Give Basic Needs Team Members

Get to know the incredible individuals who fuel our mission. Our team is a diverse group of passionate souls united by a common purpose: to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place.

Angee Meen
Fundraising Coordinator

Little about me…

I'm a seasoned philanthropist and nonprofit founder with a strong background in operations and systems. My passion for social impact is matched only by my ability to strategically organize and execute complex projects.

Outside of Happy Team, you can find Angee down a rabbit hole or singing in the aisles of random retail stores. The lucky will catch her dancing, thinking no one is looking. If you've lost her in a museum, it's because she's three rooms behind, reading every word and staring at every pixel. When in nature, she will likely be improperly dressed for the occasion and accept all food offered. You are allowed to feed this animal.

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

Baaing like a sheep. And perhaps some other animals, if it’s a good day.

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

Something weird like paccheri or bucatini. Most important aspect being that I am delicious with anything from butter & herbs to a rich & thick red sauce. Totally tubular.

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Luke Colussi
Program Assistant

Little about me....

"I am a new graduate working as a COTA in the rehabilitation field. In my free time, I enjoy building Legos and sand castles, watching Formula 1 and other touring car championships, skiing, and traveling."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"My winged scapula." 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"Linguine because it's the simple things that matter."

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Salam Mahamadu
Country Director of Operations and Support

Little about me....

"I am a young visionary individual. I'm business-minded but with a lot of passion for supporting others. Over the years, I have worked with nonprofit projects in executing activities that promote love, compassion, and happiness across my country, Ghana, especially in the Northern region. I founded my own nonprofit educational, entrepreneurial, and charity think tank in 2016 called Centre for Liberty and subsequently aligned my nonprofit objectives with GiveDirect in late 2017, hence performing all activities, programs, and projects as a community champion for GiveDirect. This provided me the opportunity to reach out to more people, therefore creating more impact. Today, I am the Program Assistant for Give Basic Needs in Ghana, and I still go very well along with my business activities as a self-employed entrepreneur.

I am a graduate of the University of Ghana and the University for Development Studies with certificates in Master's in Business Administration and Finance and a Bachelor's of Science, Accounting, and Finance, respectively.

I'm passionate about positive change in the lives of rural people."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"Motorbike skills." 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"Rotini because I just go and go!"

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Meghan Callender
Marketing Brand Manager

Little about me…

I'm a dynamic young professional with a passion for building relationships and community outreach. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and currently reside in Scottsdale, Arizona. Using my skills in communication and strategic problem-solving, I have established a career in the finance field working as a commissions analyst. I am known for my creativity, people skills, and adaptability, which I utilize daily to provide exceptional organizational support both internally and externally.

Outside of work, I enjoy hobbies that promote health and wellness, personal development, and broadening my social network. Nothing makes me happier than a sunset bike ride with my favorite people, followed by cooking a delicious meal and starting a new book.

 

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

My fashion sense, the world is my runway!

 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

Gnocchi because I can shine in any sauce

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Kevin Colussi
CFO / CTO / Program Assistant

Little about me....

"As a happily married, full-time nomad living in a cargo van conversion. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my kids and lovely wife, Abbie, while creating more happiness in the world. I geek out over meditation, yoga, blockchain technology, science, medical research, and economic markets."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"Electric long-board carving skills." 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"I would be rigatoni pasta because I ate tons of it growing up, I'm strong and can hold my sauce."

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August Domanchuk
Program Assistant

Little about me…

I’m a systems thinker, a musician, a writer, and an altruist. I’m a musician on a mission to bring like-minded communities together in meaningful and momentous ways. My mission as a musician is to empower introspection and personal reflection, and to increase global empathy and global awareness. To empower individuals and communities to step outside their system, outside their world, to put themselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. My long-term goal and my life long goal is to become an Emergent Strategist, specifically Adrienne Maree Brown's exemplification. To solve problems by zooming out and working it out. By looking at whole systems and the whole picture. By working towards a strong greater purpose and by forging shared visions, we can achieve much more than what we had previously thought possible. My mission is to help guide and empower more effective altruists in this world. To empower more people to care. To empower people to take action. To inspire new generations of musicians, and new generations of Emergent Strategists to address these pressing problems. As Albert Einstein said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.’ It’s time to adopt a new perspective. And this perspective must be built together.

See August James Live at AugustJames.Live

 

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

‘My Voice! I’m a guitarist, a singer, and a passionate writer. I’d wow everyone with my singing voice along with my writer's voice. 

 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

Bow Tie Pasta. Because I’m very creative and good at tying things together. 

Elaina Colussi
Program Assistant

Little about me....

"I currently live in Oregon after graduating from the University of Oregon back in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Ethnic Studies. I consider Montana home, but I have lived in three other states (and visited 41 others). I spent several years as a copywriter and website project manager before joining Give Basic Needs as the Program Manager. I love to travel, hang out with my cats, play RPGs, and make bread. Someday, I'd like to visit all seven continents. Only five more to go!"

If we held an office talent show, I'd wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"Randomly quoting all sorts of movies and TV shows."

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"I'd be farfalle because I like to have fun!"

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Abbie Colussi
CEO / Program Assistant

Little about me....

"I am lucky in that I am married to my high school sweetheart and best friend. We have three wonderful children together. We are full-time nomads traveling in our Ford Transit, Frankie. I love traveling around to see our kids and spending time outdoors, either on the water or in the mountains."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"Ability to dance to any Zumba song." 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"Stuffed shells because I love cheese!!"

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Kristina Kury
Fundraising Coordinator/Marketing Analyst

Little about me....

"I'm a versatile entrepreneur with a proven track record in philanthropy, event management, and marketing. I have over 13 years of experience in the marketing industry with brands such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Wolfgang Puck, and Sky Zone. I bring a wealth of experience and expertise and have a talent for achieving impactful results.

When she’s not focused on Happy Team, you’ll find Kristina outside camping, hiking, and enjoying nature as much as possible. She’s also the co-host of the silly podcast Laughing With Gingers."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"With my laugh — it can make babies cry, dogs howl, and restart pacemakers!" 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"Homemade linguini because it gets invited to all the fun parties."

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Daniel Colussi
Program Assistant

Little about me....

"I am a Chef who attended the Culinary Institute of America and am currently living in Scottsdale, Arizona. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family, watching F1, skiing, and being outside."

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"My hibachi skills." 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"Orecchiette, because they are silly and can be used in many ways."

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Benjamin Alagyira
Multi-Platform Content & Engagement Manager

Little about me…

 I am a professional teacher based in Ghana who loves sharing knowledge and helping young minds grow. Teaching is something I truly enjoy, but I also have a creative side; I’m a photographer with a passion for travel, storytelling, and discovering new places; putting all my experiences into content and sharing them online

I’m always curious and open to learning new things, whether it’s tech, media, or something totally random. I love inspiring and connecting with people, and making sure our message reaches the right audience in fun and meaningful ways.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me behind the camera, planning my next trip, or learning something new online.

 

If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my [blank] talent.

"My photography skills and maybe even turning a boring meeting room into a photo studio"

 

If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?

"I’d be fusilli because I’ve got twists, creativity, and I’m great at mixing things up!"

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