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About Kanyiri-Bell Upendo

Be a Part of Our Journey: Sponsor, Donate, and Transform Lives

Creating a Community of Care: Our Mission

Discover Kanyiri-Bell Upendo: Where Love Transforms Lives

Kanyiri-Bell Upendo envisions a future where the people of Kenya are empowered to lead lives of dignity, opportunity, and well-being. Our vision is to create and support initiatives that address critical needs across the community, from providing quality care and resources for the elderly to ensuring that children who excel academically have the financial support they need to continue their education. We are committed to exploring sustainable solutions, including clean energy projects, and developing state-of-the-art assisted living facilities that offer seniors a secure, nurturing, and engaging environment.

Through our efforts, Kanyiri-Bell Upendo seeks to foster a society where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. By focusing on care, education, and sustainability, we aim to make a lasting, positive impact on Kenya, helping to build a brighter and more equitable future for all.

The Heart of Organization: Board of Directors

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Marshall R. Goodman, Sr.

Director of Governance and Policy Development

Marshall’s extensive background in public administration and governance  makes him an ideal leader for shaping the organization’s policies, ensuring  compliance, and advising on best practices in governance.

Marshall R. Goodman, Sr. is a multifaceted leader, blending his expertise as an educator, businessman, performing artist, and local government official. Born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Long Beach, California, Goodman has resided in La Palma since 1998. His public service includes two terms as Mayor and a distinguished tenure as a Council Member from 2016 to 2024. Goodman’s academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). He has continued his academic engagement by teaching undergraduate Public Policy courses at CSULB and serving as a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton. In these roles, he educates both undergraduate and graduate students on local and state government while consulting on best practices in governance, land entitlement, and public affairs for local governments. Goodman’s career extends beyond academia and governance. As a seasoned musician, he began performing in 1990 with the renowned band Sublime. He is currently the managing partner of the Long Beach Dub Allstars and principal of LBDA Music, Inc., demonstrating his ability to navigate both the creative and business sides of the music industry. His dedication to public service is evident through his leadership roles in numerous organizations, including the League of California Cities, the Orange County Sanitation District, the Southern California Association of Governments, and the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority. These contributions reflect his commitment to fostering effective governance and advancing community development at local, county, and state levels. Marshall R. Goodman, Sr. embodies a dynamic blend of public service, academic excellence, and artistic achievement, making a lasting impact in each of his diverse roles.

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Dr. Natalyn E. Randle

Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement

Natalyn’s entrepreneurial spirit and experience organizing large-scale events  make her well-suited to lead fundraising initiatives and strengthen community  ties through outreach and advocacy.

Dr. Natalyn E. Randle is a trailblazing entrepreneur and visionary leader dedicated to championing African American business professionals and creatives. As the founder of Black Business Women Rock, she has created a dynamic platform that fosters unity, self-love, and entrepreneurship. Through annual conferences and expos, Dr. Randle has empowered countless entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, promote their work, and build strong community connections. In addition to her advocacy for women in business, Dr. Randle serves as the General Contractor and Project Coordinator for Over-the-Top Property Preservation LLC, a respected commercial and residential construction company with over two decades of experience. Her leadership has solidified the company’s reputation for delivering exceptional results in the construction industry. A prolific author, Dr. Randle has penned three bestselling books: Behind the Scenes of Greatness: Lessons and Blessings on My Purpose Journey, Temple Time: 7 Steps Towards Self-Love, and She Works Her Strategy. Her dedication to women’s empowerment has earned her recognition in various publications and speaking engagements, making her a celebrated voice in business and community leadership.

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Michael A. Ocasio

Director of Economic Development and Financial  Oversight

Michael’s background in economic development and finance positions him  perfectly to oversee the organization’s financial health and develop strategies  for economic growth and sustainability.

Michael A. Ocasio is the Chief Executive Officer and founding member of the Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County, a quasi-public nonprofit focused on economic development. Established under California’s IBank and Go-BIZ, this organization plays a pivotal role in advancing small businesses. With over 22 years of economic development experience and a background in senior commercial banking, Michael also serves as President of The Association of Financial Development Corporations, representing California’s seven Financial Development Corporations under IBank. His dedication to community growth extends beyond economic development. He is the former Chairman and Treasurer of Aspire Community Housing Economic Development Organization and a past Commissioner with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Commission on Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity. Michael’s academic achievements include graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earning certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from the National Development Council. Residing in Redlands, CA, he continues to foster impactful initiatives that drive regional prosperity.

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Sedrick M. Spencer

Director for Government Relations and Community  Development

Sedrick’s expertise in navigating legislative policies and building partnerships  with stakeholders at multiple levels of government. His experience would also  contribute to advocating for policies and initiatives that align with the  organization’s mission.

Sedrick M. Spencer serves as the Vice President of Government Relations at Paramount, where he drives legislative policies that shape the entertainment industry. Renowned as a "bridge-builder," he specializes in creating and sustaining impactful collaborations with stakeholders at federal, state, and local government levels. With over two decades of experience, Mr. Spencer has made significant contributions to companies such as Paramount, Biogen Corporation, Celgene Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, and HLR Services (Roche Pharmaceuticals). Inspired by the leadership and compassion of Nelson Mandela, Mr. Spencer is passionate about uplifting under served communities through education and entrepreneurship. His negotiation expertise, clarity of vision, and dedication to inclusion have positioned him as a leader capable of crafting multilevel business strategies that yield measurable success. Currently, he serves as the Board President of Young Community Developers (YCD), a San Francisco-based workforce development organization, and holds leadership roles with the NAACP CA-Hawaii State Board and the California State University Alumni Council. His tireless advocacy for equitable opportunities makes him a driving force in fostering economic and social progress.

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Winde Toney

Director for Strategic Planning and Senior Care Advocacy

Winde’s background in logistics, planning, and her passion for senior care. Her  role could focus on developing and overseeing strategies to improve senior  living initiatives while ensuring operational efficiency.

Winde Toney is an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of expertise in logistics and planning. For the past 16 years, she has provided in-home caregiving to her mother, bringing a unique blend of professional and personal experience to her work. Ms. Toney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she is a licensed Real Estate Broker and Notary Public in California. Her leadership extends to her active involvement in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has contributed to initiatives through the Ivy & Pearls Foundation and the Take Wings Foundation. A strategic thinker with a track record of driving growth and innovation, Ms. Toney brings a wealth of knowledge to her commitment to senior care and engagement. Her passion for promoting proper care and support for seniors guides her efforts on the board. With her strong professional acumen and dedication to improving quality of life for vulnerable populations, Ms. Toney plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission.

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Jim Hopkins

Director of Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight

Jim Hopkins brings decades of experience in financial management and  strategic planning, making him an invaluable leader for overseeing  organizational sustainability and growth. At IBM, he managed the $60 billion  corporate balance sheet and played a pivotal role in launching the IBM PC. His  entrepreneurial and leadership acumen, including his tenure as CFO at  Cummins Metro-Power, demonstrates his ability to navigate complex financial  landscapes and develop strategies that drive long-term success.

Jim Hopkins brings decades of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership to his role on the Board of Directors. A graduate of Howard University, where he worked his way through college at McDonald's, Jim began his career as a budget analyst for the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC. He later transitioned to the private sector, joining IBM as an accounting analyst. Over a 20-year tenure at IBM, Jim advanced through increasingly complex management roles, including financial planning, product pricing, and operations. As the financial planner for the introduction of the IBM PC and later managing IBM's $60 billion corporate balance sheet, Jim demonstrated exceptional acumen in navigating large-scale financial operations. Jim’s entrepreneurial journey began when he owned and successfully sold a graphics and printing company. Following this, he joined Cummins Metro-Power in New York, where he quickly rose to CFO, managing critical areas such as legal, personnel, and risk management, while guiding the company through a challenging software transition. His leadership continued at Remote Source Lighting International, where he served as Senior Controller, CFO, and eventually acting president. Now based in Laguna Woods, California, Jim applies his extensive expertise in governance and finance as president of the board of directors of the Golden Rain Foundation, overseeing governance structures and processes. Jim’s ability to guide organizations through complex financial landscapes and implement strategic initiatives makes him an invaluable asset to any board, including his contribution to Kanyiri Bell Upendo’s mission.

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Meet Our Founders

Shiko Kanyiri-Bell & Eric Bell

Eric C. Bell and Shiko Kanyiri-Bell are a powerful husband-and-wife team dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through thoughtful financial guidance and compassionate care. With over 39 years in the securities and insurance industry, Eric is a seasoned financial advisor known for helping high-net-worth individuals and business owners navigate complex real estate deals, tax strategies, and long-term wealth preservation. He brings together a trusted network of tax attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals to deliver custom strategies that protect and grow his clients' financial legacies. Shiko brings a different, but equally vital, lens to the partnership. Beginning her career as a licensed nurse case manager, she earned recognition for her compassionate care at the bedside—including a Patient Advocate Award. She later transitioned to working with major health plans, where she supported individuals facing both medical and social challenges. Drawing from her healthcare experience and her Kenyan roots, Shiko is passionate about creating better living environments for seniors and advocating for health equity in Black and Brown communities. Together, Eric and Shiko combine their expertise to offer a holistic approach to personal and community well-being—bridging the gap between financial stability and quality of life. Their shared values of integrity, empathy, and service allow them to guide clients through everything from wealth planning to navigating healthcare challenges, always with a focus on dignity, respect, and empowerment. Whether serving high-net-worth individuals or uplifting underserved communities, the Bells are committed to making a meaningful difference—one family, one solution, and one conversation at a time.

Our Vision : 
Transforming Lives in Kenya

Developing Our Projects with Dedication

Our vision is a thriving Kenya; where every citizen has access to the essential resources that foster a life of security, opportunity and sustainability. Through the unified efforts of our supporters and sponsors, we will create a ripple effect of positive change,  transforming lives and building a legacy of hope and prosperity for generations to come.

Join Us in Creating Lasting Impact: Your Contribution Makes a Difference

Our Goals for Kanyiri-Bell Upendo

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Future Projects

Through love and action, we strive to create lasting positive change in Kenya.

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Project Zero: Tranquil Assisted Living

We are dedicated to providing seniors with compassionate care, ensuring they live their twilight years with dignity and joy.

Board Member Roles and Responsibilities for Kanyiri Bell Upendo

The Board of Directors for Kanyiri Bell Upendo play a critical role in driving the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive senior health resources and  community empowerment. The board is structured into various roles to ensure  strategic direction, specialized expertise, and effective project oversight. Below is an  overview of the categories of board roles, their responsibilities, and how they align  with the organization’s goals.

Executive Roles

Executive roles provide the core leadership for the board, ensuring that governance  practices are upheld and the organization adheres to its mission and vision. These  individuals are responsible for high-level decision-making and operational oversight.

  • Chairperson/President of the Board: Leads board meetings, sets strategic  priorities, and acts as the primary liaison between the board and the executive  team. For Kanyiri Bell Upendo, the Chairperson oversees efforts to establish  senior living facilities in Kenya and represents the organization at public  events. 

  • Vice Chairperson/Vice President of the Board: Supports the Chairperson  and steps in during their absence. This role might involve leading initiatives  such as partnerships with Kenyan organizations to expand outreach. 

  • Secretary: Maintains records of board meetings, ensures compliance with  governance policies, and tracks organizational decisions. The Secretary for  Kanyiri Bell Upendo documents decisions on key projects, such as the timeline  for facility construction. 

  • Treasurer: Oversees financial management, including budgeting and  reporting. The Treasurer ensures that funds raised for senior care initiatives  are allocated effectively and transparently.

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