Our Team
Sylvia Otieno, Founder & CEO
Sylvia, a Kenyan-American with experience in international development, is the founder of Neema Grace Fund, created to strengthen grassroots healthcare and education in Kenya. Her heritage and professional work in community-driven initiatives shaped the organization’s mission. She also serves as an External Affairs Senior Analyst at Lwala Community Alliance. Sylvia enjoys traveling, exploring cultures, and connecting with diverse communities.
Mercy Angweye, Program Consultant
Mercy is a seasoned finance executive and CPA-K with over 20 years strengthening financial systems in Kenya’s health, education, and development sectors. As Deputy Director of Funds Management at the Social Health Authority, she supports national health financing and UHC. She holds an MBA and is pursuing a PhD. Passionate about governance and service, she supports Neema Grace Foundation’s mission to expand access to quality care and education for all everywhere
Our Board
Dr. Robert J Wilson Jr, DDS, Chair
Dr. Bob Wilson is part of a three-generation legacy at Wilson Family Dentistry, founded by his father in 1958. He has held leadership roles in the Maryland State Dental Association and serves as a Trustee on the American Dental Association Board. A 2023 mission trip to Kenya deepened his passion for service, and joining the Neema Grace Fund aligns with his desire to help others. He enjoys traveling, family time, boating, skiing, and flying.
Dr. Mark E. Nehring, DMD, MPH, Vice Chair
Mark has devoted his career to public health and community service. After 30 years of federal service leading oral health programs and a decade as an academic chair at Tufts University, he remains committed to expanding access to care. He has supported international community-based initiatives and helped launch a mission in Kenya. Now he brings his experience to the Neema Grace Fund. Mark values relationships, service, family time, and hiking in scenic places.
Dr. Linda Otieno MD,MPH, Treasurer
Dr. Linda Otieno is an ObGyn specializing in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and holds a Master’s in Public Health. She is committed to expanding access to basic healthcare and education and brings strong skills in organization, data-driven decisions, and transparent reporting. With experience in research and clinical leadership, she supports accountable systems. Linda enjoys time with loved ones, podcasts, audiobooks, and staying active outdoors.
Jackie Dalrymple, Secretary
Jackie brings a lifelong commitment to public service. A 2017 trip to Kenya inspired her to co-found the Damascus United Methodist Church Mission in Kenya, supporting early education and maternal health. As a founding Board member of the Neema Grace Fund, she is excited to strengthen grassroots healthcare and education. Her career includes 28 years as an FBI Special Agent and 13 as an intelligence analyst. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University and a Master’s in Counseling from Temple University.In retirement, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially the new joys of being a grandmother.
Karen Taylor, Board Member
Karen is excited to join the Neema Grace Fund, using her 37 years as an elementary school teacher to support initiatives that connect students and families with resources and community engagement. She earned a BA in Education from Wittenberg University and a Master’s-equivalent in reading instruction. Karen enjoys hiking, biking, and volunteering with young learners, reading to first graders and encouraging cooperation and curiosity about the world.