Karama Connection

Karama's Board of Directors

Karama Connection's ability to make such a positive impact at St. Lucia is a testament to it's talented and committed board of directors.

Connie Naber, Executive Director

As the founder and Executive Director of Karama, Connie has devoted her life to fulfilling the mission of this organization. Working countless hours and offering personal resources, she formed Karama from the passion instilled in her during her first visit to Africa. In 2 short years Karama has served hundreds of adults and children in need through St Lucia Hospice and Orphanage.

Margaret Lafley, Director

Margaret has believed and encouraged the vision of Karama from the very beginning. A former member of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation board of trustees, she has been a leader in her community for years. Her enthusiasm, generosity, and passion in the name of Karama has been a major key to our success.

Tom Tressler, Director

As former Executive Director of Make–A–Wish and Executive Director of the LifeCenter (regional organ donor program), Tom has been able to guide Karama with his knowledge of the non profit sector. Tom has been essential to the success of Karama by us his wisdom as well as his skill in fundraising and running a non–profit.

John Schuler, Director

John is the president of Clifton Savings and Loan and Sr. Vice President of Cincinnati Financial. His extensive background in and understanding of finance have proven invaluable to Karama. Through his volunteer work with other organizations the community has benefited from his expertise.

Karama’s Accomplishments

  • Feb 2008 Well drilling, donated by World Serve and Majitech, begins.
  • January 2008 Move kids to new school so they will receive a better education.
  • December 2007 Electric was installed 2 more acres of land purchased.
  • November 2007 2nd Karama Rama profited $36,000. We also received the private donation of a car for St. Lucia.
  • August 2007 St. Lucia moves to the new bulding Karama Connection commits to paying for more staff.
  • May 2007 Grand opening celebration of St. Lucia's new building. The First Lady of Tanzania and U.S. Ambassador Pam White are in attendance.
  • November 2006 The first Karama–Rama fundraiser is held. $35,000 was raised to help pay for the completion of St. Lucia's new building.
  • October 2006 Construction on St. Lucia's new building began.
  • May 2006 Fundraising for St. Lucia's new building reaches the halfway point.
  • January/February 2006 Karama Connection establishes plans for a new St. Lucia hospice and orphanage.
  • December 2005 Karama Connection buys two acres of land for the future development of a new building for St. Lucia.
  • April 2005 Karama Connection establishes a partnership with the Child Wellness Fair.
  • April 2005 Medical supplies (syringes, IV needles, and dressings) donated by the Cincinnati Rotary Club are sent to St. Lucia.
  • March 2005 Karama Connection makes a cash donation to St. Lucia to purchase a wheelchair, a sterilizer, IVs, and various medical supplies.
  • February 2005 Connie Naber founds Karama Connection to help St. Lucia care for orphaned children and individuals suffering from AIDS.