Advisory Board

Executive Director 

M. Lonhoudjo’s vision is to expand his reach into the community and provide training that leads to employment. On graduation, students receive help from BIO-BENIN to find employment or to set themselves up as entrepreneurs. He is the classic example of an entrepreneur who gives back. His boundless energy has led to his becoming an expert cook, learning how to brew beer and setting up an organic farm.

Chairman of the Board and Treasurer

Ms. Wang’s time in the Peace Corps from 2012-14 in Benin, West Africa, led her to work with M. Lonhoudjo. She continues to work alongside Guillaume to manage Bio-Benin’s finances and help encourage donations to support our activities. Before coming to Benin, Julie was founder and president of Wang Associates Health Communications in New York City. She is a trained landscape designer and an avid organic gardener.

Member of Advisory Board​

Alphonse Kouagou is a strategic advisor for economic development initiatives in Africa. He worked for 22 years with the World Bank Group, including on its Executive Board representing 23 African countries. Born in Benin, M. Kouagou holds an MBA from the University of Maryland. He resides in Washington, D.C. and Cotonou, Benin.

Vice President

Margaret Dunham, a resident of Paris and a frequent visitor to Benin, holds a PhD in African linguistics from the Université de Paris 3. After a career in teaching and research for many years, she became a conference interpreter. She is now leveraging her skills to facilitate multilingual knowledge sharing on a local and global level.

Secretary

​Paul Keherly has always had a passion for empowering the disadvantaged to realize their potential, while working in Japan, Singapore and the UK. Since moving to Montreal, Canada, he works with Accueil Bonneau, a homeless charity, to install the technology needed to streamline client intake and assistance programs.