Meet the Team

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Michelle Basman


Michelle Basman

Art Facilitator at Brookview Community Center; ESL teacher at Minnesota Literacy Council

Witnessing some of the worst apartheid atrocities in my native South Africa gave me a front seat perspective into how important education is and how withholding it propagated poverty and suppression. Developing this poignant understanding into the crucial nature of education has guided my passion and vision and makes ACC a dream organization to be part of.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Michelle Biros


Michelle Biros

Ruiz Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of Minnesota School of Medicine

I am involved with ACC because I believe it addresses a root cause of poverty and inequality. An education is powerful and can be used for personal and community advancement.

Africa Classroom Connection Founder Henry Bromelkamp


Henry Bromelkamp

Founder

I believe in South Africa because of its skilled and ambitious people who endured apartheid. Our classrooms give kids the future they deserve.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Elena Condos


Elena Condos

Marketing Innovation Leader, Healthcare and Lifesciences at Microsoft

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Robyn Coquyt


Robyn Coquyt

Executive Director at Africa Classroom Connection
 
During my first visit to ACC classrooms, I was forever changed by the eagerness to learn that I saw from the learners. Giving kids the basic and fundamental right to a quality education has driven me ever since.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Brendon Dennewill


Brendon Dennewill

CEO & Cofounder at Denamico

As a 12-year-old, I went to middle school in KwaZulu-Natal, about 2 hours from the rolling hills where ACC helps fund the building of schools. In Minneapolis, 30 years later, I met Henry the founder of ACC at our mutual Rotary club. It didn't take much to connect my heart and my head to do what I can for this amazing organization, by helping build one classroom at a time for more and more kids there to learn their way to success.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Tammie Follet


Tammie Follett

Director, Community Relations at Thomson Reuters
 
Because I am a strong believer in education for all children regardless of geography, I want to be a part of an organization that provides an effective and impactful solution like ACC. ACC has made a measured difference in the lives of children in South Africa.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Anne Hussian


Anne Hussian

Executive Director at Tanzania Health Partnership
 
Plain and simple, ACC really delivers on its mission and so many kids are benefitting. I've always been especially wow'd that no school built by ACC has ever closed or been repurposed, which is testimony to how badly needed -- and valued -- they are in Zululand. I'm honored to be among the many who support ACC and all the kids.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Heather Magnuson


Heather Magnuson

Assistant Attorney at Bloomington City Attorney’s Office

I feel strongly that access to education is a basic human right and I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps ensure that need is met for rural South African students. I wanted to become involved because ACC is a fiscally responsible non-profit that is doing amazing work to benefit children.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Peter Maritz


Peter Maritz

Retired
 
South Africa has been one of my passions since I first traveled there in 1975. Making a difference in South Africa has long been a priority of mine, and I have found no better way to do so than through the mission of ACC.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Jeff Nelson


Jeff Nelson

Executive Director, Office of Business Finance at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
 
I am a founder of Africa Classroom Connection and have served as Treasurer since the organization's inception. I support ACC because education is key to unlocking personal potential and, collectively, societal improvement, both economic and cultural.