WATW President, Michael Lewis, DC
The idea for Write Around the World came to me while I was preparing for my ride around the world. I knew that the poverty I would encounter on my trip would have a profound effect on me, especially as it related to the children. I knew I would want to do something, but wasn’t sure I could do much. Pencils! I could send kids pencils! And now, after a lot of hard work, I have a great group of friends that are sending pencils (and so much more!) to kids I that I am meeting on my journey.

mike@writearoundtheworld.org

Michelle Gantz, Director

I am excited to be one of the newer members of the Write Around the World board. I have a love for travel and curiosity in the cultures of the world. For the past 10 years I have been hosting yoga and surfing retreats in Mexico and Central America with VIA YOGA. I like the idea of shifting my focus to under-privliged children of the world.

I am leading the Foto Bolovia project for WATW as part of the Seattle contingent.

michelleg@writearoundtheworld.org

Michelle Mestas, Director
I suppose I am the Midwest "Chapter" of Write Around the World's board. I live in Poplar Bluff, Missouri with my two beautiful daughters and my husband Clay. My focus with Write Around the World has been on importing handcrafted goods from Guatemala and organizing fundraising efforts here in the States. Buying the goods directly from the craftspeople helps keeps the women with their families and out of the labor-intensive coffee and cornfields. This way, the school supplies that are sent back to their children were a direct result of their talent and hard work. I am also proud to be Mike's sister.

michelle@writearoundtheworld.org

Debbie Barlay, Director
My involvement with Write Around the World happened so instantly. When asked to be a part of an organization that provides underprivileged kids with educational materials…no brainer. I live in Boston and enjoy singing, art, films and design. I look forward to one day traveling to one of the countries where WATW is making a difference!

Karena O'Riordan, Director
I recently moved to Seattle and got involved with Write Around the World because of their education projects in Guatemala and Bolivia. I have traveled extensively in Central and South America, and lived in Guatemala for two years, during which I photographed and directed documentary footage for a literacy program bringing textbooks -- for the first time -- to Mayan villages in southeastern Guatemala. I also did some freelance writing, focusing on community leaders who were improving health care, education, and women's rights in rural Mayan villages. Currently, I am working at Microsoft by day, while staying active and involved in documentary filmmaking, my creative passion.

karena@writearoundtheworld.org

Amy Trulson, Director
I am involved with Write Around the World as an active board member, evangelist and party goer (school supply drives of course)! I also stay active with golf, squash, softball and swimming. I live in West Seattle where the sunsets never get old…

amy@writearoundtheworld.org