Our Team
Board of Directors
Dr. Justin Mudekereza
Dr. Justin Mudekereza is a passionate humanitarian, philanthropist, and political advocate dedicated to social justice, human rights, and community development. Born into a large family, he learned the values of peace, sharing, and fighting for the oppressed. After fleeing torture in the DRC in 2006, he has authored several impactful books and participated in founding organizations like the Justin Mudekereza Foundation and New Neighbor Relief to assist refugees and vulnerable populations. Before resigning from the position of chairman of the political party Movement for Democracy and Real Change, to focus on his philanthropic work, Dr. Mudekereza was a leading voice in the FreeDRCongo coalition working to restore the country to its people. His passion, humanitarian spirit, and commitment to positive change make him a true icon in the region. His tireless efforts have earned him the prestigious Nelson Mandela Leadership Award, confirming his reputation as an icon for positive change.
Michael Staffieri
Michael has been in the financial industry since 1978 and has earned designations as a: Registered Financial Planner (RFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®). As Chairman, Michael lends his 40 plus years of experience to the leadership of Rovin Capital. He has served on the board of numerous organizations and foundations and currently serves as a trustee and investment committee chair for the Seacology Foundation, a non-profit focused on island cultures and environments. He is also a member of the Athletic Leadership Council for BYU.
Daniel T. Collins
Dan Collins is a businessman and philanthropist. He is the owner of DC Painting Inc., a painting contracting company in San Diego, California. He is the President of New Neighbor Relief (NNR), a non-profit organization helping refugees from all corners of the world. He spends his time between business and helping the needy refugees while caring from his many adopted and biological children. Every initiative of alleviating human suffering is of great interest to Dan because he believes that every human deserves love and good treatment before departing from this world.
Kaley Hearnsberger
Kaley Hearnsberger is a humanitarian professional with 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and organizational development. She has worked with large agencies such as the International Rescue Committee and the American Red Cross where she gained expertise in refugee resettlement support programs and volunteer-driven disaster preparedness and response. Her work centers around supporting refugee-led initiatives as co-founder of Your Platform, an organizational consulting group. She holds a B.A. in Media Communications from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s degree in Management & Leadership from Western Governor’s University.
Daniel Kirk
Daniel is an experienced Founder, Investor, and Advisor for over 20+ startups with a demonstrated history of bringing novel and emerging tech to market, helping to develop patentable systems and products in aerospace, healthcare, and logistics.
Daniel is passionate about the creative process and loves entertaining new ideas that address or improve on the foundational challenges facing the 7+billion-strong people currently experiencing the human journey: Education, Energy, Telecommunications, Transportation, Finance, Healthcare, Agriculture, Real Estate, and others – all of which fall under one big tech-enabled umbrella known as “Smart Cities.”
Daniel has spent much of his career addressing needs in emerging markets. He has visited over 75 countries and speaks seven languages. He has worked on various African projects, including telecommunications and microfinancing research.
Jacques Jonassaint
Jacques Jonassaint is the former Special Envoy of President Emile Jonassaint to the Clinton Administration during the 1991-1994 Haiti crisis. He participated in the pre-negotiations of the Port-au-Prince Accord signed by former President Jimmy Carter and President Emile Jonassaint on 9/18/1994. He is a recipient of the Republican Senatorial Medal of Freedom. Jonassaint has a Business Degree in Accounting from Utah Valley University and a Masters Degree in Political Management from The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management. Jonassaint is a visionary who can rapidly conceptualize solutions and execute them. Proficient in turning raw ideas and resources into high-value results
RDI Team
Jerry Shirey, MBA
With over a decade of transformative leadership experience in nonprofit management and healthcare services, Jerry Shirey brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical expertise to the mission of strengthening democratic institutions worldwide. As the former Executive Director of San Diego Freedom Ranch, Jerry demonstrated exceptional ability in organizational growth and sustainable development, securing $25M in grants and implementing innovative service delivery models. His track record of increasing operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality service delivery aligns perfectly with RDI’s mission to empower communities and enhance democratic governance.
His expertise in developing integrated service delivery models and building sustainable partnerships has proven invaluable in creating lasting positive change in communities. Jerry’s approach to organizational leadership emphasizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making – core values that mirror RDI’s commitment to democratic principles. At RDI, Jerry continues to advance the organization’s mission of facilitating communities’ preservation and strengthening of democracy while providing essential tools for human rights advocacy and implementation of good governance.
Elina Shankar
Elina Shankar is a seasoned Graphic and UX Designer whose creative journey is deeply intertwined with her passion for humanitarian work. From a young age, Elina was actively involved in community service, supporting local nonprofits and initiatives such as fundraising for Rady’s Children’s Hospital and distributing supplies to people experiencing homelessness. This early exposure to philanthropy has been a guiding force throughout her career.
Elina graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor’s in Cognitive Science, specializing in Design and Interaction. Her academic background laid a strong foundation in user-centered design, which she further honed by completing the Google UX Design Specialization. She utilizes tools like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Figma to bring her visions to life, ensuring each piece is aesthetically pleasing and functionally practical.
RDI Ambassadors
Rodrigo Tadeu Guimarães Jales
Rodrigo Tadeu Guimarães Jales is an international law specialist and dedicated human rights advocate committed to advancing justice, inclusivity, and global empowerment. With extensive experience across international organizations, NGOs, and grassroots initiatives, Rodrigo’s work bridges local impact and global advocacy.
He served as a Legal Associate at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, contributing to pivotal human rights cases by analyzing individual communications for treaty bodies. His leadership is driven by empathy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
Camilla Tettoni
Camilla Tettoni is a journalist specializing in geopolitics, international affairs, and cultural analysis. As a Research Fellow and Centre Coordinator for Peace and Conflict, she leverages her expertise to foster dialogue, advance conflict resolution, and promote sustainable development. As an NGO Ambassador at the United Nations, Camilla is dedicated to advocating for human rights and driving innovative strategies to address global challenges. Her work in research, advocacy, and cross-cultural communication underlines her commitment to building a more peaceful and equitable world.
Laura Oliveira
Laura Oliveira is a public administration graduate with a strong background in entrepreneurship, inclusive development, and grassroots engagement. She has led small businesses in the U.S., supported strategic partnerships in international nonprofits, and is passionate about building sustainable, community-driven solutions. Currently serving as an Ambassador at Rescue Democracy International, Laura is deeply committed to equity, women’s empowerment, and the intersection of social justice, international politics, and public service in both local and global contexts.
Worldwide Program Contacts
Patrick Mituga
Patrick Mituga is an experienced educator and translator. He graduated in the department of English and African culture at Bukavu Teacher Training College ( ISP/Bukavu). From his young age, he worked to help his compatriots.
As an educator, He teaches in some local schools. He founded ENEC , an organization specialized in teaching languages like English, French, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Kiswahili, Lingala and other local languages.
As a Translator, he is a freelancer. He translates from English to French and vice-versa. From English to Swahili and vice-versa. From French to Swahili and vice-versa and other so many local languages.
Justine Nabwire
The Uganda Program Contact, Justine, is pivotal in advancing our mission to foster democratic values and empower communities. With a deep commitment to social change and a wealth of experience in program management, She oversees our initiatives in Uganda.
Justine’s expertise in community engagement and policy advocacy drives the development and implementation of impactful programs that resonate with the local populace. Her leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of democracy and human rights are instrumental in nurturing a more informed and active citizenry. Based in Uganda, Justine collaborates with local stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability, making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
