Board of Directors

Christian Heiden is a recent graduate of the University of Connecticut with an B.S. in Applied and Resource Economics with a concentration in International development. Christian has experience in leadership and coordinating groups with a wide range of ages and skill sets. Self taught in hydroponic technology and design, Christian, since his Eagle Scout project in 2016, has been leading Levo’s team in the U.S. and internationally in the design and implementation of hydroponic farming and has overseen Levo’s product development and training since its start in 2016.

Mark Meyering was awarded the emeritus title “Ambassador of Goodwill” by 3M Corporation after more than 40 years of career service. He is a recognized expert and innovator with 15 US patents and multiple journal publications. His professional experiences include laboratory innovations, management, product development, manufacturing scale-up and commercial team leadership. As Levo’s leader of product development, Mark continues to promote responsible stewardship to the earth, its resources, and the global community. When not helping to drive Levo’s innovation or pursuing other volunteerism, Mark enjoys time with his wife Kathy their 3 children and seven grandchildren, can be seen on stage performing under the stage name “Cash Lane Slim”.

Laura has worked for YMCAs for her entire 35-year career, first in her native Cleveland; then here in Hartford, where she was the Executive Director of the Greater Hartford YMCA for seven years; and now as the CEO of the YMCA in Danville, IL, a role she began in August 2024. Laura earned an undergraduate business degree from Chancellor University and a Master’s in non-profit management from Springfield College.

Bill Heiden is an entrepreneur, a social justice advocate and a political historian. He has developed a strategy for companies large and small across a range of industries including for a variety of non-profit organizations. Bill accompanied Christian on the inaugural visit to Haiti, helped to found Levo, and has served as its Executive Director since 2017. Bill helps to lead all aspects of Levo’s work and is the primary coordinator of Haiti operations from the U.S. side. When he is not working on food security problems, Bill teaches politics and American studies at the University of Hartford.

Nate has been coordinating science and research activities for Levo since joining Christian on his first trip to Haiti. He has been focused on research and development both domestically and internationally to improve crop health and production. He is a graduate of John Carroll University, where he studied biology and Spanish under a social justice scholarship. Nate has lived and conducted research in both Haiti and Spain, is a Fulbright Scholar and is currently completing a PhD in plant pathology at The Ohio State University.

Nnenna brings 15 years of education leadership expertise to improving learning outcomes and increasing access to quality education. She has launched and managed schools, created and implemented strategic planning, and trained teachers and academic leaders. As a Founding Head of School at Nova Pioneer Schools, she gained valuable experience in achieving operational excellence at Pre-K to 12 institutions. She served as an advisor to the Nelson Mandela Institute for Development Studies and has served on several school boards to drive educational equity. She currently consults with purpose driven organizations to scale impact and innovations in the education ecosystem. Nnenna holds a BA from Duke University, a MS in Education from University of Pennsylvania GSE, along with certifications from HBS and Harvard GSE. She is fellow of AWEC, an initiative of the Center for Global Enterprise. She is an advisor for InnerView Education, and is a Founding Board Member and Co-Builder of Nawee Afrika Education Foundation.

Marlon is a Human Resources professional who specializes in helping organizations achieve sustainable growth by designing hiring strategies and finding great talent. With a background working for both public and private companies and a specialization in recruiting, branding, and employee engagement, Marlon believes deeply in the truth that you can find purpose and meaning in work. Graduating from John Carroll University with a degree in International Business under a social justice scholarship, he strives every day to make a positive impact in his community.

Matthew is a CPA that professionally specializes in business valuation, M&A advisory, and forensic analysis. Matthew has a passion for business development, growth, and strategy. Besides watching Pittsburgh sports teams, he spends his free time golfing and rock climbing.

Trained as a journalist, Michelle M. Murphy worked as a reporter and editor for 30 years in New York, Washington, DC, and Connecticut before pivoting to work in the non-profit field as a strategic communicator and fundraiser. A resident of West Hartford, CT, she is currently the Development Manager for the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation, whose mission is to increase educational, economic, and leadership opportunities for women and girls in Greater Hartford. She has been a member of the Levo Board since 2017, and also serves as a Public member of the state Judicial Review Council.

Driven by a deep commitment to education and lifelong learning, Natalie attended Colgate University and earned a Master’s from Bryn Mawr. She has been an English teacher and administrator at several private schools, including Kingswood Oxford School here in West Hartford, where she was the Associate Head of School from 2012–18. Most recently, she served as Director of Research and Professional Learning for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, where she led global initiatives and partnerships supporting educators around the world. Natalie is now the founder of The Flourishing Faculty Project, a mission-driven initiative focused on supporting teacher well-being, professional growth, and thriving school communities. She and her husband Michael are avid gardeners at their home in Simsbury.