Jeanne Ratzloff, Founder and Director
In 2008 we started working with Congolese women refugees living in the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Uganda. In 2009 we founded Peopleweaver as a US-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 2011 I retired from the Institute of Telecommunication Sciences, where I had worked as a computer specialist. I now focus my attention on Peopleweaver.
Working in Kyangwali has enriched and expanded my worldview.
"The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that’s wrong with the world.” (Dr. Paul Farmer)
Anne Gilliam
Among Anne's grandchildren, she has a granddaughter and grandson adopted from Ethiopia. During the children's adoption process, Anne traveled to Ethiopia with her daughter. She later founded the organization “Women Equipped”, which works with Ethiopian women to enhance economic and educational opportunities.
Anne has a Master’s degree in education.
Dixie Piland
I have worked with children and youth all my adult life and I love them! Although I retired from teaching in the public school many years ago, I still get my ‘kid fix’ teaching Sunday School and playing with my grandkids.
Traveling is also a passion of mine. As Danny Kaye said, “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” I have been very lucky to travel with my husband, grandkids, and friends to Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, Canada, Mexico, England, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and to live in Japan and England for extended periods of time.
Gardening, reading, working out five times a week (love that Zumba), riding my horse, loving on my dog, and volunteering for my church take up the rest of my time.
I am honored to serve on the Peopleweaver board.
Katharine Walker
Katharine is the owner and creator of KatWalk's Artisan Jewelry.
Katharine has a degree in Social Work from the University of Denver and, for many years, she worked as a Social Worker.
Gayle Weiss
Gayle has traveled extensively and has valuable insights about people’s living conditions and opportunities. Her son and his family have lived in Zimbabwe for many years and she has traveled there several times. She has many grandchildren, including one adopted from China, three from Ethiopia, and one from Russia.
She is a graduate of Duke University and is retired.
George Soule
George is logistics and project manager.
From Boy Scouts I learned to “be prepared” and that’s what I try to do when Jeanne and I travel to Uganda – how to keep out of trouble, how to get around, where to sleep and eat, what to do for money, etc. Another duty is to act as editor for Peopleweaver documents and website write-ups.
I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and have worked in aerospace all of my adult life. I’m now semi-retired, continuing to work part-time – I enjoying working with a great bunch of people on challenging projects.