Our Team
Nikki McLaughlin, Founder and Director
Hi. I’m Nikki - wife to a rock star man who helps make my wildest dreams a reality and mama to two wild, adventurous boys Oliver + Miles. I love Jesus and I love telling the stories of God’s precious people with my camera. I am also a big fan of books, football, gardening and cooking! I live in Washington State but a piece of my heart is in ETHIOPIA. I wage war on chronic illness by living a life of creativity and I answer a relentless calling to better serve hurting children all over the world. My desire is to share Jesus and give children opportunities to be empowered through their own CREATIVITY.
Hannah Garcia, Co-Director
Hi! I am Hannah. I love God and I am overjoyed by His faithfulness. He is the reason for anything good you see in me! I navigate through life as a messy transparent who chooses to live and love with my whole heart. I find joy in creating art and inspiring, celebrating and empowering people to live their best life. Among my professional roles, one of my favorite opportunities has been to serve as a Career Counselor to college students. In 2002 I married my amazing, super-patient-with-me husband, Edward. We do life with our two headstrong + full of joy kiddos: Remington & Arianna. We spent most of our adult life in Seattle, but currently live a life of outdoor adventure in Austin, TX.
Wario Donne Jidah, Co-Director
Hi friends! It’s me, Wario…! I was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Kenya where I went to school. My love of soccer led me to coach kids for 10+ years. I love empowering youth and community through sports and organic farming ministries. I am now in the U.S. continuing my education and gaining skills I can take with me when I return to Ethiopia. I am so excited to use my experience working with kids and community to help build the MAKERIE and change lives for underserved children. God’s not done!
Addis Addi, Director of Ethiopia Programs
Hi! I’m Addis. I love God - He is the reason for my life and His love is beyond my understanding! I married my beautiful wife Ferehiwot in 2016 and we have been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mercy. We live in Addis Ababa and serve at Impact Church International in addition to working as the Director of the MAKERIE/Kingdom Center, Ethiopia. Empowering youth is one of the greatest joys of my life!
In addition to our Managing Board, we have the most incredible group of Advisory Board Members who each bring vital skills, insight, and incredible heart to our team.
Members: Shannon Cline, Jo Gibbons, Mason Florence, and Laurie Jensen. Bios coming soon!