational programs in that country. MHA plans to begin a pilot program in Liberia 2012.
Emmanuel Dei-Tumi
Vice President of the Board of Trustee of My Heart’s Appeal, Incorporation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ghana and a Masters in Leadership and Governance from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Institute of Insurance, UK, Diploma in Youth Development from the University of Ghana.
He is the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of the Future Leaders Group comprising Foundation for Future Leaders International, Future Leaders Investment Micro Finance Ltd, Future Leaders Cooperative Credit Union, Future Leaders Investment Club and Wisdom Centre International, a national organization providing training for corporate institutions as well coaching and mentoring, intellectual assistance, and fund-raising opportunities for youth-focused institutions and faith based organizations.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Future Leaders Group also assist other youth and community based organizations and socially-concerned investors in accessing business and investment opportunities in yet untapped neighborhoods and improving individuals, through collaboration with community-focused religious institutions.
His singular mission is to develop the potential of the next generation of national and indeed world class leaders and build on their unique strengths, and resources to help create and sustain thriving neighborhood and communities.
Barbara Russell
Secretary of the Board of Trustee of My Heart’s Appeal, Incorporation. She is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore.
She has been working as a nurse in both management and clinical positions for over 45 years. She is married, has one son and two grandchildren in Baltimore and three step-daughters with four grandchildren in North Carolina.
Over the years she has traveled several times to Europe and throughout the United States and Canada. She participates at her church by singing in the choir, been chairperson of the Spiritual Care Committee, participating on the Council of Ministry, and being a Worship Leader.
Barbara feels, My Heart’s Appeal, Inc. gives her the opportunity to be a missionary to help others in need.
William Russell
Treasurer of the Board of Trustee of My Heart’s Appeal, Incorporation. He is a retired insurance auditor. He is married, has three daughters and four grandchildren in North Carolina and one stepson with two grandchildren in Baltimore.
He has always actively worked for his church, singing in the choir, serving on committees and council, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, mentoring the current pastor, and being a Worship Leader. He enjoys reading and traveling.
He says, My Heart’s Appeal, Inc. has become an inspiration to assist those less fortunate to have a chance to learn and become all they can be through others, both by financial and loving care and concern
Hiram Bullen
Member of the Board of Trustee of My Heart’s Appeal, Incorporation. He is a retired maintenance machinist with a degree in Mechanical Drawing from the Maryland Institute.
He is a widower with two children. One daughter in Maryland and one son in Virginia. He was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, winning “Volunteer of the Year” in 2003, and actively served his church by being an usher and having served on the church council.
He enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He has traveled extensively through the United States, Europe, Scotland and Scandinavia. To him, My Heart’s Appeal, Inc. will give a child a chance to learn where they would not have had that chance before and he want to be part of that.