PEOPLE

KAMARA'S HEART BOARD MEMBERS

This dedicated group of board members are donating 100% of their resources, time, energy, and expertise for free. Each member brings unique professional skills and a shared passion for humanitarian work, volunteering their talents to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

JOHN & MAVIS KAMARA

Founders of Kamara's Heart Foundation

  • Mavis: Assistant Treasurer and Project Manager
  • John: Director and Public Relations Manager

In 2019, John Kamara returned to Sierra Leone for the first time since fleeing as a young boy during the civil war, an experience that deeply moved him and his wife Mavis to establish Kamara’s Heart Foundation in 2020. Starting with contributions from their own salaries, they purchased land in Rokel village and built a school that now provides free education to over 300 children.

They continue to balance their lives in Australia—raising four children and working multiple jobs—with their commitment to communities in Sierra Leone and Ghana. In 2023, they took their children to Africa, further strengthening their family’s dedication to providing education for children who would otherwise have no opportunity to learn.

JACKIE RUSSELL

Treasurer

Jackie is a Social Worker with over a decade of experience in the social workspace, including Child Safety and the Disability Sector. Currently a Program Manager at Langford, she was one of Kamara’s Heart’s first volunteers. Jackie has continued to support John and Mavis in their community work, assisting migrants and refugee families. She remains committed to the mission of Kamara’s Heart, providing both professional and personal support to the Board.

SELINA KINNE

Secretary

Selina is an experienced educational leader with almost 40 years of experience in State, Catholic, and Independent School sectors. Her career has spanned Tasmania, ACT, and Queensland, where she has held various leadership positions.

In 2001, Selina and her husband Laurie moved to Tasmania with their young family. They served in C3 Hobart, leading the C3 Kids program, serving in the Welcome Team, and overseeing Connect Groups. During this time, she developed a strong connection with John and Mavis Kamara. Passionate about supporting mission projects, Selina and Laurie have been actively supporting Kamara’s Heart projects for several years.

Since moving to Queensland, Selina has continued to support Kamara’s Heart as a Board member. She values collaboration and teamwork, providing guidance and advice to help the Board maintain a strong vision, efficient processes, and effective communication.

MARIANNE REVELL

Board Member

Having completed her university studies in Melbourne, Marianne started her career in the travel and hospitality industry working for companies like American Express and Accor Hotel Group in customer management roles. Moving to Tasmania, she has been a business owner for the past 10 years in the area of hospitality and accommodation.  
 Raised in a family that is committed to church missions, Marianne has a heart for service and  bringing people together through her active participation in C3 Hobart contributing to the community and supporting various church initiatives.
 Marianne is excited to bring her enthusiasm and passion to Kamara’s Heart, supporting its mission to create meaningful change. She looks forward to contributing her experience in business and community service to help foster connection, compassion, and opportunity for those in need.