our board
All of our board members have traveled extensively in South Asia and formed enduring friendships with trusted local partners for more than a decade. One of our board members was born and raised in South Asia and has served there for decades, bringing cultural insight and lived experience into every decision we make.
This means our work is not based on distant assumptions but on relationships of trust, cultural wisdom, and accountability. Our local partners are not just contacts—they are friends, colleagues, and co-laborers. This depth of connection allows us to choose wisely, act sensitively, and ensure that everything we do is both effective and sustainable in the local context.
board of directors
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Bryan Den Hartog
Bryan Den Hartog, MD is an orthopedic surgeon with 35 years of clinical experience, now residing in Des Moines, Iowa. He has substantial experience in missions and humanitarian work in Haiti, India, and several South American countries.
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Gordon Spronk
Dr. Spronk is a staff veterinarian and past Chairman of the Board at Pipestone Holdings, a diversified veterinary based agricultural management group in Pipestone, Minnesota USA. Gordon is passionate about helping others to intentional living and welcomes all to join the Daughters of Azaadi in “doing good” for the benefit of these daughters in need.
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Sara O' Rourke
Sara O’Rourke brings over 20 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Her background spans organizational development, strategic support, advocacy and board service. She resides in Minneapolis, MN, with her husband, has two children in college, loves to travel and walk her Golden Retriever.
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Aby Kallimel
Aby was born and raised in India and brings over 30 years of experience in leadership development, community health, orphan care, and child empowerment. Through his work, he has built a wide network of trusted friendships and partnerships with local leaders, safe communities, and tribal networks across India, enabling lasting impact through collaboration and compassion.
advisory board
Our Board of Advisors consists of experts who guide us in best practices, organizational integrity, and high standards of care
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Dr. Tamyka Davis, Ed.D
EDUCATION ADVISOR
Timyka Davis is a leader in international development and education. She brings decades of experience leading initiatives in research, policy, and social sector portfolio management, having worked extensively across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Her distinguished career includes roles with major organizations such as UN Agencies and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Dr. Davis is a former adjunct professor and holds a Doctorate in Education from the USA. She leverages her deep regional and academic expertise to inform and advance Daughter of Azaadi’s mission.
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M.K., JD
LEGAL ADVISOR
M.K. is a practicing attorney, licensed in Ohio and Texas. She’s excited to come alongside the Daughters of Azaadi to ensure our humanitarian work follows all necessary legal protocol. M.K’s full details will be added once her firm’s approval is finalized.
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Jennifer Koenig Nelson, Ph.D.
ADVISOR PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Nelson serves as a core faculty member and Clinical Director at a graduate program in counseling in Minneapolis, MN. She earned her Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Studies from Purdue University in 2004. Dr. Nelson brings deep expertise in identify development, family systems, relationship development, trauma and clinical training, and we are grateful for the wisdom and care she offers to our mission.