BAYGANDA
Meet The Team
Executive Director
ERICA “EVarize” VARIZE
Erica Ledward Furlong is a committed advocate for young women locally and globally, working to empower girls to use their education for self-sustainability. Early in her career, she made her mark in fashion by founding Evarize, where her innovative designs gained recognition alongside her dedication to community service. Since 2005, Erica has been a passionate supporter of the BayGanda Foundation, and in 2017, she assumed the role of Executive Director, securing sponsor families for all 26 Ugandan students in the program.
In 2025, she and her team will launch the Bayganda Community Initiative in Uganda, focusing on academic support for young girls in early childhood. Erica balances her professional work with family life, sharing a loving partnership with her husband, Chad. Together, they take pride in their blended family of four children: Darius, Miracle, Brooklyn, and Nataly. Erica and Chad reside in Northern California’s Bay Area.
Phillip Hall
Phillip Hall is a passionate co-founder of Panoramic Learning Academy (PLĀ), where he co-developed an innovative curriculum for preschool and Pre-K students. A dedicated advocate for early childhood education (ECE), Phillip brings his visionary leadership to the Bayganda board with enthusiasm. As a long-time supporter and admirer of the "Baygandan Way," he is committed to empowering the next generation through meaningful education.
A self-described philomath, Phillip’s insatiable curiosity fuels his drive for educational innovation and lifelong learning. His impressive journey through ECE includes earning numerous credentials, and he currently serves as a lead teacher at Merritt College Head Start. With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate America—spanning the biotechnology, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries—Phillip’s unique blend of business acumen and scientific knowledge adds a powerful dimension to his work.
Holding degrees in Biological Sciences and Business Marketing, Phillip is dedicated to creating lasting, positive change both domestically and globally, leveraging his expertise to uplift communities and inspire young minds.
Director of Domestic Operations
Nichelle Kitt
Nichelle Kitt, ACSW, holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community Mental Health, and is a fierce advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Guided by her personal mantra, “Mental health awareness is the key to life,” Nichelle is dedicated to fostering understanding and empowering others to embrace their mental wellness.
Her mission goes beyond advocacy—she inspires individuals to align their personal goals with actionable steps, encouraging them to speak their truths and unlock their own potential for greatness. A passionate journaler, Nichelle views writing as a sacred space where she stores her thoughts, dreams, and ambitions, using it as a tool for self-discovery.
One of her proudest achievements is returning to graduate school in her late forties, a journey that taught her it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your passions. Nichelle’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the belief that transformation is possible at any stage of life.
Susie Napier
Susie Napier, MA, MAMFT, is a vibrant Ugandan-American born and raised in Indiana, with a rich career in counseling, social services, and higher education. A natural encourager, she thrives on helping others unlock their potential and is deeply passionate about ensuring everyone has access to quality education, personal growth, and opportunities for success.
When she’s not cheering others on, Susie’s adventurous spirit takes her on global travels, to local coffee shops, and into the world of Hoosier basketball. She also fuels her love for fitness with Pilates, nature walks, and hip hop dance classes. Married to her best friend and biggest fan, TJ, Susie lives life with joy, purpose, and a relentless drive to uplift others.
Rachel Boyce
Rachel is a powerhouse transactional attorney specializing in finance and real estate, navigating complex deals with precision and expertise. Beyond the boardroom, she’s a passionate advocate for diversity and equity, offering pro bono legal support to minority-owned startups and standing strong for underrepresented communities facing eviction.
When she is not in the courtroom, Rachel is an explorer at heart—whether she's uncovering hidden hiking trails, championing philanthropic causes, or diving into the vibrant culture and flavors of the Caribbean. A proud member of the Bayganda Board of Directors since 2019, she brings her drive for inclusivity and justice to every endeavor.
Chad Furlong
Chad is a dedicated nonprofit leader with a longstanding commitment to developing future leaders since 1996. He founded iTHINKBIG, an internship program aimed at equipping young adults for leadership roles. Through iTHINKBIG, Chad has led teams across the U.S., inspiring over three million middle and high school students worldwide. In addition, he founded Buena Onda, a community initiative supporting single women and children in Baja California, Mexico. Chad also serves on the board of Bayganda, which focuses on educating children in Uganda.
A multifaceted speaker, writer, and filmmaker, Chad balances his professional passions with family life. He shares a loving partnership with his wife, Erica, and together they take pride in their blended family of four children: Darius, Miracle, Brooklyn, and Nataly. Chad and Erica reside in Northern California’s Bay Area.
Romilda Avila
Romilda (Romy) Avila is a nationally recognized leader in fiscal sponsorship and social justice grantmaking, celebrated for her sustained impact on philanthropy and community advancement. In 2023, she was honored on the Philanthropy 100 list by UnBoxed Philanthropy for her outstanding contributions. Most recently, Romy served as CEO and President of Tides Advocacy, where she led a team of 50 in providing fiscal sponsorship and political infrastructure support to over 100 organizations nationwide. Partnering closely with the board, she directed a strategy and brand transformation focused on racial justice and social equity, while implementing stronger risk management protocols to ensure the financial stewardship of $153 million across the network.
Before Tides Advocacy, Romy thrived as a social impact consultant at FSG, where she advised major foundations, corporations, and nonprofits—including General Mills Foundation, Houston Endowment, and the Alliance for Strong Families and Children—on strategies for collective impact and social responsibility. Her work has consistently aligned with her commitment to social justice and community well-being. Outside her professional life, Romy enjoys tea parties, rose gardens, and traveling with her husband. She also loves antique shopping and is currently exploring upholstery and sewing.
Rachel Konte
Rachel Konte is an Afro/Danish-born designer with 18 years of international experience in the apparel and denim industry, last as Design Director for Levi Strauss & Co. in San Francisco with a stop in Amsterdam as Design Manager for Tommy Hilfiger Europe. She has extensive experience in directing and designing commercial product lines for the American and European markets.
Since 2014 Rachel Konte has been the Chief of Brand for Red Bay Coffee. As part of the founding team She leads the overall brand direction, marketing and social media for RBC.
Rachel Konte wears many hats as a creative leader and currently also runs her online shop with a design studio in Oakland California. She designs and produces her limited edition collections under the brand O.N.W. by OwlNWood.
