Staff
Richard Jaeggi: Executive Director
We began the Gandhi Brigade in the summer of 2005 for the purpose of preparing a new generation of leaders that would be equal to challenges of the Twenty First Century. We took up Gandhi’s challenge to form a “peace brigade” that trained for justice the way an army trains for war. We taught ourselves how to use video and other digital media as a tool to engage young people in the life of their community and to use the power of communication to transform the world.I was born in New Jersey but moved to Memphis in my teens, and later went to High School in Winter Haven, Florida. I hold a master degree in Religious studies and wrote my thesis on the spiritual transformations of 2nd century Rome.
Before devoting myself full time to the building of the Gandhi Brigade I ran several community technology centers in Washington DC. I have made a living as a cabinet maker, a carpenter, a network administrator, a construction employment trainer, and as a cook on an oil supply boat. I spent two years in Nepal as a Peace Corps volunteer where I met my wife.
I like to make things, swim, ride my bicycle on the local trails, and throw goofy parties that often involve fire. I am married to Yoshiko Zenfuku and have three children, Lisa, Daniel, and Isaac. I have lived in Silver Spring for 16 years and care deeply about my community.
I am immensely fortunate to have the privilege of earning my living by doing the thing I love the most: doing my part in preparing today’s youth to become wise, compassionate, and courageous. Email: [email protected]
Board of Directors
Vicki Warren: President
In February of 2007, Richard called me to help with an event called “What’s your Story?” Youth and adults were coming together to interview each other and form a consensus as to what kind of change was needed in the community. Richard asked me to help train people how to use the video cameras which had been donated for use that day. The connections I felt with the people there that day were lasting and four years later, I am still connected to Gandhi Brigade.
Currently, I am on the Board of Directors at Gandhi Brigade. I have also helped with creating media projects and judging the Youth Media Festival.
Something interesting…well at age 56, I played beach volleyball for the first time at a Gandhi Brigade retreat and learned that I LOVE that game!
Lynn Hughes
Erin Essenmacher
Jonathan B. Williams: Executive Director at Reach for College!
I came to Gandhi Brigade when Richard realized it was cheaper to get me to volunteer on the board than to hire me as a consultant. Seriously, after facilitating a board retreat (the same one where Vicki became the next Misty May), I realized I loved this organization! I was honored to be asked to join the board!
Running my own nonprofit helps me think about the Gandhi Brigade through an empathetic lens. It is also nice to serve an organization in the town where I live. It helps me feel connected to the students in a way. So does having children of my own who are about the same age as the students served by Gandhi.
Something interesting about me is that I occasionally do some commercial acting. It was fun when a little kid recognized me as the “We Can” man from a PSA I did for the Get Active Campaign of NIH.
Will Smith
Ora Wiseman
Wesley Webb
Mr. Wesley Webb currently works for the Department of Homeland at US Citizenship & Immigration Services as the Branch Chief for Asset Management. His Branch supports the logistics needs of 161 offices nationally and four regional international offices.
Mr. Webb enlisted in the Army in 1986 and completed the job specialty for Supply Specialist and was assigned to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center upon the completion of his training. He worked at the medical center for 5 1/2 years and during that period he deployed with the medical staff in support of Operation Desert Storm/Shield in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and completed his service agreement in 1992.
Mr. Webb earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland University College, European Division in 1997, completed a Masters in Management in 2006, and a MBA in 2007 at the University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD.
Mr. Webb actively dabbles in social media and organizes a group called the DMV Black Golfers which meets periodically to play golf through-out the DC Metro area.
Mr. Webb originated from the state of Indiana and currently lives in Silver Spring, MD with his wife Mechelle.
Susan Kyles
Pauline Steinhorn
Lynn Bock
Joseph Andargie
