Founder & President

Kevin Hershock, Founder and President of Be A Number, initiated the organization during his time at Hillsdale College in 2010. His global journey to deliver clothing to children in need led him to Uganda, where he lived with Kenyan missionaries and founded Magdalene's Bakery, Be A Number's first vocational project.

Kevin's commitment centers on empowering young mothers to break the cycle of poverty through education and self-sustainability. Over a decade of dedicated work has reinforced his belief that children learn resilience and determination from their mothers

Recognizing the power of community-led organizations, Kevin advocates for collaboration. Amidst the challenges of COVID-19, Be A Number established a vocational training center, teaching teen mothers sewing skills.

Kevin's visionary leadership continues to drive Be A Number's mission, inspiring positive change and empowerment.

Director | Project Partner

Simon Peter Wilobo is the Founder and Head of Office at the Youth Development Organisation Uganda (YDO). His journey is deeply rooted in the turbulent times of his birth, coinciding with the heightened armed conflict between the Lord's Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda in the Northern region where he hails from. Simon bore witness to the abduction and loss of many friends, as well as the survival of others, albeit often with enduring disabilities.

Before establishing YDO, Simon dedicated his efforts to serving his community through roles at Gulu Bible Community Church (GBCC), where he initiated the "Renew Gulu" Child Sponsorship Program, providing hundreds of vulnerable children with access to quality education. His journey then led him to Watoto Childcare Ministries, where he gained invaluable experience working with vulnerable women and children.

Simon's professional growth continued with his employment at Abt Associates Inc., an American company committed to creating social impact through cutting-edge research, guiding individuals from vulnerability to security.

Simon Peter Wilobo's life story is a testament to his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by conflict, with YDO and its partners leading the way towards brighter futures for the most vulnerable in Uganda.

Secretary

Kaitlin brings over a decade of experience in driving positive change through effective project management in her role at the State of Michigan. She serves as a dynamic force behind continuous improvement initiatives within her agency, constantly seeking opportunities for enhancements, streamlining processes, and fostering innovation.

Her dedication to humanitarian efforts is characterized by her unwavering belief in the power of individual actions. Kaitlin understands that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change, ultimately transforming the lives of those in need.

Kaitlin holds a bachelor's degree in English from Alma College and a master's in Project Management from Davenport University. In her free time, she enjoys the great outdoors with her husband and two children.

Director | Project Partner

Zawadi Kibumba is a Congolese refugee living in Battle Creek, Michigan, and the founder and president of the Uwezo Swahili Community. Through this community organization, Zawadi works directly with Central African refugees, offering essential services such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, housing assistance, job search support, and more. His primary goal is to provide sustainable and productive services to help his fellow refugees integrate and thrive in their new environment.

Zawadi's work is driven by a deep commitment to his community and a personal understanding of the challenges faced by refugees. He has created a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can access the resources they need to rebuild their lives. The Uwezo Swahili Community not only provides immediate assistance but also focuses on long-term empowerment through education and skills training.

Under Zawadi's leadership, the organization has grown to become a vital resource for refugees in the area. His efforts have helped many individuals find stable housing, secure employment, and improve their language skills, significantly enhancing their ability to adapt and succeed in their new surroundings. Zawadi's dedication ensures that refugees have access to the opportunities necessary to build successful lives in the United States. His vision and leadership continue to inspire and uplift the entire community.

Director

Derek S. Adolf, a dynamic legal and business professional, joined Soave Enterprises L.L.C. in 2021. With a history dating back to 1961, Soave Enterprises has evolved into a leading multi-state organization in waste management and environmental services, alongside its diverse interests in real estate, industrial services, and hydroponics.

As Vice President, Legal, Derek oversees a broad spectrum of legal affairs, including real estate transactions, mergers, acquisitions, and employment matters, contributing significantly to the company's strategic growth and operational excellence.

Derek's career began in 1992 at Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C., specializing in corporate law and complex business transactions. His journey led him to PRS Equities Limited as VP and COO, where he honed his expertise in strategic planning and corporate counsel. Before joining Soave Enterprises, he established his own legal and business consulting firms and was part of Dean & Fulkerson, P.C.

A University of Michigan alum, Derek holds a B.S.E. in Computer Engineering and dual degrees in Law and Business Administration. He's a dedicated family man, residing in the Detroit area with his wife and two children. His leadership and vision continue to shape Soave Enterprises' success and innovation.

Director

Robert Kioko is a Kenyan missionary living in the post-war zone of Gulu, Uganda. He serves over 500 children through the school he runs in Gulu City. With a deep commitment to education and community development, Robert has become a vital link between cultures, providing support and updates to sponsors about the progress of the children.

Previously, Robert worked directly with sponsored children, ensuring they received the necessary resources and education. He also played a crucial role in a program that empowered women by helping them submit business plans, securing funding, and overseeing their businesses. His focus on self-sustainability is evident in his passion for growing food and serving his community.

Robert's dedication to improving the lives of those in Gulu is unwavering. He strives to create a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow, and women can achieve financial independence. His work not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term development and self-sufficiency within the community. Through his efforts, Robert continues to inspire and uplift those around him, making a significant impact on the lives of many.

Director

Elizabeth Carr has supported Be A Number since its inception and now serves on the Board of Directors. In the first years after the organization's founding, Liz coordinated the college ambassador program, helped establish our social media presence and participated in several shirt drops.

She has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications roles across non-profit, private, publicly traded and higher education organizations, with a focus on health care for most of her career.

Liz earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and Spanish from Hillsdale College and is currently working toward her master's degree in strategic communication at Michigan State University.

Director

Andrew Otage is a dedicated community leader hailing from Entebbe, Uganda, with a fervent passion for fostering development and bridging gaps between public and private sectors. As a development arbiter for the Municipal Council, he spearheads advocacy, dialogue, and policy initiatives aimed at propelling socio-economic progress. Andrew's multifaceted role extends beyond administrative duties; he also serves as a counselor and life minister, embodying a holistic approach to community empowerment. His love for nature and the arts fuels his commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for all. Andrew Otage's unwavering dedication and vision exemplify his role as a catalyst for positive change in Uganda's landscape.

Director

Kevin Romeo grew up listening to 90’s country, grunge and classical music while cleaning stalls and baling hay on a small farm. He's a filmmaker and entrepreneur and has spent the last 13 years building Rhino, a story company.

In addition to producing and directing commercial work, Romeo has directed the documentary films “The Michigan Beer Film”, “My Turn” and “Where Ya Been? (The Luke Bell Film) and hosts the “Crazy Beats Big” podcast featuring creative entrepreneurs and their stories.

He resides in Kalamazoo, MI on a suburban ranch with his wife and children and regularly paints portraits of Johnny Cash and Leadbelly.

Director

Eric Schweller is currently in his 5th year of Orthopedic Surgery Residency. Hailing from Bellbrook, OH, Eric pursued his undergraduate studies at Hillsdale College and completed his medical education at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

During his career, Eric spent four years with the United States Air Force as a Flight Surgeon, allowing him to travel the world and collaborate with exceptional leaders. He has actively contributed to numerous organizations, always striving to enhance processes and leave a lasting positive impact.

Eric is married to the love of his life, Adele Schweller, and together they are parents to three wonderful children, Jacob, Natalie, and Darcy. When not immersed in his medical work, they relish family hikes, lively dance parties, and actively engage in making a difference in the lives of those around them.

Director

Nick serves as the Relationship and Program Manager at the National Christian Foundation in the Southwest Florida office. In his role, Nick has the opportunity to serve Givers and facilitate conversations around whole-life generosity, as well as effective, collective giving.

With a B.A. from Hillsdale College and a decade of experience in organizations ranging from SaaS start-ups to global non-profits, and most recently Chick-fil-A, Nick thoroughly enjoys his ‘front-row seat’ to see the kingdom advance through our leveraged stewardship and true hospitality.

When not working, Nick enjoys the Wall Street Journal, golf, and horticulture. Nick and his wife, Amanda, live in Naples, Florida.