Our board members are not only talented individuals, but they are also deeply passionate about our mission. With kind hearts and a drive for success, they are committed to seeking out opportunities to uplift communities and foster growth in Uganda. Meet the faces behind our organization below.
Board of Directors
Isabella Tabares- Founder/ Executive Director
Isabella’s academic background includes Global business and Asian studies for her undergrad degrees, followed by a Master's degree in international business with a focus in management, which she pursued in Spain. During her undergraduate years, she immersed myself in Chinese language and culture during a six-month study abroad program in China. Isabella's dedication to both her professional career in human resources and her altruistic endeavors with Footprints showcases her unwavering passion for helping others.
Beyond her work and philanthropy, Isabella cherishes moments with her family and beloved dogs, Dembe and Coffee, savoring the simple pleasures of life. Her wanderlust spirit drives her to explore new cultures, further enriching her understanding and empathy towards others. Rooted in her love for Jesus and her commitment to serving others, Isabella's ultimate goal is to leave a lasting, positive imprint on the world by making someone else's life better.
Joan Nambooze- Secretary (Uganda)
Joan Nambooze, a native of Mukono, Uganda, holds a degree in Development Studies from Makerere University. Her career began at COMBRA in Kampala, assisting individuals with disabilities and leading community outreach. She later worked as a childcare worker at a preschool and now serves as a private tutor at Jace Tutoring Center in Jinja. She actively participates in training programs like Trust-Based Relationship Intervention, Trauma Healing, and Social Emotional Learning, enhancing her adaptability and empathy, especially with children.
Committed to uplifting vulnerable populations, especially in rural Uganda, Joan prioritizes nurturing the academic success and self-esteem of young individuals. She advocates for every child's right to love, care, and support, promoting their holistic development through unwavering encouragement and belief in their potential.
Lisbeth Hadingham- Director of Fundraising and Development
Lis serves as the Executive Vice President of North America at DoxAI, a pioneering technology firm specializing in automation through digitization and Artificial Intelligence. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in financial services, Lis has held key leadership positions including Executive Director at J.P. Morgan and Director at Citi Group. She brings a wealth of expertise in Financial Technology, having spearheaded the growth of large programs and crafted impactful go-to-market strategies for start-up fintech ventures.
Originally from Denmark, Lis cherishes moments with her family and finds joy in exploring the outdoors through activities like hiking, golfing, and skiing. Her passion for innovation and commitment to excellence drive her professional endeavors, making her a dynamic leader in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance.
Frederick McCoy- Director of Legal and Compliance
Fred holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University at Buffalo and has transitioned into entrepreneurship and is an inventor. With extensive experience in various engineering roles, ranging from Project Engineer to Automation Engineer and Aerospace Engineer, Fred decided to venture into working for himself after years of designing products for others. He purchased a small business to gain firsthand experience as an entrepreneur while researching the process of patenting a product. Subsequently, he designed a product for the sporting goods industry, eventually obtaining a patent after several attempts. Now, he aims to sell his product globally, having received rave reviews from the USA snowboarding team during their Summer training in the Swiss Alps.
Outside of work, Fred enjoys trading Credit Spreads, cycling in the countryside, and watercolor painting. Seasonal activities that he is engaged are hunting and fly-fishing. He is driven by a desire to help others and hopes to make a meaningful impact by addressing their needs.
Alldina Nikovic- Treasurer/ Director of Marketing
Alldina Nikovic is a driven individual passionate about making a positive impact. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration from Rutgers University, where she honed her skills in administration and community engagement. Building upon her commitment to serving others, she pursued a Master's degree in Special Education, deepening her understanding of inclusivity and support for diverse populations. Currently, Alldina is dedicated to furthering her expertise as a postgraduate student, striving to become a Behavior Analyst. Her unwavering compassion shines through in her dedication to giving back to the community and her tireless efforts to serve those in need, embodying the spirit of empathy and altruism.