http://www.soulsourcefoundation.org/

Soul Source Foundation, Minneapolis, MN (2026)

04/11/2026

Gayle Hammer
President, Soul Source Foundation

Some people lead from the front. Others quietly carry everything forward.

For over 15 years, Gayle has been the steady force ensuring Soul Source not only exists, but grows, adapts, and continues to serve. Her dedication to the women, girls, and communities of Rusinga Island has shaped the heart of this organization.

Affectionately named Nyachula, “daughter of the island”, Gayle’s connection to the community runs deep. What began as teaching has become a lifelong commitment: showing up, building relationships, and doing the day-to-day work that makes long-term impact possible.

Her leadership isn’t about recognition, it’s about responsibility, care, and follow-through. The kind that keeps programs running, communities supported, and opportunities growing year after year.

Gayle is the reason so much of this work continues. A constant presence. A driving force. And a reminder that real change is built through dedication over time.

Support Soul Source here to help us continue the work we do: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

04/08/2026

We’re excited to welcome Sanne as a new Board Intern at Soul Source Foundation

Originally from Chicago and currently a student at Smith College, Sanne brings a strong background in education and community engagement. From supporting refugee students through tutoring programs to her involvement in civic initiatives, she’s already shown a deep commitment to equity and impact.

She also brings a creative spirit, with interests in photography, music writing, and ceramics, something we always love to see in our community.

We’re so glad to have her with us and look forward to all the insight, energy, and perspective she’ll bring to Soul Source!

04/06/2026

As we continue to honor the women of our organization we celebrate Elaine Millam
Founder of Soul Source Foundation.

Words from Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, “Do Not Lose Heart” are words I can hear Elaine Millam speak and words that highlight her commitment to start and continue leading Soul Source for many years.

Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely. One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene . . . is to stand up and show your soul . . . Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.

Elaine is, and continues to be, a fully lit soul, helping others find their light along the way.

Please support the work of Soul Source in Western Kenya: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

04/04/2026

As we continue celebrating the incredible women who make our work possible, we’re honored to spotlight a leader whose impact reaches far beyond titles or roles.

We recognize those who don’t just support community, they build it, nurture it, and carry it forward every single day.

Marren Ojode
SSF: Kenyan Program Director

Sister, Aunty, Momma, Grandma, Wife, Partner, Friend, Teacher, Mentor, Trainer. The list of titles for the profound Madam only begin to scratch at the surface of her far reaching impact.

Marren Mical Ojode is part of countless three legged stools that rely on her collaboration to support growth and sustainability. She believes in women and has dedicated her life to nurturing and empowering everyone she meets from the smallest child, to the elder who is in transition.

The work of Soul Source is only possible because of her vision and dedication. She continually engages with and lifts up her community near and far. This Women's History Month, we celebrate an icon, Marren Ojode, for teaching us how to love fiercely and gently to empower the women around her to reach for their wildest dreams!

Please consider donating to continue the work of Soul Source as it empowers the women and girls it supports.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

04/02/2026

We’re honoring a woman who helped shape everything we do.

Mama Sabina: A real friend of Soul Source as remembered by Matt Peterson
1949-2025

We arrived at her house in a rainstorm. Not the kind of rainstorm where you grab an umbrella and go for a stroll. The kind that turns the roads into rivers. On the last turn the van flipped on its side. We followed Theodora out the side window and grabbed our luggage. Holding our bags over our heads like 30 pound umbrellas we followed a young girl to the only home with light showing through the windows. Inside we met the most wonderful character. Mama Sabina Auma Otieno Oganga. She greeted us with hot tea and a full spread. Ugali, sukuma wiki, whole fried tilapia, chapati and beef stew.

Mama Sabina’s laugh was quick and full. Her house featured a rotating cast of characters. Girls groups, women's groups, laborers, house girls, water boys, cooks and cleaners. She fed everyone. The lights were on because she had a solar panel and a set of batteries. Neighbors stopped by to charge their phones and share the local news. Masala tea was always ten minutes away.

One of her favorite questions was, "Have you eaten?" While a simple question at face value, what it really meant is, "Have you eaten ugali today?" Boiled maize flour with salt shaped into an enormous ball is the centerpiece of dining with Sabina.

Gayle stayed with Sabina for months. Teaching at Kamasengre School and sharing chai and meals. Sabina formed Soul Source. Sharing with Gayle Hammer why girls were not in school: lack of school fees. Family drama. Sharing the real struggles of classrooms without teachers. The difficulty of getting to school in the rainy season.

She connected us to community. Many of her friends, and she had multitudes, became our friends. And the stories they told us, the hopes that they shared, their passions and ideas, all of it opened our eyes to beautiful possibilities already taking shape in the lives of the remarkable people who live on Rusinga Island. It began to give us a sense of how we might help. Listen. Partner. Support.

Mama Sabina was a gift. Her home, where she welcomed us and so many, was a hub of connection and belonging. We miss her terribly. We continue her work. We will spend the rest of our days pondering if we have eaten.

Please consider supporting the continuing work of Soul Source.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

04/01/2026

Professor Theodora Olunga Ayot
1946-2021

This Women's History Month, we want to highlight Dr. Theodora O. Ayot as remembered by Aaron Swanton

As Theodora would tell us, "Sharing is the art of Loving", and so we will share a bit about this most important and loved person. She is our connection to the people of Rusinga Island and the reason that Operation My People exists. Theodora was our beloved professor, mentor, friend and guide.

She was the first Woman from Rusinga Island to get a high school education, undergraduate, post graduate and PHD degrees. Theodora Ayot loved her people in Kenya and her people here in Chicago with an open heart and deep commitment. She brought us together to form Operation My People as an expression of that commitment. This program is an extension of the countless scholarships and support she provided directly to community members from her paternal home back in Kamasengre on Rusinga Island in western Kenya.

As an intellectual and academic she was brilliant. Her ability to make historical connections and analyze current and past events all while making everything relevant was phenomenal. Much of her writings focuses on the women and girl-child which offers an important and oftentimes neglected historical perspective. She worked with women's groups in South Sudan and in Kenya as well as others, always working towards empowerment and conflict resolution.

Her writings and presentations are vast and offer a critical and poetic voice in the history of the African people. Dr. Ayot's human centered approach is apparent in her work and thoroughly engages one to connect with and ultimately feel the reality of history.

Our beloved Mwalimu planted the seeds and laid the groundwork for us to continue supporting the communities of Rusinga Island and Western Kenya and specifically to empower and provide opportunities for young Women to lead, grow and thrive. Take a moment to share a story or memory of Prof. Ayot here. Much love and gratitude.

Please consider honoring Theodora through support of the ongoing work at Soul Source: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

03/26/2026

Join our mission, donate today!

03/24/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we would like to draw attention to period poverty in Kenya, and how it directly impacts women and girls in their education. In Kenya alone, 65% of women and girls are unable to afford menstrual products. Because of this and the stigma behind menstruation, many girls use unsafe products and stay home from school while on their period resulting in one million Kenyan girls missing school every single month.

Every year, Soul Source Foundation provides reusable Audrey Pads, designed by OMP alumnus, Audrey, for the girls at Kamasengre Mixed Secondary School, a public high school on Rusinga Island. These pads are handmade by community members. However, the girls need something more portable for the school day. Can you help us fund annual disposable pads for girls at these schools?

A small donation of $7/month, or $84/year, will allow one girl in Kenya to have reliable and safe period products for a year. To donate, click the link in our bio to help support!

Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/womens-history-month

03/08/2026

Strong women build strong communities.

Today we celebrate the voices, leadership, and impact of women everywhere. Thank you to the incredible women who are part of the Soul Source Foundation community.

Happy International Women’s Day.

12/23/2025

Scholar Spotlight: Pheona

Meet Pheona, an aspiring cosmetology professional and entrepreneur currently studying at Mawego National Polytechnic, with a target completion date of May 2028

For Pheona, cosmetology is more than a career—it’s a pathway to empowerment and community impact. She shares:

“My hope is to educate and help others learn the knowledge and skills of cosmetology.”

Pheona is committed to passing her skills forward, helping other young women in her community gain confidence, creativity, and financial independence. Her vision reflects the powerful ripple effect that education can create.

12/22/2025

Scholar Spotlight: Winnie

Meet Winnie, a dedicated third-year student at Maseno University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education in Biology and Chemistry

Despite facing challenges this year, including university faculty strikes, Winnie has stayed focused and determined. Her goal is clear: to become a Biology and Chemistry teacher, helping future students understand the sciences and inspiring the next generation of learners.

Winnie’s resilience is a powerful reminder that commitment to education can persist even in uncertain circumstances—and that support makes all the difference

12/19/2025

Scholar Spotlight: Sophy

We are proud to celebrate Sophy, who has just completed her Program in Catering and Accommodation (Food & Beverage) at Mawego National Polytechnic!

Through dedication and hands-on learning, Sophy has built practical, career-ready skills that will allow her to confidently enter the workforce and create a more stable future for herself. Her journey is a powerful reminder of how access to education opens doors to opportunity, independence, and long-term impact.

We can’t wait to see where her skills take her next!

Soul Source Foundation

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