Our People

Shin Fujiyama, co-founder of SHH, serves as the organization’s Executive Director, focusing on long-term vision, fundraising, global partnerships, and public speaking. Shin was born in Niigata, Japan in 1983 and soon moved to the US with his family to settle in Falls Church, Virginia. He received his B.A. at the University of Mary Washington in International Affairs and struggled through organic chemistry in the pre-med program. To direct the nonprofit he created in his dorm room with his sister, he opted against a career in medicine. In his free time, Shin enjoys training at his kickboxing gym, playing soccer for numerous teams and reading books like Three Cups of Tea. He has received many awards for his work in Honduras and was named a CNN Hero in 2009.

Cosmo Fujiyama, co-founder of SHH and younger sister of Shin, serves as the organization’s President. She focuses on expanding the reach of SHH in Honduras, and also serves as a key spokesperson with foundations, school administrators, and high-impact individuals who can advance SHH’s mission. Cosmo holds a Bachelor's degree in American Studies and Women's Studies from the College of William and Mary. She has volunteered at a children’s center in Peru, a women’s rights center in Nicaragua, and participated in and led trips as part of Habitat for Humanity International. She has also traveled throughout Central America and Southeast Asia. During her time at William & Mary, she received the third annual James Monroe Prize in Civic Leadership. She will be pursuing business and law degrees in the near future and is a firm believer in Mark Twain's quote: "Never let your studies get in the way of your education."

Russ Altenburg serves as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, focusing on strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, finance and investments. Russ is also Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Global Playground (www.theglobalplayground.org). Previously, he worked for five years at JPMorganChase in New York advising corporate clients on foreign exchange risk management. While at JPMorgan, he served as co-President of the Diversity Action Council, served on various analyst mentoring committees, and was an active member of the Duke University recruiting team. He's also worked in JPMorgan's Community Development Group, at UBS PaineWebber and at Duke University Medical Center. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Economics from Duke University, and has also studied economics at Sydney University in Sydney, Australia.

Bobby Durrette oversees recruitment for service learning trips. Additionally, he is responsible for all technology and communications needs of Students Helping Honduras. Bobby graduated from the University of Mary Washington in May 2009 with a degree in International Affairs. Before officially joining SHH staff, Bobby worked as a volunteer since 2007. He has served as a technology adviser, Student Board representative from the UMW chapter, and Student Board/Board of Directors Liaison. Bobby avidly enjoys traveling, and he has volunteered previously in India, Laos, and Cambodia. There is a dog at Siete de Abril in Honduras who has been named after Bobby. He is also the owner of a nonprofit technology consulting firm, Durrette Consulting.

Clare serves as the organization’s Director of Service Learning, managing on-the-ground logistics of our 8-day Service Trips and spearheading efforts to expand our service-learning curriculum. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in History. Originally from Portland, Connecticut, Clare loves to travel, having spent time studying in Spain, Istanbul, and Prague. As a volunteer and staff member with SHH, Clare is most thankful to have met so many unique and inspiring people.

Walker Somerville serves as the coordinator for the Villa Soleada project, as well as the Honduras Director for the La Ceiba microfinance program. He recently graduated from the College of William and Mary with dual majors in International Relations and Latin American Studies. He has been involved in SHH since his first year at college, and felt that spending time in Honduras was the only logical step in his post-college planning. You can find him most days at the work site for our Villa Soleada project. He is an avid photographer, so check back to the site regularly to see if he has uploaded any photos of our projects.

Ana Lucia Galo is a Honduran educator working "on the ground" with SHH in various capacities. Ana Lucia is the director of our weekly Kids Camp held on Fridays at Villa Soleada. She also serves as the Honduras liaison for La Ceiba, the microfinance branch of SHH. In addition, she is also works as a chaperon for students in our Women's Academy Scholarship Program. During service learning trips, Ana Lucia also helps with logistics. Born in the city of El Progreso, Ana plays a vital role in helping SHH's operations running smoothly.

Marlene Kindred joined the SHH team as Office Administrator officially in 2008, even though she had been working with SHH for several years prior through UMW. Marlene is a native of Fredericksburg, VA and still resides on the family property where she grew up. Her college major was Horticulture and she worked as a professional florist and landscape designer for fifteen years before coming to serve as the Administrator of the Campus Christian Community. She has been married to her husband, John, for 31 years and they have one daughter, Hope, who is a junior at UMW. Her other interests include gardening, creating with her hands, junking and antiquing, scrapbooking and camping.

Megan is a senior at the College of William and Mary, majoring in International Relations and Hispanic Studies. She became involved with SHH her freshman year and first went down to El Progreso in May 2007. Her experiences interning for SHH during the summer of 2008 and working with the La Ceiba team to develop the microfinance program have led her to pursue a career in development. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in international development.

Wesley was born and raised in Nashville, TN. In December of 2006, he graduated with a degree in graphic design from Austin Peay State University, Tennessee. In February of 2008 he joined Americacorps' National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). Ever since Americorps NCCC, he had been looking for a way to combine both his passions for non-profits as well as his love for graphic design. SHH welcomes Wesley to the team! Check out his portfolio on his website, Inadequate Seating.

Katie is a senior at George Mason University and is a double major (Spanish & Psychology) with a minor in Latin American studies. Katie is the External Vice President for the George Mason Chapter. She hopes to go abroad after she graduates and then return home to get a masters in International Development.

Audrey Baise is a senior at University of Mary Washington where she will be graduating in May with a degree in Anthropology. Her first two years were spent at Germanna Community College (GCC). After she transferred in the fall of last year, she became involved with Students Helping Honduras. She went to Honduras for the first time during the winter of 2008. Her experience their led her to start a new chapter at GCC upon returning to the states. After graduation, she plans to continue humanitarian work.