Meet some of the team

John Lee is Hope for Latvia’s project manager; he oversees the day-to-day running of the charity as well as formulating strategy, training volunteers and seeking potential sponsors. He graduated with a degree in International Development from the University of East Anglia, where his particular focus was on analysing the social-economic conditions surrounding poverty. John has also spent time in Cambodia and Laos training local leaders in businesses, personal and community development. He is passionate about building future for those who have been marginalized by poverty.

Owen and Liz Morgan are both Trustees of Hope for Latvia, and are passionate about seeing it break the cycle of poverty in Latvia. They were married in 2007, having met in 2004 whilst studying at the University of East Anglia. Owen graduated with a BA in Politics and Philosophy, and Liz completed a Nursing Diploma. Together they make a great team and have a significant impact in Norwich.

Both are fully involved in a local church called Proclaimers: Owen as the Executive Pastor and Liz is involved in the co-ordination of church events, as well as being on the graphics team.

Derek Blois is the founder of Hope for Latvia. His is an inspiring story of a man who responded to the needs he witnessed on his visits to Latvia in the early 1990s. He was at the helm of Hope for Latvia for 15 years developing its capacity and work until recently when he sensed that it was time to get the next generation involved. He made it his goal to pass on his work to young creative minds and release them to take the charity on to the next level. Derek also runs his own design agency which employs 12 people across the creative field.

Kristina Novak studied at the University of Aberystwyth, where she graduated with a BSc Econ in International Politics. She has moved to Norwich after finishing both her degree and an internship with Stakeholder Forum for Sustainable Future. She got involved with Hope for Latvia through Proclaimers church where she is now doing her internship. Kristina brings her passion and commitment to assisting the team in seeing the outworking of our vision.