Our Founders & Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together a passionate group of leaders, educators, and changemakers who guide Love From America with wisdom, integrity, and heart. Rooted in diverse experiences and united by a shared commitment to equity and global connection, they help shape our vision and ensure our mission stays grounded, bold, and community-led.
Tyrie Williams (he/him)
Founder, CEO
Board President
Tyrie Williams is a nonprofit leader, storyteller, and global equity advocate. With a background in education and international service, he leads the strategic direction, development efforts, and organizational culture of Love From America. He believes that becoming aware of inequity should not evoke shame or saviorism — but rather a deeper responsibility to ourselves and to one another. Through this lens, LFA approaches development as an opportunity to build and strengthen our connections and the advancement of humanity.
Lindsey Smaka (she/her)
Co-Founder, Director of Programming
Board Vice President
Lindsey is an educator and co-founder of Love From America, bringing years of experience in place-based education, cultural immersion, and global learning. She is passionate about building authentic relationships across communities and uplifting local narratives. Through her work, Lindsey bridges her background in education with a commitment to reciprocity and shared growth, ensuring that development is guided by the wisdom and vision of those it serves.
Samantha Barragan (she/her)
Board Secretary
​Sam is an educator and researcher with experience in international education, youth programming, and federal exchange initiatives, holding an M.A. in International Development Education. She currently works at the University of Minnesota, where she supports international students in feeling welcomed and at home in Minnesota. Her work centers on ethical engagement, intercultural care, and decolonial approaches to global learning. Love From America’s mission resonates deeply with her belief that development must be community-led, rooted in local wisdom, and grounded in long-term, relational work. Sam brings a critical yet hopeful lens to the team--one shaped by curiosity, care, and a commitment to walking alongside, not ahead of, communities as they define their own paths forward.
Tyler Boyer (he/him)
Board Member
Tyler graduated with a degree in Construction Management from North Dakota State University. Currently he is a construction estimator for a large general contractor that has a huge background with projects related to multifamily and senior living. The majority of his work is more isolated to construction budget building, but he also has knowledge in preconstruction, communicating with clients and leading fellow employees in large-scale builds. Additionally, Tyler has worked on many equal opportunity projects through the years. The experience working on publicly funded projects with project specific requirements has inspired him to join Love From America because he believes in their mission. He hopes to bring his construction background to the organization and assist in bridging the gap with LHA on a global scale.