Officers

Clint Akins

Clint Akins, PFM President, is the visionary who conceived and organized the non-profit Partners for Madagascar (PFM).

Clint has served and lived twenty-five years in Madagascar. He has served as Cross Cultural Team Leader, Field Coordinator, field researcher, field developer, trainer, and educator.His field work, (ten years), in Madagascar included community development and leadership training with the Antambahoaka and the southern Betsimisaraka peoples of southeast Madagascar.

He has been recognized for his outstanding results in cross-cultural work:

-Award for Excellence in Field Service, Worldventure 2001

-Who's Who in Religion as Cross Cultural Educator, 4th edition

He taught at two University level institutions in Madagascar for fifteen years, and was visiting lecturer at four post-secondary instituions in Madagascar. He taught Communications at HECMMA for one year just prior to his return to lead PFM from the U.S.

Through years of networking with Malagasy organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGO), and governmental offices in Madagascar, Clint understands the channels and people through whom PFM's work can be accomplished.

Yolande Fanjanirinarivo

Yolande Fanjanirinarivo, PFM Field Director, grew up in one of the poorest villages on the western edge of the endangered southeastern rain forest, in what is known as Betsileo country, the second largest people group in Madagascar.

She moved to the capital, Antananarivo, in 1992, and as a single mother, worked in the sweat-shop factories as a team leader, while maintaining her integrity as a woman in an oppressive context. She has lived the life of the poorest of the rural and urban poor of Madagascar and she knows how to counsel people in maintaining their integrity while struggling for a better life.

 

Jesalyn Cummins-Hill

Jesalyn Cummins-Hill, PFM Secretary-Treasurer, has twenty three years experience in administration.

She has been in charge of writing and implementing policy, providing in-service training and education, working with builders and architects to coordinate the building of a state of the art dental practice.

She is currently returning to the field of education to teach children.

Jesalyn commented, "Inspiration to serve is everywhere and at this particular time in my life, Yolande, with stories of her people in Madagascar, has moved me to action and participation with Partners for Madagascar."