EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
kate schelbe, BA
Kate is the Executive Director of Girls Education International. Kate graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and Latin American Studies. The majority of Kate’s professional experience has been in a school setting as a classroom teacher as well as the director of a middle school. She believes that access to education is a basic human right.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
shelly braun, PhD
Shelly serves the Chair of the Board for Girls Education International. Her interests in culture, health, and learning have taken her down a winding path through the nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. She is a consultant, helping clients create learning-centered professional educational experiences and classroom resources. She holds a PhD in Medical Anthropology from the University of Utah and enjoys traveling, reading, adopting senior dogs, and hiking.
natalie wyss, MA
Natalie serves as the Secretary for Girls Education International. She has an MA in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout her research and programming experience, she has maintained a personal and professional dedication to gender and educational equity. She believes strongly in education’s role in helping build inclusive communities.
yolonda “loni” riley, MA
Loni serves as the Treasurer for Girls Education International. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Policy to pursue her desire to advance the quality of life for all, particularly those from marginalized and disadvantaged populations, a choice born from her second passion of exploring the world. Loni has worked as a grants coordinator for a tribal community, and as a program coordinator with a refugee resettlement organization.
lauren sadler, MA
Lauren Sadler serves as the Communications Director for Girls Education International. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration concentrating in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Colorado Denver. She values strengths-based leadership approaches and believes in maximizing collaboration, equity, curiosity, and empathy in all that she does. Currently, she works in social impact.
sidra khan, MA
Sidra serves as the Pakistan Partner Liaison for Girls Education International. With a Master of Arts with Honours in Policy Studies from University College London and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Policy and Politics, Sidra combines academic expertise with a passion for social impact. Her work focuses on advancing gender equity in education and is a dedicated advocate for empowerment and inclusion, Sidra is committed to building a brighter future for young girls in Pakistan and beyond. Originally from London, UK, she is now living in Atlanta GA.
lashuna mcbride, MA
LaShuna serves as a board member for Girls Education International. She is a communications leader and journalist by training with 20 years of experience shaping narratives that build trust, move people, and drive change. Journalism was her first love, and she brings that rigor and reverence for words to every role she holds. Her work is grounded in the belief that communication is both a strategic lever and a deeply human act, one that shapes culture, amplifies impact, and helps people feel truly seen and heard. She currently serves as Chief of Staff at Committee for Children, a global nonprofit dedicated to children’s safety and well-being, where she partners with executive leadership on strategy, organizational effectiveness, and culture-building efforts. Known for her clarity, calm leadership, and persuasive storytelling, she has led high-stakes communications, brand and reputation strategy, and thought leadership across sectors. A 2022 PR Daily Top Women in Communications award recipient and a 2021 PRWeek Hall of Femme Woman to Watch, LaShuna is honored to serve on the board of Girls Education International, supporting its mission to expand access, opportunity, and voice for girls around the world.
Stacey board, BA
Stacey serves as a board member for Girls Education International. Her professional experience includes providing support for higher education institutions. She believes education equips us for personal growth and the potential to reach beyond ourselves to enrich our communities. Currently retired from the professional world, she enjoys the great outdoors, traveling, and continuing to explore learning.