Caryn Kelly

Caryn Kelly has a background in conflict-resolution and peace-building in divided societies, including time learning at the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland, serving as a Reconciliation and Mission volunteer with the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Mexico, and leading delegations with the faith-based organization, BorderLinks, on the US/Mexico border.  Curious to learn more about other cultures, Caryn Kelly began 

Lilian Okech

Coming to America at the age of 15 Lilian “Lily” Okech, started high school in the United States speaking no English. She learned the alphabet while in the 9th grade and within months was on her way to speaking and writing English while identifying her passion and deep-routed need to help others.

Lilian was born in Kitgum, Uganda in a refugee camp a few months after her family fled from South Sudan. Over the years Lilian 

volunteering with a community-based ESL program for immigrants and refugees in Minneapolis back in 2001. Inspired by this experience, Caryn pursued a career in teaching English, and for over 15 years, taught, trained volunteers, and advised diverse adult learners on their educational and career training opportunities. 

These experiences strengthened Caryn's commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees in the US through education, advocacy, and community-building.  She pursued a Master’s Degree in Language, Reading and Culture at the University of Arizona, and taught adult English language and civics/citizenship with Pima Community College in Tucson, where she refined her participatory approach to adult education.  After diverse experiences teaching across the country, Caryn returned to her home state of Iowa in 2014, developing LSI’s Community-based English program, EMBARC’s RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps, and most recently, the Iowa International Center’s Welcome English AmeriCorps program. 

Throughout her career, Caryn met many hard-working students full of potential, but who were often unable to find work that could support their families. Many felt frustrated by their inability to fulfill their ambition for a better life for themselves and their children in their new country. Understanding their drive, and eager to make a difference, Caryn listened to a student’s suggestion to start a business that could not only employ English language learners, but also help them achieve their American dreams.  Now owner of Shine Housekeeping, Caryn is dedicated to creating positive employment and learning opportunities for immigrant and refugee women as they make their new homes in Central Iowa

faced many health struggles with limited food sources and lack of clean water. Through it all she learned to place her trust and belief in God’s plan for her life. She knows the life of a refugee, that of a transplant who has lost family members, best friends, and her home.

Within two years in U.S, Lilian found herself pregnant and married at a young age. After living in an abusive relationship for ten years, she escaped that situation and found herself alone with four boys. Needing to support her family, she started cleaning at a local church. Soon, people noticed her dedication and started asking for her to clean their homes. Lilian was known for doing good work, and soon she had many clients.

Lilian realized that through cleaning, she was able to help people, which was her heart and passion. In 2018 Lilian founded Cleaning for Hope. Through Cleaning for Hope, Lily strives to provide community support for those who may not have a friend to talk to. A family to run to. And for those who may need shelter, food, clothes, bibles, and so much more – just like she did.

Lilian is a Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author, Teacher, Visionary and collaborative author two Time Amazon #1 bestselling books, and Co-found of Bother Tech Community Organization, an internet-café, and Computer Training, to help bring Internet Services and computer training closer to people of South Sudan. Her goal is to help build internet cafés for local schools to help the local population, increase their knowledge with computers, the internet, and computer training, and connect to the World Wide Web. Their goal is to change South Sudan in the advancement of technology. The goal is to motivate younger women and men to pursue their goals.