Severely injured in a car accident while in college, Dr. Pakisa K. Tshimika changed his educational plans from becoming a surgeon to earning a doctorate in public health. Today Pakisa is Executive Director and founder of Mama Makeka House of Hope, based in Fresno, California. Named for Pakisa’s mother, the project is devoted to health, education, and community work, especially in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Central Valley of California. Pakisa serves also as Associate General Secretary of Mennonite World Conference, a global network involving national churches in 75 countries. Pakisa works from his current home in Fresno, California, and whenever possible, from his original home in the Democratic Republic of Congo.