Susanne Wilson
Executive Director
Susanne brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, higher education, philanthropy, and international development. Her expertise includes fundraising, strategic planning, donor engagement, organizational growth, and building partnerships that create meaningful, lasting change.
A Career Dedicated to Making a Difference
Prior to joining MPA, Susanne served as Executive Director of the Himalayan Youth Foundation, supporting educational opportunities and brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young adults in Nepal.
Previously, she spent nearly a decade as Executive Director of Water to Thrive, an international nonprofit dedicated to providing clean, safe drinking water to communities in East Africa. During her leadership, she strengthened fundraising programs, expanded donor engagement, cultivated strategic partnerships, and helped grow the organization’s reach and impact. Water to Thrive has funded approximately 2,000 water projects, benefiting more than one million people in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Susanne also brings extensive experience in higher education, having served as Executive Director of the Foundation and Institutional Advancement Officer at Henderson Community College in Kentucky. In this role, she led fundraising and advancement initiatives, cultivated relationships with donors and community partners, and helped expand opportunities for students through philanthropic support.
Throughout her career, Susanne has been passionate about connecting people who want to make a difference with opportunities to transform lives. Her experience spans major gift development, corporate and foundation partnerships, special events, board development, monthly giving programs, and building sustainable fundraising strategies.
Education and Professional Expertise
Susanne holds a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University, a Master of Science in Secondary Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences, both from the University of Southern Indiana. She also earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Her combination of business leadership, education, and international development experience provides a strong foundation for advancing MPA’s mission and expanding its impact.
A Passion for Africa and Empowering Communities
Having worked extensively in international development, particularly in East Africa, Susanne has witnessed firsthand how access to resources and opportunities can transform individuals, families, and entire communities.
She believes strongly in empowering people to build sustainable futures for themselves and their families, a philosophy that aligns beautifully with MPA’s mission.
“I’m thrilled to join Microfinancing Partners in Africa and build upon the important work this organization has accomplished. I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary things that happen when people are given access to opportunities and the resources they need to succeed. I look forward to getting to know our supporters and partners, sharing the stories of the people whose lives are being transformed, and working together to expand MPA’s impact.”
Getting to Know Susanne
Originally from Kentucky, Susanne brings a love of people, community, and adventure to everything she does.
Beyond her professional life, she is an enthusiastic world traveler who loves exploring new cultures, meeting people, and discovering what makes communities unique. An avid solo traveler, she has explored destinations throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Tom Angote
PROGRAMS Director
Tom Angote serves as Programs Director for Microfinancing Partners in Africa, strengthening community-based programs and partnerships across Africa. He studied Project Management and Monitoring & Evaluation and brings more than 12 years of experience leading community development programs with a U.S.-based organization, coordinating local partners and field activities and overseeing projects designed for sustainable impact. Tom is passionate about empowering families and communities through entrepreneurship, practical skills, and access to opportunities that build financial independence, resilience, and stronger futures for generations to come. He lives in Nairobi, Kenya, with his wife and two children and enjoys spending time with his family and engaging with communities to better understand their needs and identify practical ways to support their growth.
Sarah Banks
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Sarah Banks brings three years of nonprofit experience to her role as Operations Coordinator at Microfinancing Partners in Africa. With a background in grant administration and special events, she is passionate about building meaningful connections, bringing people together, and supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference.
Sarah is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to MPA’s mission of creating sustainable opportunities and empowering individuals, families, and communities across Africa.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their three children.