Meet the Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Executive Director / CEO

Benetick Kabua Maddison

Director of Operations

April L. Brown, PhD

Women's Program & Operations Coordinator

Marcina Langrine

Community Outreach Coordinator

Carlnis Jerry

Matthew John

Project Specialist & Music Coordinator

Marino Morris

Media Specialist & Art Coordinator

Mia "Molina" Bien

Community Outreach Assistant

Advisors

Jessica A. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Academic Advisor

Tina Stege

International Liaison

MEI Board of Directors

Lori Williamson

Wana Bing

Sevin Gallo, Ph.D., Secretary

Paul Lokebol Swington

Glenn Alcalay, Ph.D.

1st Marshallese-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization established in Arkansas, est. July 2013
4 full-time and 10 part-time Marshallese staff
Received 501(c)(3) status in May 2014
20,000 - Marshallese residing in NWA, where MEI is based
Latest major event: hosted Nuclear Remembrance Day 2025: at the Riverside Church in NYC
Latest award: named Health Hero from Physicians for Social Responsibility for nuclear awareness work in 2024
Coolest Fact: Showcased Marshallese youth art in exhibits at the United Nations in NYC and Geneva, and in NYC Times Square