About
OFED International
Organization for Women and Development International is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization supports and empowers women and children in rural communities. OFED International provides women and children with skills to better their education, health, and well-being.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Sophie Lawson-Adigo
Founder & President OFED Togo
Sophie Lawson-Adigo founded Organization for Women and Development (OFED International) in Washington DC.
Sophie is an accomplished professional with solid experience in healthcare, business, and international development. She worked for the National Health Education Service in Togo, advocating maternal and child protection on daily radio shows, organizing and participating in health education and immunization campaigns throughout every province of Togo, and conducting surveys and training sessions in the field, including UNESCOâs Trainer of Trainers Program on agriculture, livestock farming, health and nutrition. During these six years, she was fully exposed to the multiplicity of roles, needs and welfare conditions of women in Togo. Ms. Lawson-Adigo moved to the private sector in 1975 when she joined Hertz rent-a-car Togo as CEO.
Sophie graduated with a Masterâs Degree in Law and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Project Management. She is also a registered nurse.
Serge Adigo
President & CEO OFED International
Serge Adigo is the president at Organization for Women and Development (OFED International). He leads the development and implementation of OFEDâs programs globally in keeping with the mandate and mission of the organization. He develops and sustains operational partnerships with other stakeholders in the international development field and fosters strong donor relations.
As AfricSearchâs Managing Partner, Serge oversaw international recruitment initiatives and worked closely with reputed multinational companies, such as Microsoft, CocaCola, Citigroup, International Finance Corporation, and others. Among his accomplishments in this position, he organized the first African recruiting event in the U.S., established strong relationships, and provided leadership for the development and management of a cohesive team.
Serge has extensive professional experience working on African issues; he previously served as Deputy Communications Director for a political party and spearheaded numerous communications projects, managed key teams, tracked political and electoral developments and oversaw all aspects of PR and communications strategies for leaders.
As Operations Manager for a developer, he closely collaborated with senior-level executives to manage overall operations and drive all aspects of marketing and business development.
Serge holds a masterâs degree in International Policy and Practice (MIPP) from George Washington University, a bachelorâs degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and a bachelorâs degree in Economics from the University of Paris/Pantheon-Sorbonne.
Kathryn Kigera
Director of Grants OFED International
Kathryn Kigera is dedicated to national and international development, as well as serving youth. Kathryn is particularly interested in supporting underserved populations. She has served on the board of directors for the Hope for Huruma Foundation and has worked on grants for more than five years at George Washington University and Out of School Time Programs (OSTP) in Washington, DC. She leads program monitoring and evaluation and helped develop systems and processes to ensure the smooth operation of programs.
She is currently completing her doctoral dissertation on interpersonal relationships among youth from different ethnic communities at George Washington University. Kathryn received a masterâs and bachelorâs degree in political science from Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University respectively.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara Ann Clay
Chair of the Board
Barbara Ann Clay has had a rich and successful career in press and public affairs, most recently as Director of Communications at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget in Washington.
She served as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at ICANN, the global coordinator of the Internetâs domain name system. Before joining ICANN, she was Director of Communications at the global anti-corruption group Transparency International in Berlin and at the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She held the same position at the influential House Ways and Means Committee.
As Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department, she was the Departmentâs lead media spokesperson on international economic issues. Before joining Treasury, she served as Deputy Director of External Affairs at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OBM), serving as the lead media spokesperson. She held a variety of press and public affairs positions within OMB before taking on the Deputy Director role.
Barbara was born and raised on eastern Long Island, New York, and received a bachelorâs degree in Theatre from the State University of New York. She did her graduate studies in Public Administration at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Larry Lai
Vice â Chair
Larry served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the International Development Division at the Education Development Center from 2010 to 2014. While with Creative Associates International, Inc., he was Senior Vice President, of the Office of Development and Administration from 2009 to 2010, and Vice President and Director, Education, Mobilization and Communication Division from 2003 to 2009.
Mr. Lai managed large portfolios of government-funded development projects and led technical staff and administrative staff in implementing development projects around the world. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, operationalizing plans, partnership development, and business development. He has also developed and instituted systems and best practices for compliance tracking, managing budgets, quality assurance, and staff development.
He has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Larryâs interests include travel, pottery, and volunteer work for the Arlington Food Assistance Center.
Cristina E. Blough
Secretary
Cristina Blough, CNP is the Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships at the national human services nonprofit, Volunteers of America. In her role, she cultivates and manages sponsorship opportunities for the Volunteers of America Classic LPGA golf tournament, the annual National Conference and other national partnership opportunities. She is also responsible for engaging and supporting corporate partnership programs for other national initiatives. In addition, she further supports corporate national partnerships by managing volunteer engagement programs and events at the local level with affiliate staff.
Outside of her professional role, she volunteers with a local DC animal rescue and serves on the board of directors for the Organization for Women and Development (OFED) International. She is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Cristina holds a Master of Arts degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies from the College of William and Mary.
Sandy Vasan
In her capacity as the Global Head of Brand & Marketing for multinational companies, Sandy led change management and marketing transformation projects that positively impacted the businesses.
She has a valuable blend of industry experience working in blue chip companies and non-profits in IT, finance and education services. Additionally, she has proven ability to build and lead diverse, global teams, and, manage global operations including in China and India.
Her work led to industry awards for advertising, marketing and digital excellence while at IBM and Deutsche Bank.
Sandy holds a double Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Nyenrode Business University and International Affairs from Columbia University.
Sherin Koshy
Sherin Koshy is a Senior Account Manager in the HR Practice of CEB-Gartner, a leading global research and advisory firm.
In her role, she serves as a thought partner to senior HR executives. Prior to her current firm, she spent 10 years in the financial services sector, most recently as a Vice President & Senior BDO at PNC Financial Services.
She also serves on the board of CEB Mosaic, the firms Diversity & Inclusion group, and was a founding member of the PNC Asian-American ERG, Washington D.C. group.
She also serves as an Ambassador to Pathways to Housing, D.C. And has worked in a volunteer capacity on social justice issues, with several institutions.
Prior to her professional career, she taught speed and aggressive skating, and freelanced and as an actor.
Organization for Women and Development International is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization supports and empowers women and children in rural communities. OFED International provides women and children with skills to better their education, health, and well-being.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Sophie Lawson-Adigo
Founder & President OFED Togo
Sophie Lawson-Adigo founded Organization for Women and Development (OFED International) in Washington DC.
Sophie is an accomplished professional with solid experience in healthcare, business, and international development. She worked for the National Health Education Service in Togo, advocating maternal and child protection on daily radio shows, organizing and participating in health education and immunization campaigns throughout every province of Togo, and conducting surveys and training sessions in the field, including UNESCOâs Trainer of Trainers Program on agriculture, livestock farming, health and nutrition. During these six years, she was fully exposed to the multiplicity of roles, needs and welfare conditions of women in Togo. Ms. Lawson-Adigo moved to the private sector in 1975 when she joined Hertz rent-a-car Togo as CEO.
Sophie graduated with a Masterâs Degree in Law and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Project Management. She is also a registered nurse.
Serge Adigo
President & CEO OFED International
Serge Adigo is the president at Organization for Women and Development (OFED International). He leads the development and implementation of OFEDâs programs globally in keeping with the mandate and mission of the organization. He develops and sustains operational partnerships with other stakeholders in the international development field and fosters strong donor relations. As AfricSearchâs Managing Partner, Serge oversaw international recruitment initiatives and worked closely with reputed multinational companies, such as Microsoft, CocaCola, Citigroup, International Finance Corporation, and others. Among his accomplishments in this position, he organized the first African recruiting event in the U.S., established strong relationships, and provided leadership for the development and management of a cohesive team.
Serge has extensive professional experience working on African issues; he previously served as Deputy Communications Director for a political party and spearheaded numerous communications projects, managed key teams, tracked political and electoral developments and oversaw all aspects of PR and communications strategies for leaders.
As Operations Manager for a developer, he closely collaborated with senior-level executives to manage overall operations and drive all aspects of marketing and business development.
Serge holds a masterâs degree in International Policy and Practice (MIPP) from George Washington University, a bachelorâs degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and a bachelorâs degree in Economics from the University of Paris/Pantheon-Sorbonne.
Kathryn Kigera
Director of Grants OFED International
Kathryn Kigera is dedicated to national and international development, as well as serving youth. Kathryn is particularly interested in supporting underserved populations. She has served on the board of directors for the Hope for Huruma Foundation and has worked on grants for more than five years at George Washington University and Out of School Time Programs (OSTP) in Washington, DC. She leads program monitoring and evaluation and helped develop systems and processes to ensure the smooth operation of programs.
She is currently completing her doctoral dissertation on interpersonal relationships among youth from different ethnic communities at George Washington University. Kathryn received a masterâs and bachelorâs degree in political science from Central Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University respectively.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara Ann Clay
Chair of the Board
Barbara Ann Clay has had a rich and successful career in press and public affairs, most recently as Director of Communications at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget in Washington.
She served as Vice President for Communications and Marketing at ICANN, the global coordinator of the Internetâs domain name system. Before joining ICANN, she was Director of Communications at the global anti-corruption group Transparency International in Berlin and at the London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. She held the same position at the influential House Ways and Means Committee.
As Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department, she was the Departmentâs lead media spokesperson on international economic issues. Before joining Treasury, she served as Deputy Director of External Affairs at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OBM), serving as the lead media spokesperson. She held a variety of press and public affairs positions within OMB before taking on the Deputy Director role.
Barbara was born and raised on eastern Long Island, New York, and received a bachelorâs degree in Theatre from the State University of New York. She did her graduate studies in Public Administration at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Larry Lai
Vice â Chair
Larry served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the International Development Division at the Education Development Center from 2010 to 2014. While with Creative Associates International, Inc., he was Senior Vice President, of the Office of Development and Administration from 2009 to 2010, and Vice President and Director, Education, Mobilization and Communication Division from 2003 to 2009.
Mr. Lai managed large portfolios of government-funded development projects and led technical staff and administrative staff in implementing development projects around the world. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, operationalizing plans, partnership development, and business development. He has also developed and instituted systems and best practices for compliance tracking, managing budgets, quality assurance, and staff development.
He has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Larryâs interests include travel, pottery, and volunteer work for the Arlington Food Assistance Center.
Cristina E. Blough
Secretary
Cristina Blough, CNP is the Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships at the national human services nonprofit, Volunteers of America. In her role, she cultivates and manages sponsorship opportunities for the Volunteers of America Classic LPGA golf tournament, the annual National Conference and other national partnership opportunities. She is also responsible for engaging and supporting corporate partnership programs for other national initiatives. In addition, she further supports corporate national partnerships by managing volunteer engagement programs and events at the local level with affiliate staff.
Outside of her professional role, she volunteers with a local DC animal rescue and serves on the board of directors for the Organization for Women and Development (OFED) International. She is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Cristina holds a Master of Arts degree in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies from the College of William and Mary.
Sandy Vasan
In her capacity as the Global Head of Brand & Marketing for multinational companies, Sandy led change management and marketing transformation projects that positively impacted the businesses.
She has a valuable blend of industry experience working in blue chip companies and non-profits in IT, finance and education services. Additionally, she has proven ability to build and lead diverse, global teams, and, manage global operations including in China and India.
Her work led to industry awards for advertising, marketing and digital excellence while at IBM and Deutsche Bank.
Sandy holds a double Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Nyenrode Business University and International Affairs from Columbia University.
Sherin Koshy
Sherin Koshy is a Senior Account Manager in the HR Practice of CEB-Gartner, a leading global research and advisory firm.
In her role, she serves as a thought partner to senior HR executives. Prior to her current firm, she spent 10 years in the financial services sector, most recently as a Vice President & Senior BDO at PNC Financial Services.
She also serves on the board of CEB Mosaic, the firms Diversity & Inclusion group, and was a founding member of the PNC Asian-American ERG, Washington D.C. group.
She also serves as an Ambassador to Pathways to Housing, D.C. And has worked in a volunteer capacity on social justice issues, with several institutions.
Prior to her professional career, she taught speed and aggressive skating, and freelanced and as an actor.