My Journey to Uganda, Nonprofit Leadership, and Building Speakers for Africa
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A Mother, A Mission, and a Life-Changing Decision By Penny Randell
In 1997, after earning my degree in Biology from University of Alaska Anchorage, I made a decision that would shape the rest of my life—and my son’s.
I moved to Kampala with my 12-year-old son, Peyton Thomas.
We began our journey in Nakulabye, where life was extremely difficult. The conditions were challenging, unfamiliar, and at times overwhelming. But those early struggles taught us resilience, perspective, and the importance of community.
After nearly a year, we moved to Nakasero Hill, which offered more stability. During that time, I had the unique opportunity to work on Capital FM’s morning show, performing a parody character known as “Nakumate”—a humorous take on a “white woman who talks too much.” It was lighthearted, but it also connected me deeply with Ugandan culture and people.
How Uganda Introduced Me to Nonprofits
Living in Uganda opened my eyes to the work of international aid organizations and grassroots initiatives. I began volunteering with organizations like:
Samaritan’s Purse
World Vision
Through these experiences, I saw both the impact—and the challenges—of nonprofit work on the ground.
My son and I even attempted to launch a small community-based organization (CBO) that would provide raw materials to local women so they could create crafts and sell them internationally. The idea was simple: empower women through sustainable income.
Unfortunately, due to theft and lack of infrastructure on the ground, the project was not successful. It was a difficult lesson, but an important one.
A Lifelong Connection to Uganda
Despite those early challenges, Uganda became part of who we are.
After living there for nearly three consecutive years, we continued returning regularly. Since the late 1990s, my son and I have either lived in or visited Uganda every single year.
That consistency gave us something many organizations lack:long-term relationships, cultural understanding, and trust within the community.
Founding Speakers for Africa- Speakers for Africa Uganda nonprofit
Fifteen years after our first attempt at grassroots development, my son Peyton Thomas and I co-founded Speakers for Africa, a Uganda nonprofit.
This time, we approached the work differently:
We focused on transparency
We built direct relationships with local leaders
We prioritized sustainable, community-driven projects
Today, our work includes improving education, sanitation, and basic infrastructure for vulnerable children in Uganda.
To learn more about our work and impact, visit:👉 https://www.speakersforafrica.org
My Role as Secretary of a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit— 501(c)(3) nonprofit secretary role
As the Secretary of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, my role is both administrative and legally significant.
Under U.S. federal guidelines and Colorado nonprofit governance standards, the Secretary is responsible for ensuring the organization operates with transparency, accountability, and proper documentation.
Core Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Secretary — Speakers for Africa Uganda nonprofit
1. Maintaining Official RecordsI ensure that all corporate records are accurate and up to date, including:
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws
Board meeting minutes
Organizational resolutions
2. Documenting Board MeetingsI record and maintain detailed minutes for all board meetings. These are not just notes—they are legal records that demonstrate compliance and governance.
3. Ensuring Legal ComplianceI help ensure that Speakers for Africa adheres to:
IRS requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations
State-level nonprofit regulations in Colorado
Internal governance policies
4. Supporting Transparency and AccountabilityTransparency is one of our core values. My role ensures that donors, partners, and stakeholders can trust how the organization operates.
How I Support Speakers for Africa Today
Beyond my formal responsibilities as Secretary, I remain deeply involved in the day-to-day mission of the organization.
I assist with:
Organizational strategy and planning
Donor communication and relationship building
Volunteer coordination
On-the-ground project insight based on decades of experience in Uganda
Most importantly, I bring historical context—over 25 years of firsthand experience in Uganda—to guide our decisions.
Why This Work Matters
Looking back, taking my 12-year-old son to Uganda in 1997 was not the easy choice—but it was the right one.
It shaped both of our lives and ultimately led to the creation of Speakers for Africa.
Today, we continue that mission together—focused on creating real, measurable impact for children and communities who deserve opportunity, dignity, and support. And it empowers me to work on our nonprofit transparency and accountability.
Learn More & Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting our work, learning more, or partnering with us, contact us. info@speakersforafrica.org
Your support helps us continue building sustainable solutions in Uganda—one project, one school, and one community at a time. Learn more about our work at:
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