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
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.
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.
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.
Doug Bender
Director of People and Impact
Doug brings deep expertise in executive leadership, human resources strategy, and nonprofit governance. His experience building high-performing teams and guiding complex organizations strengthens the board’s ability to advance initiatives that expand opportunity, equity, and community impact.
Doug Bender is an accomplished executive, educator, and consultant whose career spans global corporations, higher education, and community leadership. He previously led HR Support Services for North America at Mars, Inc., co-chaired global HR operations, and helped manage initiatives overseeing a combined budget exceeding a quarter-billion dollars annually—delivering innovative ideas that produced significant organizational savings. He has served extensively on boards and advisory councils nationwide, including leadership roles with civic commissions, academic institutions, and national nonprofits. Doug currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Southern California’s Bovard School of Business and has guided numerous programs dedicated to workforce development, leadership, and community empowerment. Doug’s contributions have been widely recognized. His honors include the AmeriCorps Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement distinction, Board Member of the Year from Base 11, and Volunteer of the Year for the City of Villa Park. He is also one of only two members in Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity’s 118-year history to receive its highest honor—the Grand Sire Archon’s Award—twice. A published author and thought leader, Doug has written and contributed to multiple leadership books and articles. His commitment to mentorship, inclusion, and “servant leadership” continues to shape organizations and inspire emerging leaders across sectors.
Dr. Mitchell Wainwright
Director of Medical Oversight
Dr. Mitchell Wainwright brings comprehensive clinical expertise, physician leadership, and a strong commitment to accessible, patient-centered care. His experience in family medicine, medical group governance, and healthcare administration strengthens the organization’s ability to advance high-quality, community-focused health outcomes.
Dr. Mitchell J. Wainwright is a board certified family medicine physician with extensive experience in clinical practice, medical leadership, and healthcare delivery. He completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and earned his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. He completed residency training in Internal Medicine at Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles, followed by Family Medicine residency at the University of California, Irvine, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Wainwright has held leadership roles within physician organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Bristol Park Medical Group. He currently practices with Optum Medical Group and previously served as Assistant Medical Director, contributing to clinical oversight and quality initiatives. In addition, he maintains a private practice, Mitchell J. Wainwright, MD, providing comprehensive family medicine services. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Wainwright is deeply committed to improving access to care for diverse patient populations. His clinical expertise, administrative experience, and dedication to community health continue to inform his leadership and service.
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.
Our Goals for Kanyiri-Bell Upendo
Future Projects
Through love and action, we strive to create lasting positive change in Kenya.
Advisory Board Members
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.
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.
Elizabeth Hoefer
Director for Patient Advocacy
Dr. Elizabeth Hoefer brings advanced clinical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a strong record of professional service within the chiropractic field. Her experience guiding statewide initiatives, educating clinicians, and advocating for patient-centered care strengthens the organization’s ability to advance health, access, and community well-being.
Dr. Elizabeth S. Hoefer is an accomplished chiropractor, educator, and organizational leader. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic, Bachelor of Science, and Associate of Science in Chiropractic Technology from Palmer College of Chiropractic and holds a Diplomate in Craniocervical Junction Procedures—the highest level of advanced training in upper cervical chiropractic. She is board certified by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and serves as an X-Ray Supervisor through California’s Radiologic Health Branch. Dr. Hoefer currently serves as Chair of the House of Delegates for the California Chiropractic Association, previously serving as statewide President in 2023, and has been an active board member since 2016. She also serves on the board of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Society and is a certified Blair instructor, training doctors and students nationwide. In addition, she is adjunct faculty with Southern California University of Health Sciences, Life Chiropractic College West, and Palmer College, mentoring future chiropractors in clinical practice. Her clinic, Well Connected Chiropractic, received the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care “Innate Clinic of the Year” Award in 2024. She has also been recognized as Blair Chiropractor of the Year (2015) and New Chiropractor of the Year for California (2013). A frequent lecturer and committed advocate for upper cervical care, Dr. Hoefer pairs advanced clinical skill with a passion for service, education, and patient outcomes. She resides in Southern California with her family.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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