Meet Our Executive Team

Kelly Shaughnessy

Founder and President
Kelly has a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and a B. S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado. Kelly has experience starting and running several small businesses and has been involved with global poverty alleviation since first visiting Kenya in 2009 and through her more than 15 years working and traveling to Kenya as Founder of Light Up Hope. Kelly is also a student of Kiswahili and lover of the beautiful and diverse culture of Kenya.
Diana Mays

Chief Operating Officer
Diana has a Bachelors of Science from Bowling Green State University. She has over 20 years of project management experience in for-profit and non-profit sectors. Joining Light Up Hope in 2013, she has extensive experience in accounting, project management, human resource and corporate relations. Diana prides herself in outstanding organizational, time management, planning and problem - solving skills. She is currently obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Kelsey Little

Director of Development
Kelsey joined Light Up Hope in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in nonprofit work dedicated to poverty alleviation. Her impactful initiatives in Haiti focused on job creation programs that empower communities. Additionally, Kelsey spent significant time in Uganda, where she studied and later worked to enhance access to technology and libraries. Having personally experienced the devastating effects of a climate disaster during the Marshall Fire in her town in Colorado, Kelsey worked in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Her passion for justice and equity drives her work, and she is particularly inspired by the vibrant cultures and resilient communities of East Africa. Kelsey loves to travel, and she carries her commitment to making a positive difference wherever she goes.
Moses Murage Ignatius

Executive Director
Moses possesses a masters and bachelor degree in education, a bachelor of commerce (Finance), a Higher Diploma in Project planning and management and a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation. He has 13 years of professional experience in programs working with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). He is an expert in program design and management, instructional development, monitoring, evaluation, capacity building and fundraising. A true lover of sports, Moses enjoys playing and watching football alongside supporting youths in advancing their interests in the sport.
Scevar Swaro

Deputy Director of Programs and Monitoring & Evaluation
Scevar joined the team in 2023 bringing with him over 10 years' experience of project management in the non-profit sector, and a wealth of knowledge and skills in projects and program management of diverse projects around Education, Skills Training, OVC Programming, Disability Mainstreaming, Child Protection, among others. Known for his unwavering commitment to quality and his analytical mindset, Scevar is not only a skilled project manager but also a collaborative and approachable team member. His dedication to continuous learning keeps him abreast of industry best practices, ensuring that his projects are at the forefront of innovation.
Mary Munga

Deputy Director of Finance and Administration
Mary is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). She possesses Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B.com Finance) and a diploma in Business Management. She has over 10 years’ experience in finance, administration and procurement in the nonprofits sector in Kenya. Mary has a wealth of knowledge in grant management, financial planning and analysis, and strategic budgeting. She is keen on improving teams’ performance through “empowering and coaching style” building trust, group problem solving and genuine enjoyment in developing others.