Grassroots is Growing!

On January 2, Claire Gilbert, Grassroots’ Program Coordinator for Haiti and the Middle East, her partner Dan Nicolai and big brother Benny welcomed Adel Emmett to the world. Adel’s name means « justice » in Arabic.

On February 23, Shannon Duncan Bodwell, Grassroots’ Individual Giving and e-Advocacy Coordinator, and her partner Aaron welcomed Aoife Jane Duncan Bodwell to the world and our community! Pronounced « EE-fa, » her Gaelic name means radiance and beauty. Aoife was also a warrior woman in Irish mythology.

On November 13, Sara Mersha, Grassroots’ Director of Grantmaking and Advocacy, her partner Glynn Lloyd and big sister Grace welcomed Ayana Desta Mersha-Lloyd to the world. Ayana means « holiday » or « day of rest » in Oromo, her great grandmother’s tribe in Ethiopia, and it also means « eternal blossom » in a Native American language which connects to her father’s heritage. Her older sister, Grace, chose the name Ayana.

“The young, free to act on their initiative, can lead their elders in the direction of the unknown,” wrote anthropologist Margaret Mead. “The children, the young, must ask the questions that we would never think to ask…” We can’t wait to follow our Grassroots A-Team into the future, and we’re so happy they’re here.