Who is Mtree
Mtree is a non-profit organization based in New York with a regional affiliate, Mtree Africa, as a registered non-profit entity in Kenya. Our mission is to create “artful change,” a transformation of marginalized communities in developing countries through arts and design. We believe that art can enrich the way people perceive themselves and the world around them. With that empowerment, we hope to build a foundation within underserved communities that values and celebrates individual and cultural identities and diversity for the common good.
Our History Timeline
Meet Our Staff
Sarah
Director of Curriculum & Fashion
Designer and passionate advocate of creative play. I love sharing stories and smiles with children and youth all over the globe!
Hyewon
Executive Director
Writer, professional mom, born-to-be operator who has led Mtree since 2012. I make sure things get done, and done well!
Jiwon
Director of Art
Dedicated and compassionate artist, whose heart is made of children, art, lots of fluffy clouds, and the mustard seed of faith.
Bo
Director of Dancing program
Performance artist and philosopher, who believes in the beauty of body and its movement in link with the human spirit.
Esther
Director of Research
Curious about the world and the creative ways children and families live, love, share, and grow.
Seungho
Director of Media
Artist and photographer, who loves to laugh with others! Spending time with children inspires and humbles me.
Jiyung
Director of Music, Sing for Hope
Cheerful, adventurous pianist and singer, who inspires children to create their own stories on a melody.
Hellen
Mtree Africa Program Manager
Kind yet powerful women entrepreneur who is also teacher and fashion designer.
Moon
Director of Architecture Program, Fit-in-Community
Serious-looking architect, who is actually friendly and super chill.
Chungmin
Director of Global Citizenship Education
Passionate educator who loves to work with local organizations and youth around the world.
Sungsik
Director of Technology & Mind Mapping
A perfectionist and dreamer.
Elena
Mtree Teen Voice
A senior editor of a youth magazine and true believer of transforming power of art
Board of Directors
Yohan
Founder
Founder of Mtree. Man with an interesting sense of humor and unpredictable ideas, but overall, kind and warm.
Samuel
Treasurer
Father of three, apparel and food business owner, and the very first board member.
Laura
Secretary
Data scientist and mother of 3, who believes that anything is possible and achievable.
Kigen
Art curriculum consultant (Kenya)
The best rising artist in Kenya.
Joshua
President (Kenya)
The man in Kenya. Mtree is under my protection.
Rachel
Chief Mission Officer (Kenya)
Lawyer with a huge heart for children in Kenya.
TK
Mtree’s Comptroller
Loving husband, M&A consultant, and idealist, who dreams of living better together with everyone in the world.
Hyewon
Mtree US Board Member and Mtree Kenya Chief Mission Officer
Writer, advocate, mother, and more.
Exhibitions
2020, Online
"Hope, Together" Virtual exhibition
2019, Nairobi
"Looking Within" Kenya Nairobi National Museum
2018, New York
Forever 21 x Mtree New York, Times Square
2015, Seoul
"Interaction" Partnership with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange
2012, New York
"Brush with Hope" Chelsea Whitebox Gallery
