Shomeka Outreach originated in 2004 with a handful of people who saw an area of need in Zambia and were compelled to do something about it. The Shomeka team is now comprised of carefully chosen individuals who are committed to the vision of advancing health and faith in Zambia. Along with the board of directors, Shomeka operations could not take place without the help of additional volunteers, such as medical and public health personnel, business professionals, graphic designers, copywriters, marketing executives and financial supporters. A special thank you to all those individuals and organizations who have caught the vision and have joined Shomeka in the fight against maternal mortality.

Many others have donated their time and energy to the cause including tax professionals, graphic designers, copywriters, musicians, and public speakers.

Shomeka Board of Directors

Naomi Hachaba - President |  nhachaba [at] shomeka [dot] org

Naomi Hachaba received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Bethel University. She is a Registered Nurse, specializing in maternal-fetal medicine and high-risk obstetrics. Her experience as a nurse has given her special access to the most intimate moments in people’s lives, and a desire to implement holistic care that spans both physical and spiritual needs alike. She has a vision for Shomeka that includes making Christ’s love tangible by coming alongside families, bringing them health and a spirit of hope, and empowering them to be faithful to each other. She has previous field experience as a missionary nurse to the Surma tribe in Tulegit, Ethiopia. A self-described “nature geek,” Naomi has a running list of all the birds, animals, and insects she sees on her outdoor adventures. Besides accompanying Bright to the farm in Iowa, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and camping.

Bright Hachaba |  bhachaba [at] shomeka [dot] org

Bright Hachaba holds a Clinical Medical Sciences Degree and is currently studying finance and business administration at Metropolitan State University. He worked in the emergency department of a Zambian hospital as a Clinical Officer and contributes an broad understanding of Zambian health and culture to Shomeka Outreach. He is passionate about helping others in a practical way and was taught early by his parents about the great rewards in reaching out to those in need. Bright is motivated to help others by seeing the abundance of God’s love and provision in his own life. He is an avid soccer ("football") player and has found his new love—the card game Rook. His favorite getaway is his in-laws’ family farm in Iowa, which includes tractors, combines, and most importantly, Becky’s kitchen.

Todd Kardell |  tkardell [at] shomeka [dot] org

Todd Kardell holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bethel University and is currently working on a Masters of Divinity from Bethel Seminary. He has experience in developing and working with programs that seek to support and meet the needs of children, youth and families. His background will enable him to help initiate community support programs, mentorship opportunities and encourage family faithfulness. Shomeka is of particular interest to Todd because of the opportunity it affords him to extend love to those in need in a very tangible way. In his free time he loves spending time with his wife Charity and being silly with their son Solomon and daughter Miriam who provide him with many laughs.

Charity Kardell - Secretary |  ckardell [at] shomeka [dot] org

Charity Kardell graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is a Registered Nurse with a focus in OB/GYN services, specifically prenatal and post-natal care. She is excited for the opportunity to put her experience to work providing medical care for women and babies in Zambia and to assist in coordinating healthcare programs. She believes that by bringing physical healing, love and support she will be able to be part of providing Zambian women and families with hope for the future. Charity loves jogging, coffee, and motherhood, though not necessarily in that order. Her son Solomon and daughter Miriam Joy keeps her life full of daily joys and adventures.

Aaron Kardell |  akardell [at] shomeka [dot] org

Aaron Kardell received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science as well as a Bacelor of Arts degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Bethel University. He participated in a missions trip to Chihuhua, Mexico with Bethel University in 2000, which helped ignite a passion around addressing issues of global inequity. Aaron in an active leader in various ministries at his local church. He enjoys travel, especially international travel, having visited various countries in Western Europe and North America, as well as Japan. He is an ardent repeat entrepreneur, having started and sold multiple businesses, and is looking forward to putting his business skills to use as he joins the board. In his free time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, Kate, and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child in December.

Kate Kardell |  kkardell [at] shomeka [dot] org

Kate Kardell graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended medical school at the University of Minnesota. Kate is currently completing her residency in family medicine at North Memorial/Broadway Family Medicine. In her role as a family medicine physician, she is privileged to be able to provide care throughout all of the phases of her patients' lives. She especially finds joy in providing prenatal care and delivering babies. Through her work, she has come to appreciate the integral role a person's community plays in their health. She feels blessed to be a part of Shomeka because of its dedication to not only bringing health care to the people of Zambia, but because of its mission to empower families to be holistically healthy for the glory of God. Kate enjoys traveling, spending time with her husband Aaron and preparing for the arrival of their first baby expected in December.