Our Board of Directors

Korina serves as the Board Secretary for Utah Valley Refugees and feels honored to play a role in supporting Utah County's refugee neighbors. Over the past few years, she has volunteered with the organization as both an ESL instructor and a grant writer, securing several significant grants to further its mission. Korina earned a degree in International Studies with a minor in Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University, where she also learned Spanish and had the opportunity to intern as a Literacy teacher in a small town in central Mexico.

After graduation, Korina moved to Washington, D.C., to work with the International Republican Institute. She initially served as Assistant to the Vice President and later as a Program Associate for the organization’s Colombia and Venezuela programs. Today, she works as the Program Director for the International Leadership Academy at Utah Global Diplomacy.

Korina has a passion for traveling, connecting with new people, and experiencing the richness of diverse cultures. She has run five marathons, learned to scuba dive, enjoys hiking, and is an active volunteer in her church congregation. Most especially, Korina loves spending time with her husband and three children.

 Leonard, a successful entrepreneur residing in the United States, was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee and has since built a remarkable career. Leonard holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and a bachelor’s degree in public and Community Health Education from Utah Valley University.   

 Leonard has 14+ years of experience working with refugees in Utah and has served on several non-profit boards. He founded and directed Utah Valley Refugees, a  nonprofit organization that is committed to assist refugees in their quest to become self-reliant.  Leonard is also the founder and CEO of FAB, an agropastoral enterprise that aims to promote resilience, improve food security, and support sustainable rural area farmers in his native country, DRC.  Leonard is dedicated to making a difference not only in helping others, but also  His work focuses on enhancing food security, fostering economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring environmental sustainability. With extensive experience in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, as well as in agriculture and farming, Leonard is dedicated to making a positive impact on his community and beyond . 

 Jennifer, deeply rooted in Utah Valley, is the Director of Enterprise Risk Management at a medical device corporation, specializing in organizational resilience and sustainability. She advocates for refugee self-sufficiency, aligning with UVR’s vision. Jennifer holds a master’s in accounting from BYU and has worked at Ernst and Young and American Express, with CPA and CRMA credentials. She is a devoted mother of five, enjoys travel, and values time with her family. Her skills include risk management, business continuity, resilience planning, internal controls, auditing, data analysis, accounting, and financial analytics. 

Sam is a Research Consultant for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Previously, he managed the State’s “Home Visiting Program” for low-income single mothers and served as the Fleet Director for the state fleet program. Sam holds a bachelor's in sociology and a master's in public administration from Brigham Young University. He is a certified divorce mediator and volunteers with refugee services in Utah, including Utah Valley. Sam lives in Pleasant Grove with his wife, Valerie Lee, and their five children since 2001. 

Scott Wood has been a Finance and Operations Executive with 40+ years’ experience building and leading manufacturers and corporations in the aviation/aerospace and food processing industries.  He has managed expansion, restructuring, and capital market transitions.  Mr. Wood is a strategic decision maker who has a broad view of an enterprise and maintains an understanding of details.  He has extensive experience in capital structure, banking relationships, asset management, M&A, due diligence, and audit.  He holds an MBA from Brigham Young University with an undergraduate degree in accounting. In addition to his work with Utah Valley Refugees, Mr. Wood is active in his community and supports other local causes including a local food pantry.