We added a new member to the board! Katie Bagley, a long-time volunteer and dedicated Hamlin Fistula USA supporter, will join as board secretary.
Katie Bagley is a registered nurse and holds a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and a BA in integral studies from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She is a seventh generation Californian with experience working in a postpartum and newborn nursery, and in medical-surgical oncology. Katie also has more than 25 years with in-home hospice work, as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Katie traveled to Ethiopia in 2009 where she was introduced to the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Christ, a small community of nuns in Addis Ababa who operate special projects for mothers and their children. Since that time, Katie has been raising funds to provide classes in small business practice and microloans for mothers at the Sisters’ Women’s Empowerment Center, and vocational training for some of the older children who are not able to attend university. Through this work, Katie became familiar with the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa and has since become a tireless supporter of the hospital in the U.S.
Katie is honored to offer her time and talents as secretary of the board to raise awareness and funding for the work of Hamlin Fistula Hospital, the regional care centers, and the Hamlin College of Midwives: “Hamlin Fistula’s long history of outstanding treatment and prevention of childbirth injuries in Ethiopia ensures that they will be able to contribute significantly to the health and safety of mothers. This aligns perfectly with my deeply held passion to serve; this is the same passion that motivated me to become a nurse. I look forward to contributing in any way that I can.”
Katie currently lives in San Francisco, CA where she is a private nurse and enjoys gardening, hiking, travel, and spending time with family and friends.