Meet Our Team

The SLW Board of Directors consists of six members, each collaborating to support the different parts of the ministry. We rely heavily on volunteers who have a heart for sex trafficking and poverty allevation. They partner with our board members, churches, NGOs, and businesses to advance the work. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please click here.

BEREKET MAMO

Born in Ethiopia, Mamo emigrated to the United States at the age of seven with her family.

 

FOUNDER, CEO

She received a vision from God to work with women and children who have been exploited and dehumanized. In 2017, she left her home in Maryland to go live in Ethiopia. The vision she received became more clear as she began to journey with those who are victims of sex trafficking. In 2018, she founded SLW to galvanize resources to support the sex-trafficking victims in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mamo is passionate about addressing the root causes of sex-trafficking and poverty and preaching the Word of God. She received her B.A degree in Christian Ministries and has a M.A in International Development from Eastern University in Saint David, PA.

Carissa Sweitzer

Carissa Sweitzer’s lifelong passion for empowerment has compelled her forward in both her corporate career in the strategic advisory space in New York City and in her personal pursuits.

 

BOARD MEMBER

A Pennsylvania native, Sweitzer attended Messiah University near the state’s capital, earning degrees in psychology and counseling as she continued to be energized through learning the intricacies of humanity and God’s creation. Sweitzer’s heart for missions became fully actualized after participating in an intensive work and study program in Mukono, Uganda, where she experienced firsthand the global need for unity, equity, training, and opportunity. Sweitzer’s mission for justice and economic mobility furthered as she worked professionally to combat homelessness in New York City and provide holistic resources to those experiencing poverty.

Sweitzer regularly volunteers her time to the community; she is a ten-year Compassion International sponsor and is a founding member of Lori’s Loving Hands, a non-profit organization in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When not analyzing breaking news or immersed in the latest Proverbs 31 Ministries Bible study series, you can find her star-eyed watching oceanic documentaries, perfecting her tamale recipe, or balancing for the perfect yoga tree pose.

Cody Persell

As a Kingdom Entrepreneur, Persell has helped plant churches, non-profit organizations, and businesses with a social and missional purpose.

 

BOARD MEMBER

Currently, as the founder of House Guys USA, Persell and his team provide affordable housing solutions for families and businesses with the mission to stabilize low-income families and reverse the effects of poverty in Inner-City America.

Additionally, Persell sits on the board of Kingdom Awakening, a missions organization that establishes teams to further the gospel worldwide, and on the board of River Church Family, a local church in Raytown, Missouri.

Marshay Price

Servant leader and charismatic minister, Price loves engaging in community development, including emergency medical response, disaster relief, mentoring youths, and those from other nations.

 

BOARD MEMBER

Having a deep seated intimacy with God, her vision is to use her spiritual gifts to bring healing to others and help them discover the freedom found in Christ as they learn to embrace their true identity. She received ministry education from Passion and Fire Ministries, God Encounters Ministries, and the Glasgow Prophetic Centre. Price is the founder of Wellness Eve Ministries, a ministry with a heart to bring Jesus and the five-fold church to the nations, partners with emerging prophets, and trains the body of Christ in hearing the voice of God. In her spare time, Price writes books, creates artistic musings, digs deep into scripture, and experiments cooking international dishes.

Rose L. Laguerre

Economic Development Practitioner and experienced Project Manager, Laguerre has led and supported the implementation of multi-million dollar business development projects in both nonprofit and private sectors.

 

BOARD MEMBER

Laguerre came from Haiti on a full scholarship to attend college in the United States. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Management from George Fox University in Oregon. Her passion for poverty alleviation led her to obtain an MBA in International Economic Development from Eastern University in Pennsylvania. Much of her educational and career achievements have been driven by her passion to help others break the cycle of poverty. Laguerre currently lives and works in Washington, DC and provides consulting to nonprofit organizations and assists with the design and implementation of development programs. In her free time, she enjoys serving with her church, exercising, reading, and watching documentary films.

Sarah Kolsto

Since taking her first mission trip almost 20 years ago, Kolsto’s passion has been to see the American Church awakened to God’s heart for the world.

 

BOARD MEMBER

Over the past 15 years, she has served in various volunteer and staff roles, focusing on serving the underserved in the United States and across the globe. She has volunteered with refugee resettlement organizations, such as World Relief and Jewish Vocational Services and served as the Missions Director at her local church.Most recently, she began serving as Church Mobilization Coordinator for Refuge Kansas City, an organization serving the immigrant population in Missouri. Kolsto has a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She resides with her husband and three children in Kansas City, MO.