Board of Directors
Mambwe Deen
President, Director
Mambwe brings a unique contribution to our board. Growing up in Zambia and currently living in the US, she has a true international perspective. In Zambia, Mambwe worked as a social worker with orphans and HIV patients. In the US, she has volunteered on multiple service boards, and for years has mentored high school students at Southfield Christian School.
Mambwe's passions include her two children Emma Jean and Ryan James, husband Braswell, as well as a heart for helping others. Perhaps her greatest gift is a love for people. Her outgoing personality and joyful spirit inspires service with a personal touch.
Braswell Deen
Vice President, Secretary
Bras has 30 years of experience in medicine, serving as an attending physician in the Providence Hospital Department of Family Medicine since 1997. He has served with Mambwe in medical missions in Zambia since 2003. Besides medicine, his great joy comes from Mambwe and their children Emma Jean and Ryan James.
"My greatest privilege is helping those in need, serving God in the body of Christ."
Jena Kowalski
Treasurer / Director
Jena joins our team with a love for mentoring children. With nearly 10 years experience at Southfield Christian School, in both the business and administrative arenas, Jena pours herself into all around her, with a belief that middle and high school years are critical times for fostering Godly wisdom. In essence, Jena loves working with students! Her husband Scott describes her as kind, compassionate and competitive. All who know her would agree! She is an avid marathon runner who truly leads by example.
"Some of my most memorable experiences have been serving alongside students to help those in need... from painting dilapidated houses in downtown Detroit, to visiting patients at a deaf community hospital in Jamaica... mentoring teenagers has had a lasting impact on my heart!"
Laura Farrugia, RN
Director
Laura brings a wealth of experience to our team, which begins with a 26 year career in nursing. It was during this time she developed a desire to care for childbearing women, in particular, during one of the most challenging and beautiful times of their lives. After this time, Laura then joined the non-profit sector where for another 16 years she served as Executive Director of an organization focused on meeting the needs of women and their babies.
"As Executive Director, I learned serving people in need requires wisdom, integrity, compassion, perseverance and faith."
Although recently retired, Laura believes as long as you are able - you should never retire from serving.
Troy Green, PLLC
Director
Throughout his 15 year career as an attorney, Troy has been a voice and advocate for foreign nationals from around the world who have been injured while working on U.S. military bases. In his personal life, Troy has been involved with ministries through his church and other charitable organizations serving the less fortunate.
Troy is excited to use his skills and experiences to serve Emma's Helping Hands.
