Melanie Boyd: our Amistad International Treasurer

I asked Melanie Boyd, our Amistad International Treasurer, to tell you a little about herself. Melanie is one of the central people of our organization: we really appreciate her good judgment and financial organization.

I have been involved with Amistad International since the beginning. When Karen returned from her first visit to the Huichol Indians so overwhelmed with the need there I caught her contagious enthusiasm and have been a strong supporter of Karen’s work since.

I am a Dental Hygienist by education and had the privilege of traveling in the early years of Amistad with Karen and a dental team to the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains, staying in a village for several nights as we provided dental work for the Huichol that lived in that area. The only way for us to reach the Indian’s village was by small plane. The Huichol had cleared a landing strip on the nearby hill top and then we hiked several hours into the floor of the valley where the village was located, carrying all of our supplies, including a generator. I returned with Karen just last year to the Sierra Madre Occidentals and what a transformation! The food and the education that Amistad has been providing have given an entire generation of Huichol children a healthy childhood. The children that we see today in the villages that Amistad has a presence are so healthy-with shiny hair and laughing eyes, These children are receiving not only a hot meal, but access to medical and dental care, a good education and opportunities that their parents didn’t have. What a joy for me to see the long term benefits of Amistad’s work.

Though Amistad International is my first and deepest love, I am also on the Board of the Children’s Bureau of Los Angeles, this 100+ year old non-profit works with the families that are at risk in the heart of Los Angeles. The Children’ Bureau provides social services and support to abused children, including foster care and adoption.

As a Certified Financial Planner I consult with start-up non-profit groups to help them develop their strategy and business plan.

I am married with two grown children, but no grand children—yet. I am a golfer, a skier and a seamstress. I facilitate a women’s community Bible study group and when there is nothing left on my “to-do” list I garden.