Kristin Smith
Executive Director
Kristin was named E3 Africa’s Executive Director in February of 2023. She has long been a supporter of E3 Africa’s mission to educate, enrich and empower the vulnerable and marginalized children of Uganda and is thrilled to serve the organization in her new role. She joins the team with a successful track record in leadership, philanthropy and mission development. Kristin raised over $20 million while serving as Campaign Manager for the Diocese of Phoenix’s $100M “Together Let Us Go Forth Campaign”. She has previously served as Director of Stewardship and Development for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish & School, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and Director of Development for the Full Circle Program. Most recently she served as Director of Philanthropy for the Catholic Community Foundation where she focused on building relationships within the community and inspiring charitable legacy-giving through various options. Kristin is an Ohio native and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami University of Ohio. She has resided in the greater Phoenix area for almost 20 years where she enjoys swimming and hiking with her three children and entertaining family and friends.
Karen Shepard
Executive Administrative Assistant
Karen is a seasoned leader of non-profit organizations. With over 30 years of experience, she has served in long-term health care with the Arizona Health Care Association, a scholarship organization, Catholic Education Arizona and a process improvement organization, Southwest Alliance for Excellence. She is currently working part-time at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Tempe as a Nullity Minister & Advocate assisting those requesting an annulment, and in Pastoral Care of the Homebound & those in the Hospital. She volunteers at the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Canonical Services & Tribunal and loves taking care of her granddaughter. Karen has a passion for mission driven work. She now wants to serve in a part-time capacity where she can best help to facilitate communication, business organization & improvement and use the talents God gave her to make the world a better place.
Peggy Schumacher
Program and Events Coordinator
I hold a Bachelor's Degree from DePaul University in Chicago. As a recent “empty nester”, my home is not filled with as much activity as it used to be, leaving me with time to utilize my gifts in a new way. While raising our children, I have been involved in various volunteer activities in their schools (they have been in Catholic education since preschool) and our parish (Blessed Sacrament in Scottsdale). Some of these volunteer activities include: Committees involving fundraising events, Welcome Ministry, RCIA team, Extraordinary Minister of Care, and more recently, I have led two consecutive sessions of a women's bible study while concurrently co-chairing our parish's Cabinet for the Juntos Sigamos Adelante, Together Let Us Go Forth Campaign, and serving with my husband on Bishop Olmsted's Cabinet for the Diocesan successful 100 million dollar Campaign. More recently, my husband and I served as the co-chairs for the 2020 Charity and Development Appeal.
In my spare time, in addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy hiking, baking and reading historical fiction.
Kimberly Schroeder
Bookkeeper
Kimberly is the bookkeeper for E3 Africa and is responsible for the day to day books for the charitable organization which she has been doing since October 2018. She finds her job very rewarding knowing that she contributes to the education of children in Uganda by making sure that the books are accurate for the Board to make financial decisions. In her spare time she crochets and donates the items to a retirement home in her community.