About Us - Biographies

Dean Curtis

Dean Curtis is a venture philanthropist who for more than two decades has championed the cause of “creative capitalism.” Founder of Curtis and Associates, Inc., a consulting company that helped people receiving Public Assistance find work, he sold the 500+ employee company in 2000 to advance sustainable humanitarian causes ever since. He since lived three years in Mexico as President of an LDS Church mission, established the Self Reliance foundation in Mozambique, served on the board of Ascend Alliance, served on the Executive Board of Cause for Hope and Enterprise Solutions and is Co-founder of Interweave Solutions. Examples of key projects include establishing several social businesses, including Sparkles Pure, an extensive micro-franchise water purification project in Uganda and expanding Project Vision (reading glasses for the poor) franchise throughout Central America.

Lynn Curtis

For 35 years, Lynn Curtis, Co-Founder and President of Interweave Solutions, has advanced grassroots learning and social empowerment in 65 developing countries and the U.S. Dr. Curtis is an international authority on basic education and community development in less-developed nations. He is author of the guidebooks Literacy for Social Change, Picturing Change, and manuals – How to Start and Grow Your Own Business, Good Health Begins at Home, Overcoming AIDS, Literacy in Action, Earth Connections and Neighbors Working Together. Dr. Curtis spearheaded ProLiteracy’s expansion from seven countries in 1986 to 65 countries in 2008. Since 2000 he has initiated several multi-nation learning and community development programs including the Learning-based Micro-Finance/Enterprise Initiative, Africa AIDS Initiative, and Literacy, Women and Human Rights Initiative.

David Curtis

David Curtis is both a passionate Entrepreneur and a Social Activist. David is the Co-Founder and Director of Stonecrest Group, a real estate development and management firm with $25 million in managed assets. He is also C.O.O. and Co-Founder of Interweave Solutions, where he helped develop such innovative Social Businesses as “Sparkles” Pure Water and Malaika Honey. David has danced the line between philanthropy and business for many years. He graduated with an MBA from Brigham Young University where he started a chapter of Students for Responsible Business, developed and managed a unique at-risk youth mentoring program, and founded several successful small businesses - the first at age 12. David spent several years working for the corporate real estate departments of both Wal-Mart and Kmart before partnering with Dean Curtis to create their own firm in 2003.

Ruth Kyeyune

Ruth Kyeyune, Uganda, is the founder and director of the Kiddawalime Community Association and manager of Enterprise Solutions. Ruth is a tireless promoter of grassroots learning, community empowerment and small business development throughout Uganda. An experienced Interweave Solutions trainer and organizer, she has initiated numerous micro-enterprise, community action and literacy projects through the YWCA, village networks and various church organizations. In association with her Interweave colleague Anthony Kabandize, she has launched and sustained 10 Interweave community associations. She has also helped initiate several successful social businesses, including Eyes for Success, Sparkles PURE Water and Malaika Honey.

Langton Nyamugara

Langton Nyamugara, Zimbabwe, is founder and director of the Interweave social business, Obewize Academy, a cutting-edge K-12 private school in Harare and director of Interweave Self Reliance programs. In partnership with his dedicated Interweave Associates, Rumbi Zhanje and Never Jack, Langton oversees efforts of 14 community associations in and adjacent to Harare. Langton is an energetic entrpreneur and community leader who has formeded several small businesses and neighborhod programs. His enthusiastic embrace of innovative approaches to strengthen home, business and community has inspired Interweave participants. As a pro-active community, church and business leader, he is a respected trainer, counselor and organizer.

Efrem Mekonen

Efrem Mekonen, Ethiopia. A former director of the Ascend Alliance women’s micro-finance and micro-enterprise program, Efrem brings considerable knowledge in lending, business development and social action to Interweave Solutions. This expertise combined with Efrem’s unmatched gusto for training and group facilitation have made him a strong leader for the start-up of Ethiopia’s Interweave Self Reliance Program which sustains community associations in Addis Ababa neighborhoods and Debrezet.

Oswaldo Andrade and Julio Vinueza

Throughout the sprawling neighborhoods of urban Quito, Interweave’s dynamic leadership duo have initiated programs that develop home, business and community. They have organized and maintain 10 self reliance associations that uplift the lives and heighborhoods of hundreds of participants. Both are dedicated and seasoned community, church and business activists. With a strong background of management, accounting, instruction and community leadership, Oswaldo sustains operations throughout Quito’s southern corridor. Founder and owner of a successful computer business, Julio utilizes his considerable entrepreneurial and community action expertise to advance Interweave program’s in Quito’s northern sector.

Ricardo Baptiste, Gethro Nerosil, and Jean Millien

Ricardo Baptiste, Gethro Nerosil, and Jean Millien, Haiti are the team of three leaders who rapidly completed the daunting organization, training and translation task of launching the Interweave program in15 neighborhoods hardest hit by the devastating earthquake. Successful business entrepreneurs, teachers and grassroots leaders, these “three musketeers” tackled the overwhelming outreach effort to rapidly establish thriving association structures to advance business home and community in tent cities and rubble-strewn areas of Jacmel, Leogane, Petit Guav, and neighborhoods through-out Port au Prince. Their tireless leadership continues to sustain Interweave’s growing Haitian initiative.

Joan Dixon

Joan Dixon, EdH is a social entrepreneur and community educator committed to developing synergies between business, education, community organizations and philanthropy. As BYU Center for Economic Self-Reliance program director and coordinator of BYU’s Kennedy Center International Development minor, she advances interdisciplinary education and collaboration domestically and internationally. In Provo, Utah she is an active leader of Action Against Poverty, Timpanogos Community Network, Centro Hispano and Festival Latinoamericano. Joan has significant international development training, consulting and leadership experience in Indonesia, Nigeria, The Gambia, Nepal, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

Kristen Proctor Westenskow

Kristen Proctor Westenskow, MPH is an International Public Health and AIDS advocate, organizer and instructor at University of Utah and previously BYU community health departments. Former BYU International Studies Officer. Kristen has filled leadership roles in various international development and education organizations including Charities Anywhere, BYU Kennedy Center, Starfish Humanitarian, and ProLiteracy Worldwide. She is co-author of the La Salud Comienza en Casa health/literacy manual. She is an accomplished Interweave Solutions trainer with field experience in collaboration with local governmental and humanitarian agencies in Ghana, Dominican Republic, Mexico, South Africa, India and Samoa.