Make an Impact with MEDA

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MEDA Canada

595 Parkside Drive, Suite 2
Waterloo, ON, Canada
N2L 0C7

MEDA US

33 N. Market St., Ste. 400
Lancaster, PA, USA
17603-3805

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Call Our Team

1 (800) 665 7026

Gifts

In Honour

Honor a loved one with a gift to MEDA. Complete the form and indicate if you would like us to send someone a notification of your tribute gift.

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In Celebration

Mark a special occasion in someone’s life by making a donation to MEDA. Complete the form and indicate if you would like us to send a notification of your gift.

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Of Securities and Estate

A gift of stocks, mutual funds, or bonds is an easy way to maximize your charitable giving. With a gift of estate, you can impact the lives of entrepreneurs for years to come.

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With Your Support, We Can Create Opportunities in Central America

Your gift provides entrepreneurs with access to critical resources to ensure they can turn their business dreams into reality
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Special Projects

The Dagaa Research Project

Your gift to this research project led by Dr. Deo Namwira, helps to identify the impact of increasing international trade of dagaa on dried fish value chain actors around the African great lakes region and in major urban markets in Canada, assess the sustainability of this trade, and consider possible alternative sources of supply in Canada.

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How your donation is used to change lives

Your donations are an integral part of our mission to create business solutions to poverty.

We rely on your generous support to cover the remaining costs required to run projects in the global South. All donations of any amount are appreciated and are used to cover the project expenses that are not fully covered by institutional grants.

Every dollar donated through private support is leveraged, on average, 5 times when paired with institutional funding. With your support we can ensure:

  • People find success in business, earn a decent living wage, and provide for their families.
  • Communities thrive from increased investment, the right tools, training and business supports.
  • Economies are transformed to create lasting, sustainable impact that remains long after our projects have closed.

Our Global Impact FY2022

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Our Impact
Your Impact in Nicaragua 2022
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Your Impact in Ethiopia 2022
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2022 Annual Report

Through your generous support, MEDA continued to make a lasting impact in FY22, supporting 167,017 direct clients and 561,655 indirect clients to realize healthier, more economically sustainable lives through our work.

For stories of impact and financial statements, read our latest report.

Download Our Annual Report
MEDA Annual Report - 2022

MEDA Annual Report - 2022

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Be part of our mission to create lasting change through business

For over 70 years, MEDA has been creating business solutions to poverty that are sustainable, scalable, measurable and replicable. MEDA has worked in over 70 countries and brings a unique market systems approach to project design that integrates technical assistance and access to capital.

We believe that all people deserve the opportunity to earn a livelihood and that unleashing entrepreneurship is a powerful way to alleviate poverty.

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Meet the Development Team

Reach out to our Resource Development officers to learn more about our work, our goals for the future, and how you can make an impact with us.

Mike Miller

Mike Miller

Sr. Director, Resource Development | Sr. Development Officer, Western United States & Europe

Based in Kansas, U.S.A, Mike is the Senior Director of Resource Development at MEDA, leading the global resource development team. Mike also serves as the Senior Development Officer for the Western United States and Europe.   

Prior to joining MEDA, Mike had a long career in personal finance, wealth management, and charitable estate planning. Mike is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and graduated from Williams College (Williamstown, MA).  

Mike is passionate about helping people use their assets to make positive change and leave a legacy that reflects their values.  

Contact Mike

Sr. Director, Resource Development | Sr. Development Officer, Western United States & Europe

Mike Miller

Sr. Director, Resource Development | Sr. Development Officer, Western United States & Europe

Based in Kansas, U.S.A, Mike is the Senior Director of Resource Development at MEDA, leading the global resource development team. Mike also serves as the Senior Development Officer for the Western United States and Europe.   

Prior to joining MEDA, Mike had a long career in personal finance, wealth management, and charitable estate planning. Mike is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and graduated from Williams College (Williamstown, MA).  

Mike is passionate about helping people use their assets to make positive change and leave a legacy that reflects their values.  

Contact Mike

Ruth Leaman

Ruth Leaman

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States | Campaign Officer

Ruth is a Sr. Development Officer for the Eastern United States, and Campaign Officer at MEDA. With over a decade of experience growing meaningful major donor relationships and nurturing joy in philanthropy, she provided leadership for MEDA's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Building Enduring Livelihoods. Ruth currently serves as Campaign Officer for the Towards an Equal World campaign.

At MEDA, Ruth's passion for Diversity and Inclusion motivates her to be an active member of MEDA's Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Ruth has a lead role in its Anti-Racism Initiative as a signatory organization in Cooperation Canada's Anti-Racism Cooperative.

Ruth is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by education, specializing in Agri-Business. Her professional background brings a strong appreciation for business and entrepreneurship to her role at MEDA. She has experience leading new initiatives and teams toward a shared vision, including international fundraising at Lancaster Mennonite School.

Contact Ruth

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States | Campaign Officer

Ruth Leaman

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States | Campaign Officer

Ruth is a Sr. Development Officer for the Eastern United States, and Campaign Officer at MEDA. With over a decade of experience growing meaningful major donor relationships and nurturing joy in philanthropy, she provided leadership for MEDA's first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Building Enduring Livelihoods. Ruth currently serves as Campaign Officer for the Towards an Equal World campaign.

At MEDA, Ruth's passion for Diversity and Inclusion motivates her to be an active member of MEDA's Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Ruth has a lead role in its Anti-Racism Initiative as a signatory organization in Cooperation Canada's Anti-Racism Cooperative.

Ruth is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by education, specializing in Agri-Business. Her professional background brings a strong appreciation for business and entrepreneurship to her role at MEDA. She has experience leading new initiatives and teams toward a shared vision, including international fundraising at Lancaster Mennonite School.

Contact Ruth

Bethany Nussbaum

Bethany Nussbaum

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States

Based in Northeast Ohio, USA, Bethany is a Senior Development Officer at MEDA U.S.A, connecting with supporters in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Florida.

With 16 years of experience in various development and leadership roles, including previously as Advancement Director at Central Christian School (Kidron, Ohio), Bethany is passionate about developing relationships through meaningful conversations, creating community and connections, and bringing MEDA’s work closer to home.

Bethany earned a Master of Business Administration from Bluffton University, studied communications at Goshen College, and recently completed a Social and Emotional Intelligence certificate from the Wright Foundation. Connect with her to discuss MEDA’s global impact and how you can engage.

Contact Bethany

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States

Bethany Nussbaum

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern United States

Based in Northeast Ohio, USA, Bethany is a Senior Development Officer at MEDA U.S.A, connecting with supporters in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Florida.

With 16 years of experience in various development and leadership roles, including previously as Advancement Director at Central Christian School (Kidron, Ohio), Bethany is passionate about developing relationships through meaningful conversations, creating community and connections, and bringing MEDA’s work closer to home.

Bethany earned a Master of Business Administration from Bluffton University, studied communications at Goshen College, and recently completed a Social and Emotional Intelligence certificate from the Wright Foundation. Connect with her to discuss MEDA’s global impact and how you can engage.

Contact Bethany

Dean Shoemaker

Dean Shoemaker

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern Canada

Dean Shoemaker is MEDA’s Senior Development Officer for Eastern Canada, joining the organization in 2016.

Dean began his career with the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union as a Commercial and Agricultural lender. His 25-year career includes leadership roles in both the private and non-profit sectors, including over ten years at Flowers Canada Growers Trade Association. With extensive volunteer and international missions experience, Dean strongly identifies with MEDA’s mission and goals.

Dean has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph and lives in Elmira, Ontario, Canada. He enjoys working with supporters who share MEDA’s mission and values.

Contact Dean

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern Canada

Dean Shoemaker

Sr. Development Officer, Eastern Canada

Dean Shoemaker is MEDA’s Senior Development Officer for Eastern Canada, joining the organization in 2016.

Dean began his career with the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union as a Commercial and Agricultural lender. His 25-year career includes leadership roles in both the private and non-profit sectors, including over ten years at Flowers Canada Growers Trade Association. With extensive volunteer and international missions experience, Dean strongly identifies with MEDA’s mission and goals.

Dean has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph and lives in Elmira, Ontario, Canada. He enjoys working with supporters who share MEDA’s mission and values.

Contact Dean

Randy Sawatzky

Randy Sawatzky

Sr. Development Officer, Western Canada

Randy Sawatzky is MEDA’s Senior Development Officer for Western Canada, who values creating solid relationships with clients, business prospects, and MEDA staff.

Before working for MEDA, Randy had a long career in sport and recreation management that spanned 20 years. In 2010, Randy started his own import company and transitioned to business development in the agricultural sector, later focusing on the hog industry.

He has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Liberal Arts and a Human Resource Management certificate from the University of Manitoba. Randy remains active in sports, coaching his daughter’s volleyball teams, and is a Bethel Mennonite Church (Winnipeg) member.

Contact Randy

Sr. Development Officer, Western Canada

Randy Sawatzky

Sr. Development Officer, Western Canada

Randy Sawatzky is MEDA’s Senior Development Officer for Western Canada, who values creating solid relationships with clients, business prospects, and MEDA staff.

Before working for MEDA, Randy had a long career in sport and recreation management that spanned 20 years. In 2010, Randy started his own import company and transitioned to business development in the agricultural sector, later focusing on the hog industry.

He has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Liberal Arts and a Human Resource Management certificate from the University of Manitoba. Randy remains active in sports, coaching his daughter’s volleyball teams, and is a Bethel Mennonite Church (Winnipeg) member.

Contact Randy

Shirley Redekop

Shirley Redekop

Associate Development Officer, Canada

For Canadian inquiries, contact Shirley at sredekop@meda.org.

Shirley is an Associate Development Officer (Contract) for MEDA, based out of its Waterloo office. She plays a critical role in forging relationships with supporters so they can help fulfill MEDA’s mission of providing economic development support for people living in poverty.

Equipped with a wealth of experience from the non-profit world, Shirley has served in several roles, including as Chief Development Officer for the Mennonite World Conference, Director of Christian Service Ministries for Mennonite Church Canada, and a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship. Her volunteer experience also includes serving as President of Women of Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada and President of Mennonite Women Canada.

Shirley studied at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Conrad Grebel University College. Originally from Pennsylvania, U.S.A, Shirley is an avid traveler who has been to Europe, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Central/South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, Turkey, and Greece. In her spare time, Shirley also likes reading, enjoying coffee in cafes, movies, and motorcycling.

Associate Development Officer, Canada

Shirley Redekop

Associate Development Officer, Canada

For Canadian inquiries, contact Shirley at sredekop@meda.org.

Shirley is an Associate Development Officer (Contract) for MEDA, based out of its Waterloo office. She plays a critical role in forging relationships with supporters so they can help fulfill MEDA’s mission of providing economic development support for people living in poverty.

Equipped with a wealth of experience from the non-profit world, Shirley has served in several roles, including as Chief Development Officer for the Mennonite World Conference, Director of Christian Service Ministries for Mennonite Church Canada, and a Family Outreach Worker with the House of Friendship. Her volunteer experience also includes serving as President of Women of Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada and President of Mennonite Women Canada.

Shirley studied at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Conrad Grebel University College. Originally from Pennsylvania, U.S.A, Shirley is an avid traveler who has been to Europe, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Central/South America, Australia, New Zealand, India, Turkey, and Greece. In her spare time, Shirley also likes reading, enjoying coffee in cafes, movies, and motorcycling.

Caleb Longenecker-Fox

Caleb Longenecker-Fox

Associate Development Officer, United States

For U.S. inquiries, contact Caleb at clongeneckerfox@meda.org.

As a Development Officer at MEDA, Caleb Longenecker-Fox is passionate about equipping and supporting communities in the Global South through effective, innovative, and sustainable business practices. He thrives on building and cultivating relationships with MEDA supporters and inviting others into a shared vision of creating business solutions to poverty together.

With several years of diverse experience in fundraising, partnership development, and international education sectors, Caleb brings a robust suite of leadership skills to the MEDA team. Before joining MEDA in 2022, he worked most recently directing Goshen College’s academic programs in Ecuador.

Caleb holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Art Studies and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Goshen College. He is also fluent in Spanish.

Associate Development Officer, United States

Caleb Longenecker-Fox

Associate Development Officer, United States

For U.S. inquiries, contact Caleb at clongeneckerfox@meda.org.

As a Development Officer at MEDA, Caleb Longenecker-Fox is passionate about equipping and supporting communities in the Global South through effective, innovative, and sustainable business practices. He thrives on building and cultivating relationships with MEDA supporters and inviting others into a shared vision of creating business solutions to poverty together.

With several years of diverse experience in fundraising, partnership development, and international education sectors, Caleb brings a robust suite of leadership skills to the MEDA team. Before joining MEDA in 2022, he worked most recently directing Goshen College’s academic programs in Ecuador.

Caleb holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Art Studies and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Goshen College. He is also fluent in Spanish.

Mennonite Economic Development Associates is an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty.

Follow MEDA

MEDA International is a Canadian non-share capital not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act.

Mennonite Economic Development Associates is a 501(c)(3) status non-profit organization in the United States: EIN 23-7398678.
Mennonite Economic Development Associates of Canada is a registered charity in Canada: No. 107 691 057 RR0001.

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With Your Support, We Can Create Opportunities in Central America

Your gift provides entrepreneurs with access to critical resources to ensure they can turn their business dreams into reality.

Give Today