OUR BOARD

Caroline Alexander
My background is in public broadcasting, having worked for PBS and NPR stations in Alaska and New Jersey.

I’m honored to know Soumya, whom I find a visionary with a strong will to improve the lives of others. She is relentless and determined to see this project through. And I fully believe Soumya can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to, and she does it with characteristic discipline, generosity and kindness. She inspires me.

Betsy Bassis
Betsy is an American by birth, with a BA from Stanford in International Relations and an MBA from Wharton. Following an early career in international development, Betsy moved to London in 2000 where she has held senior executive and non executive director roles across the private and public sectors, most latterly as Chief Executive of the national blood and organ donation service. 

As the mother of two teenage girls, Betsy is passionate about the mission of Soumya’s Journey, providing educational opportunities, empowerment and self determination to the girls of the Atlas Mountains. As a Board member, she hopes to help bring Soumya’s vision to life.

Aeberli Begasse, MPH, CHES

I like to say that I am a professional problem solver; I work for an industry leading, public health marketing agency which dedicates its focus on making evidence-based and human-centered campaigns. In my role, I facilitate inter-department collaboration, strategic alignments, contract management and client communications. I have to be a forward thinker with space for malleability and a behavior change/science expert. When I am not working, I enjoy participating in my local Ultimate Frisbee league, managing my online book club and enjoying a glass of wine with my partner.

I joined Soumya's Journey because of its mission to use education as a catalyst for women empowerment. Most importantly, though, Soumya's Journey it is a nonprofit founded by a strong woman of the Atlas Mountains. Soumya is keenly aware of the needs, wants and cultural nuances of these communities, and has dedicated herself to local impact. As a board member, I hope that I can provide Soumya the tools and resources that she needs to continue to be a thought leader. I am certain that she will make strides for women and challenge us all to continue our work in uplifting one another.

Dr. Pier Boutin

Dr. Pier Boutin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over thirty years of experience. She lives with her family in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

Soumya is a captivating and determined young women with great aspirations. I admire her and wish to support her in any way so that she may reach her goals. Her presence into my life is a pure gift.

Mairi Cumming
My name is Mairi Cumming and I joined the board of Soumya’s Journey so that I could support women’s education through an initiative that is rooted in women’s leadership and promotes change at the community level. My hope for this nonprofit is that it will present the possibility of an education to women and girls who would not have otherwise had that option, in the hope that they can use this opportunity to become the next version of themselves.

Alison Foster
I joined the board of Soumya's Journey due to the profound experience of traveling to Morocco and experiencing the gulf of power between men and women. As a mother to a young woman who has always had access to education, I firmly believe education is a route to a better life and opportunity. And working in collaboration to bring a girls' school that will allow young women to continue their education, the Atlas Mountains seemed like a natural mission to align to.

Gemma Halfi
Gemma Halfi is the Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion at Emma Willard School. Meeting Soumya as an 11th grader at the school, Gemma had the privilege to work with her as her capstone project advisor as Soumya went through the process to create her own nonprofit organization. Gemma believes in the power of transforming the world by supporting women and all marginalized genders through access to education. She sees Soumya's Journey as a powerful path toward positive world change, and is endlessly inspired by Soumya!

Ines Khadir

Driven by a deep connection with Soumya since our first encounter, I enthusiastically joined Soumya's Journey. The trust I have in her is unwavering, and our shared Moroccan heritage strengthens our bond. I firmly believe in the fundamental right of everyone to access quality education.

As a member of the board, my responsibilities extend to networking and social media, both of which are crucial in advancing our mission. I am passionate about forging valuable connections and leveraging digital platforms to amplify our message and reach a broader audience.

Joining Soumya's Journey has not only provided me with a platform to contribute meaningfully to the cause of education but has also allowed me to be part of a dedicated team that is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals in need. Together, we are working towards a future where quality education is accessible to all, empowering individuals and communities to thrive." 

Bhoomika Lingappa

Education, growing up, has been an essential factor in my development, teaching me the importance of learning. Education has introduced me to many different avenues of life I wouldn’t have known existed without its influence. Education gives us a voice and helps us cultivate our minds. I joined Soumya’s Journey to help girls my age have the opportunity to discover different perspectives.

Sam Lyons

I joined Soumya’s Journey because I firmly believe that everyone should have access to education. I am passionate about supporting young learners as they are the change that we need to see in this world. I am on the board because I believe in Soumya. At a young age, she had the vision to change life for women in the Atlas mountains and I want to support her. I am honored to use my skills to enhance and advance the mission of Soumya’s Journey