Executive Director & Board member
Oby Ukadike-Oyer
Oby has always believed in the power of community. Growing up, she watched her family show up for others, and that value has shaped every part of her life. She cares deeply about making education accessible, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for all.
For the past 16 years, Oby has worked in education technology, and her passion for people extends far beyond her career. She volunteers with HOPE worldwide MA, working alongside others to support local communities in Boston. She also co-founded the WaWa Project, which helps students in Ghana access education and supports them through graduation.
Oby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and an MBA in Nonprofit Management and Entrepreneurship. At her core, she’s a relationship-builder who believes in lifting others up—bringing love, laughter, and belonging into every space she’s part of.
President & Board Chair
Melissa Sheetoo
Melissa has always called Massachusetts her home. She currently works as a Senior Implementation Consultant creating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs for companies that offer funding or in-kind giving to nonprofits. She takes great pride and joy in creating the programs in which NPOs can request support from companies that want to give back to their communities.
Melissa has enjoyed volunteering with HOPE worldwide for many years, both locally and internationally. One trip to Guatemala in 2012 for a HWW Medical Brigade sparked a love for international service projects; she returns at least once a year to Central America to take part in these brigades. She has also participated in other volunteer programs in India, Nepal, and New Zealand and has been on the HWW Volunteer Corps Global Advisory Committee since 2014.
Director of Finance & Treasurer
Gary Slebodnick
Originally from Philadelphia, Gary moved to Boston in 1988 to pursue a career in music as a transfer student from Penn State to the Berklee College of Music.
God had other plans however, and after graduating and working behind the scenes in the music business for some years, he began working in the office for the Boston Church of Christ in 1994. Over the years he has been blessed to serve in a variety of administrative roles in the church and missions society, and along the way he earned an MBA degree and became a CPA.
He currently serves as the Lead Administrator of the Boston Church, and as the Treasurer of HOPE worldwide - Massachusetts.Gary has been married to the love of his life Anne-Mer for over 25 years, and together they love their family of three boys who are in their college years or beyond.
Board Members
Michael Lamb
Michael began volunteering for HOPE worldwide when he was in High School. Having faced childhood leukemia, he saw and felt the impact of human compassion and care. Inspired by the love and example of Jesus and others, he has a strong passion for meeting the needs of the hurting and overlooked.
Michael graduated with a degree in Child Development, Early Education. After meeting in college, he and his wife, Kristen married in 1999 and have four children. Michael currently leads the NextGen Ministry of the Boston Church of Christ.
Milton & Debbie Drake
Milton is a practicing Primary Care physician in the Boston area and Debbie is a Health Educator. They have both been involved with the work of HOPE worldwide in Cambodia for over 20 years, helping to establish a meaningful liaison with the Boston Church and a “sister-hospital” relationship between Lowell General Hospital and the two HOPE worldwide Cambodian hospitals. They have also worked under the leadership of Walter and Lori Kotkowski in developing and implementing the highly successful Medical/ Community Service brigades in Central America over the past 10 years.
Locally, they have worked with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local volunteers in several outreach programs.
“We have found work with HOPE worldwide, its leaders, and its wonderful volunteer base a tremendously rewarding and fulfilling experience.”
Ken Ostrowski
Ken was one of the original founders of the Framingham Food Pantry back in 1993 and served as the director for seven years. For Ken and his wife, Judy, the pantry and serving the needy in the Framingham area continues to be an important part of their lives.
Ken has worked his entire career in food manufacturer, primarily as a maintenance manager. Ken and Judy enjoy the blessing of having their son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren along with their daughter and son-in-law all living in the New England area. Ken has served for the past 17 years as an elder in the Boston Church of Christ.