Board of Directors/Officers
Luther Harvey - Co-founder, President/CEO, Volunteer
About Me
I am from Muskogee Oklahoma. I graduated from Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, OK.) I’m happily married (9 years) to the most giving and caring partner I know!
Why Just One
I started out in life as a poor kid. I witnessed first hand my neighborhood turning into a ghetto. I was lacking in opportunity and no clear path to success. But, others took it upon themselves to provide me help; coaching, mentorship, and motivation. That support has led to a very successful career/life. The best lesson my supporters taught me is to always give back or pay it forward! After visiting rural Siem Reap and learning of specific opportunities where we could help make a difference, I was both touched and compelled to do so. The opportunity to help others in a larger way was too important to pass up and I’m so thankful that I am in a position to bring about some good in this world.
Career History
I have a degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Mgmt. I’ve worked in Corporate America for over 25 years including positions at managerial and executive levels. For 6.5 of those years, I worked/lived in other countries (Australia, Netherlands, China).
Hobbies
Traveling, music, dancing, fitness, and problem solving.
Fun Fact (About me)
I am a klutz! I mean like trip over my own two feet on smooth pavement level klutz. As much as I love dancing, it can be dangerous :)
Quote to live by
Life! It’s Yours and Yours Alone. Make It Work! Make It Fun! Make It Meaningful!
Rikki Plante - Co-founder, Vice-President/CSO, Boots on the ground volunteer
About Me
I am originally from the small town of China, Maine. After graduating high school, I traveled and performed with the international youth group, Up With People where I met many life-long friends. I live in Chicago with my husband of 9 years.
Why Just One
Personally, I believe that there is no greater purpose than making the world a better place! In August of 2017, I took my first trip to Cambodia not knowing that it would change my life forever. I instantly fell in love with the country and its people. I returned to the country many times over throughout the following years. Cambodia is a country marked by a dark past including a civil war which killed an estimated one-quarter of the population. Cambodia is also an impoverished country. Yet, the people are some of the friendliest and most respectful I have ever met. I distinctly remember seeing two children using an empty water bottle as a soccer ball. Although not a real soccer ball, the children were so content and happy. It made me realize how lucky I am to be born where I was. These children are so innocent and able to find joy in the simplest of things. During a visit in November 2019, my life would change again. I met a tour guide who told me that poor village schools were always asking him to help them find English speaking volunteers to teach in their schools. I just knew I had to help. Although COVID delayed my plans to volunteer, I never gave up on my dream to make big change in the village. I knew that this corner of the world is where I wanted to leave things a little better than I found them.
Career History
I have a degree in Anthropology and a passion for learning about different cultures. I am also a certified high school mathematics teacher as well as certified to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). This training has allowed me to do both corporate English language and culture training as well as high school English and Mathematics tutoring in China. Since 2023, I have been teaching underserved and impoverished students in rural Cambodia.
Hobbies
Traveling, playing tennis, crocheting, reading, and watching competition reality tv.
Fun Fact (About me)
In January of 2000, I auditioned for and got a part in “Up With People.” The “Up With People” organization traveled to approximately 30 countries with a cast of 130 people singing, dancing, and acting out performances centered around peace and harmony. Obviously, you need to be able to sing, dance, or act to get in…I can’t do any of that. I even got a lead role, albeit it was the role that required the least amount of singing and dancing. Another fun fact. “Up With People” performed in the Super Bowl halftime show 5 times between 1971 and 1986.
Quote to live by
“Choose Kindness!”
Danielle Fisher - Board of Directors, Marketing, Boots on the ground volunteer
About Me
I have been happily married to my husband, Dave for the last 5 years. I have two (adult) children, Devin & Deyana, a bonus daughter named Kiery and 3 dogs (Larry, Ruth and Phyllis). We love to entertain and often host large gatherings for our friends and family. When we aren’t working, we enjoy traveling together & exploring new places (especially in the winter to escape the freezing New England temperatures)!
Why Just One
From the first day I saw Rikki write a post on social media about his students using broken crayons, I knew in my heart that this was something I wanted to be a part of. I immediately wrote to him, to get more information about what he was doing, and to see if I could help.
Fast forward 3 months. My feet were on the ground in Siem Reap and I was looking into the eyes of the children that where in his pictures. They captured my heart as quickly as they probably captured Rikki’s. After 2 weeks, I stepped back on the plane and cried for almost the entire flight home. I knew I had to find a way to return and continue helping these families.
I have done many things in my life that I’m proud of, but the work and things we have accomplished in such a short period of time, all the way across the world, is and (very likely) will forever be, at the very top of that list.
I cannot express the ways in which the people of Cambodia have changed my life & how grateful I am for each and every person I have met along the way.
Career History
I worked at Hanover Insurance for almost 15 years. While there I held a variety of positions but my favorite was working as their litigation adjuster, mitigating their small claim lawsuits.
I stepped away from Hanover when my children were in high school to spend more time at home. I met my husband shortly after. Dave has owned an auto transportation business for over 30 years and I now work from home handling transportation claims.
Hobbies
In my free time, I love reading, photography, writing & traveling.
Fun Fact (About me)
I “met” my husband on a local yard sale page, and then spent 5 years talking to him, before we actually met in person!
Quote to live by
“Today was a good day” ~
After my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer we ended each day by saying why that day was good. Even in the middle of all of the heartache that was caused, she showed me there was good in each day, we just have to find it.
Kelly Shennett - Board of Directors, Secretary
About Me
Bob and I have been married for 34 years and are proud parents of two married daughters, as we now eagerly await grandchildren. Our family’s story, shaped by both birth and adoption, is one we deeply cherish. Having lived in China and several states across the U.S., we now call Sarasota, FL, home. Above all, we are followers of Christ, striving to serve Him despite our imperfections.
Why Just One
After hearing Rikki share his deep love for Cambodia, I had the chance to experience the country firsthand when we traveled there with a group of friends for a brief four-or five-day visit. We explored the ruins of Angkor Wat and spent time in Siem Reap, enjoying the sights and doing a bit of hiking. But what remained with me was the beauty of the people. Despite a history marked by unimaginable atrocities, they radiated forgiveness, happiness, and contentment. Their resilience and joy are truly humbling, offering a stark contrast to the mindset often seen in the West. While I wouldn’t wish their hardships on anyone, their unshakable joy is inspiring. If ever there was a people or group who are an absolute privilege to serve, it is this one.
Career History
With a degree in Communications from Temple University, I began my career as a media planner at a Philadelphia ad agency before eventually stepping away to raise our children. After 14 years as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to work as an event coordinator for a speaker’s bureau in Memphis, TN, where I remained until we left the Unites States in 2015. Following a move to China and summers spent on the Ocean City, MD Beach Patrol, I resumed my career in Sarasota where I currently serve as Talent Acquisition Specialist, securing talent for large MainStage events across the country where I spend Monday - Friday in the office and travel to events throughout the United States on the weekends.
Hobbies
My hobbies include Bible study, mentoring young women, spending time with Bob and our daughters, and doting on our dog and two cats. I love swimming and hiking—activities about which I was once avid—but these days, with a busy work schedule, I enjoy them when I can find the time.
Fun Fact (About me)
I once emphatically stated that I would never leave the United States. God must have laughed out loud, as he has taken us all over the world and given us a global perspective that makes me now long to see and learn from others across the entire world.
Quote to live by
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Chris DiOrio Sr. - Board of Directors, Advisory
About Me
I am a Boston native and have lived here for most of my life. My wife and I have two children and we have been married for 33 years.
Why Just One
The need is so great and the children seem so appreciative of just a little help. I feel like Just One is making the world a better place. If we all impact “just one” life in a positive direction the ripple effect of that can be profound. This group can help a lot more than “just one”.
Career History
I am currently the Chief Procurement Officer & Vice President of Strategic Sourcing at Staples. I have worked here for 26 years in a variety of roles. I am also an Adjunct Professor of Negotiations in the Carroll School of Management MBA program at Boston College.
Hobbies
Golfing, biking, traveling, wine, whisk(e)y and playing games.
Fun Fact (About me)
I once conducted the Boston Symphony (really).
Quote to live by
“Don’t blame other people for your decisions.” Having personal accountability is critical in today’s world. Own your decisions and don’t hide from your choices.