About Us
In 2012 Jeff Broin, the founder of POET, and his family traveled to Kenya for a mission trip. While assisting those in need at Kakuswi School for the Deaf, Jeff couldn’t help but notice the condition of the crops on the small family farms that dotted the rural area they were visiting. Returning home and realizing the impact they could have, the Broins formed Seeds of Change - a nonprofit foundation that strives to transform the lives of individuals through education and agriculture.
Seeds of Change believes that every individual is entitled to a reliable food supply, quality education, and clean air. This core belief has stemmed into several missions that make these things a reality for the regions where we serve.
The Broins reconnected with that initial school they first visited, and now support these often overlooked students, in addition to young, underprivileged women studying in high school and college, and youth in the slums of Nairobi.
Seeds of Change also provides sustainable, affordable farming solutions for local Kenyans, building up local economies and ensuring families are able to eat throughout the year. The organization provides education and resources around health, helping to eliminate some common, but often fatal problems like malaria and poor sanitation.
We also look to alleviate the enormous issue worldwide of indoor air pollution by helping to provide clean biofuel cookstoves in areas where cooking with solid fuels is devastating the health of families and the environment around them.
We refer to the missions as Hope, Grow, and Thrive, and while each has a slightly different goal, all are grounded in education and work to create an environment for the empowerment and encouragement of poverty-stricken people to cultivate their own success.
The Broins reconnected with that initial school they first visited, and now support these often overlooked students, in addition to young, underprivileged women studying in high school and college, and youth in the slums of Nairobi.
Seeds of Change also provides sustainable, affordable farming solutions for local Kenyans, building up local economies and ensuring families are able to eat throughout the year. The organization provides education and resources around health, helping to eliminate some common, but often fatal problems like malaria and poor sanitation.
We also look to alleviate the enormous issue worldwide of indoor air pollution by helping to provide clean biofuel cookstoves in areas where cooking with solid fuels is devastating the health of families and the environment around them.
We refer to the missions as Hope, Grow, and Thrive, and while each has a slightly different goal, all are grounded in education and work to create an environment for the empowerment and encouragement of poverty-stricken people to cultivate their own success.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
Board of Directors
Jeff Broin
Chairman & Co-Founder
Tammie Broin
Vice Chairman & Co-Founder
Miranda Broin
President
Jeff Pinkerman
Board Member
Brenda Pinkerman
Board Member
Chris Soules
Board Member
Staff
Macy Kaiser
Executive Director
Macy has spent most of her career in nonprofit management with extensive experience in leadership, fundraising and strategic planning. After graduating from the University of South Dakota, Macy moved to Chicago and worked thirteen years in organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with special needs. She lived previously in San Diego where, for five years, her skills in entrepreneurship were honed with a start-up company and her own business.
Prior to Seeds of Change, she was the Development Director for Junior Achievement of South Dakota and helped empower young minds across the state. Macy’s husband Mike works for First PREMIER Bank and they have two young daughters with lots of personality and determination. She and her family enjoy boating on the lake, Husker games and staying active. Along with her experience, Macy brings energy, dedication, and a passion to make a difference in the lives of others. She feels blessed to continue that passion through the vision at Seeds of Change.
Lauren Colvin
Development Manager
Lauren joins us with an extensive background in client and event management in the entertainment venue industry. Upon graduation from Miami University, Lauren moved to Dallas, TX and began her career in event planning with a focus on creating moments that matter. From there, her passion for building relationships and memorable experiences took her to venues in Phoenix, AZ, Oklahoma City, OK, and Sioux Falls, SD. In her free time Lauren enjoys spoiling her dogs, traveling, and playing golf. Lauren is excited to be able to positively impact the lives of others, and feels very fortunate to be a part of Seeds of Change.