Who We Are
Congo Action Now is comprised of a dynamic group of individuals. Join us!
Pat Aron
Pat has been actively involved in political campaigns and peace and justice issues since doing anti-racism work in the South as a teenager. She was first made aware of what is happening to women in the Congo by sister members of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Pat is a public health social worker in Boston.
Kelley Ready
Kelley is an anthropologist, a feminist and a long time activist. Over the last twenty years, her work has focused on human rights and gender equality in El Salvador. After one of her Congolese students at Brandeis University spoke out about the sexual violence that was occurring in her country, Kelley felt compelled to learn more. She is very pleased to be working with a group comprised of Congolese and United Statesian women.
Samba Halkose
Samba is a Congolese activist located in Manchester, NH. She was born in Bukavu, capital of S. Kivu in Eastern DRC, and has been in the US for thirteen years. Samba is a Founder of the organization U.S.-Congolese for Unity, Peace, and Development. Samba travels frequently to the DRC to visit family.
Anna Stout
Anna is a macro social worker and global health professional. Her activist work began with organizing Take Back the Night rallies and the Vagina Monologues. She became interested in the conflict in the DRC while working in South Africa alongside Congolese refugees. Her interest was piqued when she learned the role of everyday electronics in perpetuating conflict and mass atrocities in the DRC.
Coleen T. Houlihan
Coleen is a writer of poetry and fiction. She became involved with issues surrounding the Congo when she saw a film about the brutality many Congolese women are suffering. For more information about Coleen, visit her website.
Jeanne Kasongo L. Ngondo (Maman Jeanne)
Maman Jeanne is an international Congolese activist and the founder and president of the Shalupe Foundation, an organization focused on educational opportunities and economic empowerment for women and youth in the DRC.