Little Dresses for Africa, a non-profit 501c3 Christian organization, was established in 2008. Little Dresses for Africa distributes little dresses made of pillow cases throughout many parts of Africa, to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy.  “We’re not just sending dresses, we’re sending hope.”  The purpose of the ministry is to send hope to the most vulnerable of God’s children: little girls.  To date, LDFA has delivered over 7.5 MILLION little dresses (and also britches for boys)  to 84 countries, 47 countries of which are  in Africa.

Projects are established through clean water, education and community to teach, encourage and deliver tangible hope. Little Dresses for Africa also conducts short term mission trips at least once a year to serve the communities as they distribute the little dresses. LDFA has funded and built The Nan Ray School of Learning Primary School, in the Village of Thobola, Malawi, East Africa, named in honor of Rachel’s mother, an educator, as well as a second primary school in the Mataka Village called Jepthah School of Hope.  

My full-time job has been as an Executive Assistant for AVL Engineering for 15 years. When I turned 50 years old, I took a trip to Africa that changed my life forever. I saw the precious little girls working so hard to prepare food and fetch water, yet when it was time to eat, they went to the back of the line. Their clothes were tattered and you could see in their eyes that they knew they had a long road ahead. I was deeply impacted and inspired to do something to give hope to these vulnerable, poverty stricken girls and women, and so I started Little Dresses for Africa. I am passionate about raising awareness of the plight of little girls in Africa and encouraging community involvement in helping others.

My formal education has helped in this endeavor, as I received a Bachelor of Arts degree, in Sociology, from the University of Michigan, and received my MBA from Central Michigan University. Additionally, have taken courses to educate myself on non-profit organizations and I have learned quite a lot through pure experience.

The greatest challenge in my life is balancing the many things of which I am passionate.  I work full time as an Executive Assistant but I also am very involved with activities with my family, including my two grown children and their children.  My involvement at our local church is a top priority as well.  The challenges with Little Dresses for Africa is simply been the learning of the different culture and how to bring projects to fruition without being on site. It's been amazing to learn and I've loved every minute of it. I really feel like every challenge has the ability to teach me something valuable for the next experience.

I'm not too big on listing my personal strengths. If I have to tell you then I probably need to go work on them. I would say generally speaking I am very positive and excited about what is coming next. I don't worry a lot and I'm not afraid to step out and try things. I believe that all of my experiences have prepared me to make a difference in the job that I am called to through Little Dresses for Africa. As I look back there are pivotal points that lead me to what I'm doing today and I'm very comfortable with it. 

My family and successful marriage is by far my greatest accomplishment. They give me a reason to be. They support my work in Africa 100%. Starting a non-profit has been very fulfilling and satisfying. I enjoyed learning so many new things and establishing deep friendships with my new family in Africa.

I would like to continue to grow the non-profit and see more and more lasting changes. I would like to help empower the women of Africa as they learn  new skills. I'd like to see more schools built in nearby locations in villages so that the orphans and child-headed families can attend with more ease and give them the chance that they deserve. I look forward to having a new building for us to meet in locally and getting more and more people involved with Little Dresses for Africa and making a great impact each year.

I am a firm believer that this ministry is ordained. I am prepared with a strong faith and I am willing and excited to do what I can. The children of Africa and the women are so beautiful and I am drawn to help them because of the blessings that I have received.  I want the world to join hands and help each other where we can, regardless of how big or small.  I want to inspire little girls that they are worthy as individuals. 

I want to be remembered for stepping out of my little corner of the world and making a difference.

• 2017 Woman of Global Change - Alpha Kappa Alpha
• 2017 Distinguished Woman Award - City of Inkster
• 2012 Salute to Women - by The  American Association of University Women  for her role in the enhancement of the lives of children and the encouragement of community involvement
• 2011 The Distinguished Woman Award - by The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Regional Conference
• 2010- Area Community Award - by The Daughters of the American Revolution
• 2009  Making a Difference Award - at both the Local and Regional Levels of the Soroptimists International Society
• 2009 Woman of the Year - by the American Association of University Women
• 2011 - Little Dresses for Africa was listed as a Top Three Finalist at the Classy Awards, San Diego, CA

I am an active member of MetroCity Church and I support Christian endeavors however I am able. 

I enjoy traveling with my husband to new places.  I am very close to my 5 sisters.  I enjoy music and reading.