Our Board 

Patrick Babu Kiruhura

Co-Founder and President of World Roots Culture Exchange

Patrick Kiruhura is the co-founder and . Patrick Kiruhura is a social entrepreneur, the co-founder of Root Foundation Rwanda, Root Foundation Germany, Root House Kigali  and World Roots Culture Exchange and serves as President of the Board of Directors. He  creates potential solutions and models to solve community-based problems. He is very committed to diverse life-changing programs, focusing on cultural integration and orientation, sustainable relationships, education, personal development, parenting, peace, unity, and freedom of speech.
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In May 2019, Patrick Kiruhura moved to Portland, Maine.  Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Rwanda, Patrick has developed cultural competency and social service programs in Africa and Europe. As the Co-founder and Executive Director of  Root Foundation Rwanda, Root House and African Program Director of The Jüdische Kulturbund Project , Patrick sees the urgent need to support and speed up the integration process for New Mainers, resulting in a faster return of social, cultural and economic benefits to New Mainers and the broader community. Bringing his extensive expertise and experience alongside Mainer’s, World Roots Culture Exchange will develop a model that strengthens cultural literacy and supports Portland as a culturally competent community.

Whitley Nabintu Marshall

Co-Founder and Secretary Of World Roots Culture Exchange

Whitley Nabintu Marshall has been fostering  community in various roles, since she moved to Maine in 2005. She has worked for the American Red Cross as a Biomedical Charge, Apheresis Specialist and Instructor for 15 years, seven of which she also worked for Preble Street Teen Center and the Joe Kreisler Teen Shelter in social services. In 2012 Whitley co-founded Green Initiatives and the Green Initiatives Education Fund, spearheading several social and environmental initiatives, serving as President. Her experience coordinating volunteers, developing leadership programs, and serving diverse communities has made an impact both locally and internationally.  

​Whitley lived and worked in Burundi in 2007-2008, working in a neighborhood clinic in an extremely impoverished area, as well as doing rural excursions focusing on peace and reconciliation programs. She last returned to Burundi in 2009, and Rwanda last January, where she volunteered at Root Foundation and met Patrick. Having danced with well known Rwandan Cultural Troupes since 2012, as well as co-directing the Barefoot Truth Dance Company since 2013, "Nabintu" is well known in the local Central and East African communities for her love of languages, music, dance, and learning.