Thanks to the generous support we have received over the past 20 years, Mitrata continues to evolve and grow. Dr. Christine Schutz, Executive Director, explains: “With our strategic plan to expand our Nepal programs by serving more children, it is important to be able to also serve more donors and sponsors while growing our fundraising events. Through the years, Mitrata has been a nonprofit lean on USA staff. This has allowed us to invest more in our Nepal staff and needed services to our children. So, for the first time, we are adding a full-time staff member to our USA Operations team.”

As of early April, Anna Wertman joined Mitrata as our Communications/Development Coordinator. Anna graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with a double major in Communications and Public Relations along with a minor in Leadership Studies.

When asked about her future with Mitrata, Anna said:

“I am so excited to begin working with Mitrata-Nepal in making a difference in the lives of underprivileged Nepalese children, families, and communities. One of my favorite things about communication is that you get to be the storyteller. I am so excited to share the story of Mitrata-Nepal, and help the organization educate and empower children in Nepal. Getting to help others become the best, strongest version of themselves is a dream come true and I am so thankful for this opportunity.
To help you get to know me a little better, here are a few fun facts about me: I lived in Glacier National Park for five months in 2021 and I love to hike; I am a huge animal lover; I love thrifting!”

Anna will assist in event planning and campaign development. She is joining both the Digital Media Committee and the Young Professionals Board as a staff liaison. Anna will also take over our communications, such as web, email, social, and print campaigns, as Morgan LeBaige, Mitrata’s current Communication Manager, steps down from her role.

Morgan has been a member of the Operations team for three years and recently accepted a full-time position as a Database Administrator at BioSTL, a nonprofit that assists entrepreneurs in the biotechnology space. Throughout her time with Mitrata, she transitioned from Administrative Assistant to her current position, and helped to develop the organization’s communications and marketing strategies.

Although we are sad to see her go, we are very thankful for the passion and skill she put into her time with us. The website, blog, and social media sites would not be what they are today without her hard work and dedication. We aren’t saying goodbye quite yet, as Morgan will be staying on part-time until the end of June to help on-board Anna into the new position.

Morgan said of her time with Mitrata:

“I am so thankful for my time with Mitrata! While I am excited for my next step, it is definitely bittersweet as I think about not being a part of the Mitrata team for the first time in 3 years. Mitrata has seen me through graduate school, and has been an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow. The staff, board, volunteers, and sponsors I have met through Mitrata have been, without fail, some of the most passionate and kind people I have met. Over the years, I have been thankful to play a role in Mitrata’s mission and vision, and to see the organization pivot and grow as we have added new events and dealt with all of the changes and disruptions from COVID-19. It really is true: Mitrata is a family through and through, and while I will no longer be a staff member, this organization, and the people that make it up, feel like much more than just a job and coworkers. I plan to stay involved with Mitrata for a long time, and I hope a trip to Nepal will be in my future!!"

In addition to Anna, our new full-time staff member, Mitrata also added another part-time staff member to our team. Jackie Schmitt, the newest member of the Operations team will serve as Mitrata’s Administration Coordinator. She will be integral to the success and functioning of Mitrata through keeping our donor platforms up-to-date, maintaining our financial records, providing administrative support to the Director of Development and Executive Director, along with many other responsibilities. Jackie will be an active member of the Sponsorship, Fundraising, and Finance Boards.

When asked how she feels about joining the Mitrata team, Jackie said:

“I feel extreme gratitude to be able serve the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children. I have admired the care and actions of Mitrata for years. For the past few decades, I’ve experienced much joy and challenge teaching middle school children in public schools. Now, I feel fortunate to begin this new chapter of my life doing such meaningful work and doing so with such a generous and kind community.”

As we move forward into this new phase of the Mitrata team, we wish Morgan the best of luck as she embarks on her next career journey. We are thankful for the time and energy she gave to Mitrata. We are thrilled to welcome Anna and Jackie to the team. Their passion and dedication to Mitrata are already evident to all who have interacted with them, and we know they will be integral in helping Mitrata grow and achieve our strategic objectives. Welcome to the Mitrata family, Anna and Jackie!

Notable Changes Within our USA Staff

2021 Annual Report

In Honor of Nina Balsam