Christian Wargo
Executive Director
Christian joined Microfinancing Partners in Africa’s team as executive director in September 2024. With a passion to drive mission-based work that helps improve the lives of others, Christian has spent over 10 years leading teams, implementing operations and systems, and advancing the growth and development of nonprofit organizations. As executive director, Christian builds MPA’s standing in the community to be highly regarded, develops staff to deliver on their best potential, cultivates an engaged and supportive board, ensures the integrity of mission-critical nonprofit organizational regulations and standards, and sets the foundation for the future growth and sustainability of the mission of MPA.
An Ohio native, Christian earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and business administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. After relocating to St. Louis in 2018, Christian loves to be an advocate for the region and the nonprofit sector. He currently serves on the Saint Louis Zoo’s Young Professionals Advisory Board, supports STAGES St. Louis and serves on their development committee, sits on the board of directors for the St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Hospitality Heroes committee with Explore St. Louis.
In his spare time, you can find Christian checking out new restaurants, exploring the arts, sampling bourbon or enjoying a wine tasting, and pampering his cat, Riley, and chihuahua, Emmett.
Prim Mungwari
Program Director
Prim Mungwari is originally from Zimbabwe, where she trained as a human rights lawyer and worked extensively in the field of gender and women’s rights, from an advocacy and program perspective. She has experience in program and grant management, mainly working to empower women to become self-actors and enjoy their rights. Her academic qualifications include a Masters in U.S law with a certificate in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Masters in Public Administration from the School of Public Policy, Central European University (Hungary).
Prim enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning new cultures, and experimenting with food – She is also the wife to Michael and mum to Zivah and Eli!
Lea Brinson
Development Director
Lea Brinson (Chandrl), Microfinancing Partners in Africa, CFRE, GPC has worked in the non-profit field for more than 20 years and wants to help your organization meet and exceed its fundraising and marketing goals.
Lea has worked in a variety of fields and positions that have allowed her to have a wealth of experience in all aspects of non-profit management. Lea holds a master’s degree in non-profit management from SIUE and holds both the CFRE and GPC credentials. Lea is passionate about working with non-profit organizations to help them make an impact on the world. Highlights of Lea’s 20+ year career in the non-profit field include:
- Successfully running annual campaigns that exceed $5 million annually
- Designing and executing a $70 million capital campaign
- Writing federal grants, foundation grants and corporate grant proposals totaling over $50 million in funding
- Managing special events for non-profit organizations and exceeding prior revenue by over 250%
Elyssa Landrum
Office Manager
Elyssa Landrum is a dedicated administrative professional with over nine years of experience across various industries, including education, research, and customer service. Currently serving as the Office Manager at Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA), Elyssa plays a pivotal role in supporting the organization’s mission to empower individuals in Africa by helping them create sustainable income sources. She manages the day-to-day operations, oversees donor database management, and assists with event planning, communications, and bookkeeping.
Elyssa is instrumental in maintaining smooth program operations, providing administrative and technological support, and ensuring efficient management of office and team functions. Her attention to detail and ability to develop streamlined processes enable the MPA team to thrive in their mission-driven work. Elyssa’s leadership and strong organizational skills have made her a key player in ensuring the success of MPA’s initiatives.
Elyssa holds an Associate of Arts degree from Lewis and Clark Community College, where she graduated with academic honors. Based in the Greater St. Louis area, she continues to seek opportunities that allow her to combine her passion for administration, nonprofit work, and team leadership.
Melanie Korn
Marketing Manager
Meet Melanie, a versatile digital marketing coordinator at Microfinancing Partners in Africa, who joined our team in 2012. She has a passion for cause marketing and motivating individuals to give back to their communities and to those in need around the globe.
Melanie’s role at Microfinancing Partners in Africa goes beyond managing our digital platforms. She is also responsible for using her graphic design skills and content development expertise to create engaging and informative content for our donors and supporters.
Melanie’s dedication to our mission extends beyond the workplace. She has traveled to Africa twice, in 2012 and 2015, to witness firsthand the transformative effects of microfinance on local communities.
Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family. They love to explore new destinations, bike together, and play outside.