Help Shape the Future of Maria Naomi: Join Our Advisory Board
By Florina Darvell, President and Director of Maria Naomi
Maria Naomi was founded in 2008 with a simple but powerful mission: to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of women and families in rural Romania. In 2014, we launched our sewing workshop to provide employment opportunities that allow women to support their families with dignity.
Our Business-as Mission approach in our workshop and clothing label, Melissa’s continue to serve as the cornerstone to reach Romanians with the love of Christ. Our goal is for Melissa’s to fully fund the workshop within five years, ensuring stable employment for women without reliance on external donations.
As we work toward this vision, our Advisory Board plays a crucial role—offering wisdom, strategic insight, and support to help Maria Naomi grow while remaining faithful to our mission.
Meet the Leaders Helping Shape Maria Naomi
Our Advisory Board is made up of dedicated individuals with experience in business, nonprofit leadership, and mission-driven work. Their guidance helps us navigate this transition to sustainability while ensuring that every step we take aligns with our commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.
Maria Naomi’s mission has always been deeply rooted in the local Romanian communities we serve, but it has also been strengthened by the wisdom and support of dedicated leaders abroad. Our advisors bring valuable experience in business, nonprofit leadership, and mission-driven work, helping to guide Maria Naomi toward long-term sustainability.
Each of these individuals has a heart for empowering women, creating lasting impact, and ensuring that Maria Naomi continues to grow in a way that honors both the people we serve and the mission God has entrusted to us.
Guy Medema advises Maria Naomi on finance, operations, and strategic growth, drawing on decades of experience leading teams in the energy industry. He supports our facilities and organizational growth, helping ensure that our operations run efficiently as we expand our impact.
Cindy Medema serves Maria Naomi in communications and donor initiatives. A key partner for over 10 years, she brings her nonprofit experience in design and development to promote the work of the artisans.
Sarah Davis supports Maria Naomi in strategic growth and creative direction. She founded Lokal Color, a marketing studio specializing in nonprofit strategy. She brings expertise in nonprofit marketing and donor relations, helping us grow our supporter base and expand Maria Naomi’s impact.
Together, their leadership is invaluable—and as Maria Naomi continues to grow, we welcome those who feel called to use their skills and expertise to join us in shaping this mission’s future.
In 2025, We Are Seeking New Advisors With Strategic Expertise
We currently have five dedicated board members, including Mark and me, who provide wisdom and strategic oversight for Maria Naomi. Now, we are looking for two additional advisors to join us.
Ideal candidates will bring experience in one or more of the following areas:
✔ Business Strategy & Growth – Helping us scale Melissa’s into a self-sustaining brand.
✔ Nonprofit Leadership – Providing insight into long-term sustainability strategies.
✔ Fundraising & Development – Assisting in donor engagement and financial strategy.
✔ Networking & Advocacy – Connecting Maria Naomi with mission-minded communities and partners.
Above all, we are looking for long-term supporters of our mission who are passionate about empowering women, supporting sustainable solutions, and using their skills to serve a mission-driven nonprofit.
Board members serve through the following duties:
Quarterly Virtual Meetings – Engaging with our leadership team to discuss key initiatives.
Advisory & Mentorship Role – Offering expertise and insights to help Maria Naomi grow.
Advocacy & Connections – Introducing Maria Naomi to potential partners and supporters.
This is not a fundraising board—instead, it is an opportunity to help guide Maria Naomi’s strategic direction and ensure the mission thrives for years to come.
Help Maria Naomi Become Fully Self-Sustaining
Maria Naomi is at a turning point. We are on the path to self-sufficiency but still need strong leadership and wisdom to guide us there. By joining our Advisory Board, you can play a direct role in helping us achieve a future where the women in our workshop have stable, dignified jobs that no longer rely on donations.
If you have a heart for business as mission, empowering women, and creating lasting change, we invite you to consider serving on our Advisory Board by contacting us.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we can create a future where Maria Naomi is fully self-sustaining, thriving, and transforming lives for generations to come.
