Our Roots

the foundation of our work and the people Guiding and driving our programs and advocacies

Our Team

Our work is made possible through the commitment and dedication of our passionate, staff, board, and volunteers! We aim to disrupt the international development sector and collectively work to decolonize our processes and how we operate. We believe in local leadership and while we are two separate legal entities in the US and the Philippines, both with Boards, we also have a Joint Governing Board to ensure the voices of Philippines Leadership are at the core of our decision making, policies, and practices.

Sherry Manning

Founder and CEO

Hal Atienza 

Philippines Executive Director

Sarah Mae Sabado

Operations Manager

Keeshia Austria

Visayas Area Coordinator

Ruth Anne Larracas

Luzon Area Coordinator 

Dawn Gabriela Emmanuele “Liway” G. Dela Rosa

Admin/Finance Staff

Anita Sinakay

Benguet Seed Production Coordinator

Emerito “Ronald” Angelio Jr

Cebu Seed Production Assistant

Bea Misa Crisostomo

President, Philippines Board of Directors

Maria Carmela Taob

Member, Philippines Board of Directors

Jessie Varquez

Member, Philippines Board of Directors

Lucille Elna Parreño-de Guzman

Member, Philippines Board of Directors

Nellie Capuyan Ballola

Member, Philippines Board of Directors

Sean Duncan

President, US Board of Directors

Stephen Chen

Vice President, US Board of Directors

Karen Demichelis

Treasurer, US Board of Directors

Susan Mathew

Secretary, US Board of Directors

Magdalena Arguelles

Member, US Board of Directors

Christopher Spiegel

Member, US Board of Directors

Bill McDorman

Special Advisor, Cornville Seeds

Dr. Ernesto Amaranto

Special Advisor