Our Mission
The mission of the Nina Brekelmans Memorial Foundation is to foster sports opportunities for young women in the Middle East by supporting running programs in Jordan to encourage healthy living, expand participation in the sport, and promote women’s empowerment. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit registered in Washington, DC.
The life and legacy of Nina Brekelmans are defined by her tireless dedication to high achievement and community engagement on a global scale. Nina’s passions were many, and she consistently sought opportunities to combine her interests in the Arabic language, distance running, public service, and women’s empowerment. The Nina Brekelmans Memorial Foundation was formally established in September 2016 to carry forth these ideals and support running programs in the Middle East aligned with Nina’s vision. The foundation provides a formal structure and financial support to expand the scope and impact of legacy programs in Amman, Jordan, including the Nina Brekelmans Running Camp for Girls and Nina Brekelmans Race for Girls.
Members of the Board and Jordan Leadership Team after the 2018 Race.
Jordan Leadership Team
Head Coach - Ru'a Al-Abweh
Jordan Director of Operations - Addie Leak
Board of Directors
President and Board Chairman - Mary Grace Pellegrini
Vice President and Development Chair - Dickson Mercer
Treasurer - Ali AlNajafi
Secretary - Maddie Ulanow
Board Representative - Gail Brekelmans
Board Representative - Nico Brekelmans
Board Representative - Rob Brekelmans
Advisory Board
Coaching and Partnerships Co-Chair - Ru’a Al-Abweh
Coaching and Partnerships Co-Chair - Rawda Hamadneh
Legal Counsel - Katherine Gomer
Marketing and Design Chair - Kelly Kurkjian Keenehan
Communications and Social Media Chair - Jodi Brignola
Evaluation and Impact Chair - Sruti Ramadugu
Merchandising Chair - Andrea Bartels
Advisor - Summer Forester
Advisor - Lilly Frost
Advisor - Emily Gallagher
Advisor - Alice Gissinger
Advisor - Phillmon Haile
Advisor - Matt Liston
Advisor - Sophie Zinser
ALUMNI Council
Advisor - Craig Browne
Advisor - Afaf Al-Khoshman
Advisor - Michael Brill
2019 LEADERSHIP TEAM
Co-Head Coach - Rawda Hamadneh
Co-Head Coach - Ru'a Al-Abweh
Jordan Director of Operations - Sophie Zinser
Fulbright Volunteers: Sandy Alkoutami, Carol Fadalla
2018 Fulbright Leadership Team
Hayden Bates
Nicole Khamis
Sophie Zinser
Amanda Swenson
2017 Fulbright Leadership Team
Lilly Frost
Lena Hamvas
Matthew Liston
2016 Fulbright Leadership Team
Summer Forester
Emily Gallagher