Andrew Kroes joined Because International in 2015 as president. A jack of all trades, he helps wherever needed, though he spends the majority of his time on strategic planning, financial oversight, relationship-building and special projects....

Nate Ritter joined Because International in 2024 as chief strategy officer after settling down in Idaho following a three-year adventure traveling full-time with his family. With a rich leadership background in tech companies and startups,...

Linnea joined Because in 2018 and now serves as director of marketing and as a member of the leadership team. Ahead of joining the team at Because, Linnea spent several years working at Northwest Nazarene...

Sarah Hille started with Because International in 2018 as a volunteer before joining part-time in 2019 and transitioning to full-time shortly after. As the director of entrepreneurship programs, she is responsible for all-things accelerator—from recruiting...

Jeanne joined Because as director of donor relations in April 2023 after more than 20 years working in the nonprofit space amongst organizations with missions ranging from conservation to social justice. Most recently, Jeanne was...

Japheth joined Because as East Africa Distribution Partner in 2018 after meeting Founder Kenton Lee in 2007 while he was in Kenya. Japheth oversees factory and field quality control of The Shoe That Grows, as...

Harliet joined Because in early 2024 to support entrepreneurs and alumni of the Because Accelerator. Prior to joining the team, she attended Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya to study public relations and marketing. Later, she...

Angie joined the Because team as accelerator coordinator in March 2023 after spending several years as a developmental specialist. In her previous role, Angie worked alongside individuals with disabilities to help them achieve meaningful careers...

Kyle joined Because in the spring of 2024 as our key account manager, responsible for providing support to organizations and individuals who are distributing The Shoe That Grows. Before moving to Idaho, he lived in...

Logan, Key Account Coordinator, joined Because in May 2023. In his role, Logan is responsible for packing and shipping The Shoe That Grows around the world for distribution, as well as supporting customers who are...

Kelly, customer success manager, joined Because in 2022 after gaining relevant experience at the nonprofit Mission Aviation Fellowship. Prior to that, Kelly spent nearly five years working with TVSL of Idaho as the Chief Operating...

Karli, customer success coordinator, is a recent social work graduate. At Because, Karli will come alongside supporters to assist them with any questions they have about ordering shoes, donating or anything else they may need....