Founder

As an entrepreneur, running a successful business is just one part of my legacy. For over a decade, I've dreamed of starting Proximity2Humanity to make a meaningful impact on the world beyond my business. Traditional philanthropy is a timeless path, but many entrepreneurs, like myself, aspire to create a more tangible, lasting impact by fostering systemic change—mirroring the transformations we've achieved in the business world. I am native to Jordan, currently living in the United States. I wholeheartedly agree with the notion that individuals who possess privilege have a moral responsibility to support those who are less fortunate. The circumstances of our birth, which largely determine our life's trajectory, are indeed a result of sheer luck. Recognizing this fundamental aspect of our existence should propel us to take action in alleviating the hardships faced by others who were not as fortunate in the lottery of life. By leveraging our privilege to uplift those in need, we contribute to creating a more equitable and compassionate world for all.

Executive Director

I’ve spent over 25 years in international assistance, working across more than 40 countries with the UN, INGOs, and USAID in response to conflict, natural disasters, and political transitions. I moved between institutions and crises to grow, learn, and lead—but over time, it felt Sisyphean. Even in senior roles where I was meant to help shape the system, it remained implacable, becoming more bureaucratic, less equitable, and increasingly disconnected from those doing the hardest, most essential work.

In my final three years at USAID, I led a program in Sudan that brought me into close partnership with grassroots activists and volunteers. When war erupted, many of them pivoted overnight into frontline responders—evacuating civilians, distributing food, repairing water systems—without waiting for funding or permission. They just acted.

Working alongside them has become the most urgent and meaningful work of my career. Not just because they are the best responders, but because, with rising needs and shrinking budgets, there is no alternative if we’re serious about saving lives and reducing suffering.

Proximity2Humanity was built on that truth. We channel resources directly to local networks through a model that’s light-touch, community-led, and built for speed, trust, solidarity, and impact. We focus on what matters most—and make space for those closest to the crisis to lead.

Co-Founder & Board Member

The Volkswagen van and the white picket fence. My life has been spent trying to find a balance between the two….

Home is Albemarle, NC where my family has been for five generations. It’s my roots and my foundation. It’s where you’ll find me grilling out on a Friday night surrounded by lifelong friends and family. The white fence symbolizes home and rings our back yard. Inside it you’ll find our 4-year old dog and 5-year old son. This is our home and our community. This is where I’ve sent my roots down deep.

The Volkswagen van symbolizes a peripatetic life where I’ve met amazing, inspiring people around the world that I remain friends with today. This is where I’ve sent my roots out wide. I guess you could say I accidentally fell into the life of an aid worker. Being in Africa in 1994 in the midst of the Rwandan genocide, Mozambique civil war, and the birth of the New South Africa, I couldn’t help but admire and be inspired by the courageous aid workers I saw. I went to Africa unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. I came back convinced. In the 30 years since then, I’ve worked in disaster zones around the world. Afghanistan. Japan. Indonesia. Yemen. Albania. Burma. Rwanda. Ethiopia. I’ve always had a deep yearning to wander, explore, contribute, and serve. Aid work made that possible.

Proximity2Humanity is my attempt to merge my worlds, find meaning, and contribute to each. It seeks to blend local activities with global initiatives and generate some good in the world.

Finance & Administration Officer

At Proximity2Humanity, I oversee the financial and administrative systems that keep our work running smoothly and responsibly. My role is to ensure that resources are managed with care, accountability, and transparency, so that our impact on the ground is both practical and sustainable.

With a background in nonprofit finance, I bring a systems-focused approach to our operations. I’m based in Amman, Jordan, and work closely with our team to align day-to-day processes with our long-term mission.

I believe that good intentions must be matched with sound structures. In a field where every contribution matters, my goal is to help build the kind of organizational foundation that earns trust and delivers results.

Project Director, Mutual Aid Sudan

I currently serve as the Project Director for Mutual Aid Sudan with Proximity2Humanity. I am a seasoned humanitarian professional with nearly 15 years of experience in international, complex emergencies in places like South Sudan, Liberia, Nigeria, Ukraine, and others. 

Before P2H, I held leadership positions with the Clinton Global Initiative and World Central Kitchen, among other international NGOs. I bring a strong focus on rapid response, innovation, and evidence-based design, and humanitarian response works best when resources are provided to place-based organizations on the frontlines of crisis and risks are shared more equally between donors, intermediaries, and responders.

Digital Strategy & Creative Lead

At Proximity2Humanity, I bridge the gap between digital strategy, content creation, and community impact. My work focuses on using media and technology to amplify voices, streamline systems, and engage diaspora communities in meaningful ways.

With a background spanning graphic design, nonprofit collaboration, and creative production, I bring a storytelling lens and a systems mindset to everything I do. I’m currently based in Khartoum, Sudan, working across platforms and teams to ensure our message is not just heard, but felt, shared, and acted upon.

I believe that powerful content and intentional systems can drive real change. I aim to help build tools and narratives that resonate with people’s lived experiences and inspire collective action.

Youth Engagement & Outreach Associate

As the youngest member of the Proximity2Humanity team, I support the work of the organization with administrative tasks, social media content and strategy, and outreach. I also work to maintain open communications between Proximity2Humanity and some of our partners.

I’m based in Providence, Rhode Island, and one of my top priorities is involving US-based youth in the mutual aid movement. Just as our Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition seeks to deliver humanitarian aid abroad, I strive to ensure that our US-based youth initiative maintains the values of mutual aid at home.

Board Member

I believe that purpose is not just something we find—it’s something we live. As a psychologist, professor, counselor, and mother, I am committed to serving others through the intentional use of my gifts, both in my everyday life and in my professional roles. Through Proximity 2 Humanity, I have the opportunity to extend that service beyond the classroom and into communities near and far, participating in projects that foster connection, dignity, and compassion.

My academic work has centered on the development of purpose in emerging adults, and my personal and professional life is grounded in the conviction that a meaningful life is outwardly focused—rooted in gratitude, supported by community, and expressed through service. As a board member for Proximity 2 Humanity, I am honored to help lead initiatives that bring people closer to one another in meaningful and lasting ways.

Whether I'm mentoring students, supporting children and parents through play therapy, or raising my own children with an eye toward empathy and justice, my goal is the same: to live a life of purpose by serving others. Raised in Albemarle, NC, with life chapters that have stretched as far as Uruguay, I’ve learned that humanity is not a concept—it’s a daily choice to be present, intentional, and kind. Proximity 2 Humanity is my avenue to continue towards that mission.

Louisa Jane Hartsell is a seasoned and visionary leader in project and event management with over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and community domains. Currently serving as Administrative Manager at Proximity 2 Humanity, Louisa oversees donor communications, financial documentation, and organizational operations—ensuring excellence, accuracy, and integrity in all areas.

In her role as Owner and Director of Hartsell Funeral Homes, Louisa manages the coordination of over 750 events annually, spearheads marketing and public engagement, and builds strategic partnerships that deepen community impact and foster institutional growth.

Widely recognized for her operational insight and results-driven approach, Louisa excels in streamlining processes, nurturing team leadership, and advancing mission-aligned objectives. A passionate community advocate and accomplished grant writer, she has championed awareness and fundraising efforts for critical causes such as Alzheimer’s research and end-of-life care.

Louisa's service extends beyond her professional roles—she is an active Rotarian, named Rotarian of the Year 2024/2025, and contributes her expertise on numerous boards and committees. Her dedication to service is matched by her personal pursuits: an avid triathlete, runner, and kayaker, Louisa brings the same energy and discipline to her athletic endeavors and volunteer commitments.

She holds dual B.A. degrees in Mass Communications and Women’s Studies from Meredith College, as well as a Funeral Services degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College.