Meet Our Board
Shining Light International is supported and strengthened by a wonderful active board comprised of international professionals, business men, and nonprofit experts. Everything that we do is made possible these leaders who give generously of their time and resources to advocate for hope and education in Northern Pakistan.
The SLI Board of Directors
Gary Uber: Board Chairman
Gary has a lot of business savvy. We greatly value his humor and positivity. He is one of our biggest and long term supporters of the work in Pakistan. He has been key in helping us fund different projects and inspired vision for the monthly donor program; “The Ray of Hope Club”.
James Groves: Board Vice-Chairman
We are so impressed with James’ eagerness to invest in SLI and its mission in Pakistan. He is humble, generous, and eager to serve. His business experience has proven invaluable to SLI’s future as we seek to expand our presence and impact in northern Pakistan.
Charles (Chuck) E. Odegaard : (Former Chairman)
We value his wisdom and vast experience in Central Asia, his practical knowledge and his pastor’s heart. He has served over 25 years in Central Asia in every “Stan” country. He has guided SLI through many sticky situations with the Pakistani government and officials. He has guided the SLI board well over the years and we are blessed by his humble, servant leadership.
Tyler Gordon: Board Secretary
SLI is so thankful for his leadership abilities. He handles a lot of responsibility well and is very reliable. Steadfast is a word we would use to describe him. He understands Pakistan well because of living there for so many years and setting up businesses there. We value his input on the board and especially in operational decisions.
Sarah Ray: Board Member
Sarah is our newest board member, but has been a valued partner in our mission for nearly 10 years. She first travelled to Pakistan in 2013 and helped pilot the first Entrepreneurial Business Training course to women and trained the women in our Women’s Empowerment program on fashion design, quality control and how to manufacture various accessories for retail sale in the USA. That launched our LifeStitch manufacturing program and opened the way for developing even more effective entrepreneurial business training courses through Neema Development Co. But more importantly, we discovered how talented, intelligent, gracious, encouraging, passionate and committed Sarah is to bring Hope and good to all people.
Mike Gordon: CEO- Ex Officious Board Member
Mike has a contagious passion for the people of northern Pakistan. With a background in Industrial Construction Management, he has worked in various places, with many different companies in the US and abroad in project planning, management and consulting services, all of which have served to help him lead and operate SLI with diligence, passion, and steadfast commitment.
Leonie Kent: Ex Officio Board Member
Leonie has been our most frequent visitor to Pakistan. Her vision and passion for the mission of SLI is contagious. She’s a gifted speaker and mobilizer and one of our strongest advocates for the work in northern Pakistan. She has practical insight and wisdom because of her many years of involvement with the organization.
Shining Light International would not be where it is today without the wisdom, input, and sacrifices of this Board of Directors who have helped propel the mission forward.