Founders

Co-Founders, Bishop Alden Hathaway, I (center), and Alden Hathaway, II (right).  Pictured also is Alden “Tripp” Hathaway, III, (left).  They are flipping the switch on a new system at the Mustard Seed Babies Home in Hoima, Uganda on the summer Youth Mission 2007, part of the tenth anniversary of SLA.

Charlene has been traveling to Uganda since 1999, fulfilling a seed planted by God when her second grade teacher spoke of having served as a missionary in Africa.  She has remained committed to SLA and to this work in Uganda, and occasionally other countries serving as "team mom" on the first SLA Summer Mission and now as Executive Director.

Bishop in Residence, Church of St. Helena, Beaufort, SC, Founder and Director Emeritus

 Sr. Vice President, Sterling Energy Assets, Co-Founder Mr. Alden Hathaway Co-Founder

Alden is the Director of Power and Renewables for Pond and Company. As a Professional

Engineer in the electric power business, he supports national companies and utilities in the

burgeoning market for renewable energy. Alden earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from the

University of Virginia, with credits toward an MBA from Washington University and

Engineering Refresher from Georgia Tech.

In Alden’s own words....

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I am a co-founder with my father, Bishop Alden Hathaway, of the Solar Light for Africa

organization. It all started with the need to provide solar powered lighting in an orphanage in Uganda when my father called me and asked me to put the project together. He raised the funds and we began the concept of Solar Light for Africa, with me providing the initial technical guidance to put the projects together.

Any specific mission memories?

First Mission Program to Uganda (1998). We were traveling with my father and son, our

contractor and his son, and Bishop William Rukirande of the Diocese of Kigali through the late Bishop Festo Kivengere’s diocese and down into the Rift valley across a river at the bottom. On the other side was the Impenetrable Forest. We crossed the bridge with a sign that said “Made in Ambridge, PA”, the home to my father’s diocese and the Seminary, Trinity, he helped start. The words came back to me from Bishop Festo, who said “When you come to Africa and visit my diocese, you’ll know what to do.” When we rose up out of the valley to the other side, it was already past dusk and I remarked to our contractor that they did not need light here, they already had it as it was self-evident throughout the hills. He said, “Alden, those are your lights.” I suddenly knew that we were where God wanted us to be doing what he wanted us to do!

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique? SLA doesn’t just provide a little bit of power and light at each installation, it also provides help with the power and light to empower micro-businesses that pull people out of poverty. This has been particularly emphasized as a women supporting women type of opportunity over and over again.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

No question about it. The Lord changed my life and put purpose on it.

Interesting fact about you?

We once displayed our 100% Net Zero Energy Solar Home on the National Capital Mall for nine days.

Interests?

I love Maine and the little island, Islesford, we call our home. My interests and activities are heavily oriented to sustainability and showcasing how we can live with as little carbon emissions as possible, so that I can protect the island for future generations.

PEYTON HOFFMAN was born and raised in Virginia before moving to California in 2018. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from James Madison University. For almost twenty years, she worked in corporate marketing and business development within the technology sector before launching her own business. 

A board member of Solar Light for Africa, she’s facilitating much-needed solar resources in East Africa. She is also a board member of the Epilepsy Foundation—Los Angeles, raising awareness of the challenges posed by seizure disorders. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Her author journey debuted with the women’s devotional, Fighting for Joy in the In-Between and continues with the upcoming book, RADIANT: Unafraid to Shine. 

In Peyton’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I first heard about Solar Light For Africa through Galilee Church's (Virginia Beach, VA)

involvement with the organization. I had wanted to go on a short-term missions trip to Uganda with SLA but it took until 2012 for everything to line up. My first missions trip with SLA was in the Summer of 2012, after which I joined the board of directors.

Any specific mission memories?

There are so many! Every trip is completely different. Going to Karamoja on my first SLA trip to Uganda was incredible. The people were so loving and excited for all that we were doing there. SLA was also intentional about teaming each American up with Ugandan counterparts throughout the length of the trip, which goes a long way to create international friendships. It was very special to have Bishop Hathaway with us on this

trip as well, blessing and praying over the local children while he was there. We were able to complete all of our solar light installations before it started to rain too, a tremendous blessing on top of the blessing of solar light! Staying at the Nile Porch in Jinja is such a gift, both for rest and community. The most recent mission trip that I took with SLA was with Galilee Church in the summer of 2018. That was a really special trip for me because it involved so many families that I had grown up with in Virginia Beach. Sharing a part of my Ugandan home with them, and watching them fall in love with the people that SLA touches there, was an experience that I'd be hard-pressed to top in the future.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

I think it's really important that SLA not only makes sure to use Ugandan contractors on each mission trip, but works with both the local communities and contractors to monitor the ongoing maintenance of each Solar Light installation. Solar Light provides so much more than just light in Africa. It provides safety or security, educational opportunities, and the accessibility to medical care at night. Solar Light is not afraid to walk into the most difficult or remote parts of Uganda to provide this assistance either.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

Absolutely. Going on that first mission trip with SLA in 2012 was my first trip to anywhere in Africa. The faith, the hope, the confidence, and the goodness of the people that we walked alongside there is something that cannot be described, only experienced. It stirs up faith, confidence, hope, and goodness in the hearts of all who make the trip over to Uganda with SLA.

Interesting fact about you?

I sponsor two girls at Otino Waa orphanage in Lira, Uganda as a direct result of the Solar Light for Africa missions trip there in 2018

Retired, Manufacturing management, Melbourne FL.  SLA Treasurer

Susan retired as the General Manager of an electronics manufacturing firm. She graduated withBS in Management from Granite State College, part of the University System of New Hampshire. In her retirement Susan is involved with weVENTURE as a mentor for growing businesses in the area.

In Susan’s own words....

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

It was my 3rd service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Melbourne FL...sitting there in the

pew...invisible...minding my own business. Feeling like St. John's was going to be my new

church home, but wanting to be sure. Then Fr. Eric mentioned that Charlene (ED) was going to Uganda on a planning trip for the summer youth mission. Africa had been on my bucket list since 1990, and although SLA was only doing youth missions at the time, I felt the connection. I took that as a sign from God that I was in the right place.

Any specific mission memories?

I never anticipated how deeply the interactions with the children would touch my heart. The

tears we all shed after leaving Kupendwa (a ministry in Jinja, Uganda) serving pregnant teenage girls and their young children) on Valentine’s Day. And, although nothing in particular...thelaughs. SO many happy/funny moments that couldn’t be scripted in a million years.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

We offer the perfect balance of work and play, and we offer access to places and experiences that

are not available to a typical tourist.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

My priorities have been realigned since taking my first mission trip. The experience made me aware of what is truly important in life, and that I needed to make some changes if I wanted my life to look different. It took a few years to play out, but I feel I am on a much better trajectory than I was before my experience with SLA.

Interesting fact about you?

I love to mentor young women along their career path.

Interests?

Music is my passion. I sing in the choir at St. John's and in the Indialantic Chamber Singers. And I'm pretty sure I'm a nomad. My husband says all I need is a camel and a yurt and I'm happy.

Consultant, Bradenton FL.  SLA  Board Secretary

Heidi is a Supply Quality Engineer for Edwards Fire Control Systems, and subsidiary of Carrier. Her educational background is in Quality Assurance and Engineering

In Heidi’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I heard about SLA while attending St. John's Episcopal Church and listening to Charlene's stories of her many adventures

Any specific mission memories?

I can remember riding in the bus and after a long day installing solar and spending time with the children, I would start to tear up, not because I was sad, I was just so touched by the honesty and love of the people.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

I believe SLA is special in the way that there are Ugandans on the mission with you. It was so interesting to talk to them and listen to them tell you about their lives, their culture, their country, their families, their hopes and dreams.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

I definitely have a yearning to return to Uganda and was reminded how blessed we are. I learned that there is nothing more fulfilling than giving of oneself to others.

Interesting fact about you?

My husband and I have 7 children

Interests?

Boating, traveling, my family and my two little dogs

Mrs. Julie Cummings Solar Light for Africa Assistant Treasurer

Julie is a Financial Analyst at L3Harris Technologies. She graduated from the University of

Florida with a BS in Business Administration.

In Julie’s own words....

When and how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

A Board Member and friend, Susan Badgio (now SLA’s Treasurer), reached out to me in 2015 and invited me to join her on a mission to Uganda. The invitation came at a critical turning point in my life, and from the moment I stepped off the plane in Uganda my life was forever changed.

Any specific mission memories?

Having been on three different missions so far, it’s so difficult to pick only one! One of my

favorite memories, though, is visiting sweet Jaja (“grandma” in the local language) in Jinja each time we go to the Nile Porch. Jaja always remembers my name, and seeing the pure joy on her face whenever we visit is always one of the highlights of the trip! We sing and we dance and we laugh and we praise the Lord to together, and it is so pure!

What do you think makes SLA different/unique?

I think the personal connections we make on every trip to Uganda are what makes SLA unique. We incorporate Ugandans as part of our team and form personal connections with them, as well as those people we serve and provide solar lighting for. We get to see the lives of individuals become completely transformed.

Do you feel like you are different having been on an SLA mission?

ABSOLUTELY. My first mission to Uganda completely changed my life and came at a time

when I needed it the most. While we bring solar to people who need it, the Ugandans we have met have taught me so much. Being on the other side of the world, choosing to immerse myself into the culture, and limiting my contact with the outside world allowed me to get closer to the Lord and discover what I’m truly passionate about, and where I’m meant to go in my own life. Though the goal of SLA is to transform lives in Uganda, my life was definitely transformed being a part of the SLA team.

Interesting fact?

In high school I was invited to travel to Europe with a choral group. We performed in six

different countries. It was my first trip out of the country, and it definitely sparked my desire to travel.

Interests?

I love to rock climb - typically any travel plans we make within the US are centered around places to rock climb outdoors (and local craft beer breweries!). I also love music and photography.

Founder and Chief Climate Coach at Climate Coach International, LLC, Atlanta, GA

Bryan works for an environmental non-profit, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE).

He lead solar program advocacy across seven Southeastern states – to encourage a favorable policy environment for more solar energy. Bryan also founded an independent consultancy called Climate Coach International. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Civil Engineering, he worked with The Coco-Cola Company.

In Bryan’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I first learned about Solar Light for Africa (SLA) when I was employed at The Coca-Cola

Company. SLA was collaborating with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on a solar lighting project with a rural health clinic in Kalungi, Uganda. The Coca-Cola Company sponsored a solar powered water pumping and disinfection system to complement the lighting project.

Any specific mission memories?

The first trip I made with SLA was for dedication of the project at the Kalungi, Uganda, rural health clinic. That was a "side trip" while I was on a Coca-Cola business trip. I flew from Amsterdam to Kampala/Entebbe and was only in Uganda for just about 24 hours. What I recall most vividly is the torrential downpour that interrupted the dedication ceremony itself. The festivities also included an auction including livestock like chicken and goats. Although brief, this was quite an introduction to SLA.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

SLA, to me, is equal parts technology and mission. Some organizations offer one or the other.What makes SLA unique is the combination of the two. Particularly with the youth missions,

young people from the USA working alongside young people from Uganda (and other Africa countries) forge lifelong relationships.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

Both of my trips with SLA (first to Kalungi/Uganda then to Dodoma/Tanzania) have given me a new perspective. As our founder, Bishop Hathaway, says "the Africa disease" is a constant yearning to go back. And the main thing I realized in my second trip was that our African brothers and sisters have a profound love for Jesus. Indeed, we were on a "mission trip" but it was my soul that was restored. They set an example for me to follow.

Interesting fact about you?

I have had the privilege (twice) of representing the USA in the Olympics. I competed in

Weightlifting both in 1992/Barcelona and 1996/Atlanta.

Interests?

My wife and I have three children plus a dog. We enjoy hiking and spending time at the beach. Our favorite place in the world is St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Cdr, U.S. Navy, (Ret.), Certified Church Administrator, Virginia Beach, VA

Pete is a retired US Navy Commander (24 years). After retirement from the Navy, Pete spent 20 years as a Church Business Administrator for two very large churches. Pete graduated from Brown University, and the Defense Language Institute.

In Pete’s own words...

When/ how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I heard about SLA work from my wife’s cousin, Bishop Alden Hathaway.

Any specific mission memories?

The joy of turning on solar powered light especially after dark and seeing the excitement of those receiving solar light for the first time.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

SLA goes back to the host country year after year and ensures solar installations are working properly. Many NGO’s do wonderful projects but do not follow up. Consequently these projects are quickly diminished.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

Yes. I have gained a perspective and a better understanding of what motivates the people in other cultures.

Interesting fact about you?

I enjoy checking facts and doing research, including the re-establishment of the Solar Light for Africa registration with the Commonwealth of Virginia Commerce Commission.

Interests?

Genealogical research.

Ben is a lawyer working in public policy and criminal defense. He graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville PA with a BA in Political Science and George Mason University School of Law.

In Ben’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

I learned of SLA through Charlene Turner at my hometown church. I then went on a mission trip in the summer of 2006.

Any specific mission memories?

I remember eating goat on a stick, making lots of new friends, buying eggs during an offering auction at church, and "let there be light."

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

Bringing together young people from around the world and uniting them in the purpose of Christ and doing good.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

I am more globally minded.

Interesting fact about you?

I married a beautiful woman from Ghana.

Interests?

I enjoy coaching high school basketball.

Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church, Melbourne FL

Eric is an Episcopal priest, serving as Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church,

Melbourne, Florida. He graduated from Allegheny College with a BS in Aquatic Environments, and from Trinity School for Ministry with a Masters in Divinity.

In Eric’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

Bishop Hathaway called my wife, Charlene Turner (now Executive Director) and asked her to help lead a team of teenagers on a trip to Uganda. She went with our 9 year old daughter and our lives have never been the same!

Any specific mission memories?

In spite of how much I believe in the work we do bring energy to communities without it, my memories are all about the people. I don’t know that I could pick out a single memory, but what has transformed me is meeting not just a person or two, but whole communities living in grinding poverty but living out the love of Jesus because they genuinely value people over things.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

For me there are several things that make SLA truly unique among mission and service agencies. First, we engage in short term mission that is not just "mission tourism" but makes a meaningful and unique contribution to the lives of those we serve and is not something they could do on their own. Second, we combine that service with a true heart of mission wanting to bring the presence and love of God in acts of service. Third, we blend the resources of government, profit based business and the Christian church in service of others.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

SLA Missions have definitely removed my "bubble" of American isolation and exposed me to the lives of people who have made me a better person, pastor and parent.

Interesting fact about you?

I worked for a year as a biologist for a consulting engineering firm in Pittsburgh PA, where I worked on everything from designing a hazardous waste disposal facility, to crawling around sewers measuring municipal sewage flow, and surveying the flora and fauna of the south shore of the Allegheny River for development as a new park.

Interests?

I enjoy fitness, playing guitar and riding my motorcycle.

(Spring Adult Mission 20 )

David is an architect working for the Dept of Defense with the US Marine Corps at Parris Island, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University’s College of Architecture.

In David’s own words...

When/how did you first hear about the work of SLA?

Years ago Bishop Hathaway was a guest speaker at St. Helena’s (Beaufort, SC) Kanuga Retreat. He gave a short talk to the youth group that I was leading about missionary work, the SLA story. I did not know about his work before then.

Any specific mission memories?

One of my fondest memories was meeting Constance Mirembe, Penni’s sister and our porch discussions about “Uncle John” Stott (Anglican priest and author), and (Bishop) Festo Kivengere’s last days, while we were at Restoration Gateway, the other was meeting the first family at the Ugandan White House, and teaching swimming lessons to our security guys.

What do you think makes SLA special/different/unique?

The relationships we built with the people that we met prepare us to be Global Christians.

Do you feel like you are different having been on a SLA mission?

I definitely feel that I have a different idea about our relationship with God and our ability to access him by prayer and my understanding of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Interests?

I like Boating, Fishing, Snow Skiing, Music, Playing guitar, I like flying but rarely get to, I’ve

been licensed since 1972.