Our Founding Story
In 2007, our founder Kenton Lee traveled to Nairobi, Kenya after graduating college. He lived and worked at a small orphanage with some incredible kids. One day, he was walking down a dusty road with all the kids when he noticed a little girl in a white dress walking next to him. As he looked down at her feet, he was shocked to see how small her shoes were. They were so small that she had to cut open the front of her shoes to let her toes stick out. That was the day that Kenton thought:
What if there was a shoe that could adjust and expand its size?
What if there was a shoe that could grow?
And the idea for The Shoe That Grows™ was born.
It took Kenton and a group of friends back in their hometown in Idaho more than six years to take this idea and turn it into a reality. But they finally did it; they made The Shoe That Grows—a shoe that grows five sizes and lasts for years.
They started the nonprofit organization Because International™ to serve as the structure to get The Shoe That Grows to as many kids as possible who are in desperate need of footwear to protect their feet. This was always meant to be a small hobby for Kenton and his friends. It was something they were passionate about, but they never dreamed it would be the worldwide cause and movement that it is today.
Our Team
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President
Andrew Kroes joined Because International in 2015 as president. A jack of all trades, he helps wherever needed, though he spends the majority of his time on strategic planning, financial oversight, relationship-building and special projects. Over the years, Andrew’s favorite part about Because International has been the never-ending journey of wrestling over what it means to “help” and partner with communities. Prior to joining the team, he studied at Northwest Nazarene University and shortly after, began working at Clearwater Analytics, where he earned his CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation and held leadership roles in operations, relationship management and sales. When not working, you can find Andrew spending time with his four kids, reading, or working on his pig and goat farm.
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Director of Marketing
Linnea Thomas joined Because International in 2018 and now serves as director of marketing. Ahead of joining the team, Linnea spent several years working at Northwest Nazarene University across a variety of roles—most recently as the inbound marketing specialist. When not leading Because International’s marketing team, you can find Linnea reading, exploring new places and trying new foods.
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Stakeholder Operations
Kayla Hetherington initially joined the team as a volunteer in 2015 before transitioning to full-time following graduation from Northwest Nazarene University. In her current role, Kayla works closely with distribution partners, production of The Shoe That Grows, and day-to-day operations of Because International. Prior to joining the team, Kayla gained experience interning at World Relief. When not at the office, you can find her skiing, playing co-ed rec league sports or watching football with her husband, daughter and dogs.
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Entrepreneurship Programs Manager
Sarah Hille started with Because International in 2018 as a volunteer before joining part-time in 2019 and transitioning to full-time shortly after. As the Entrepreneurship Programs Manager, she is responsible for all-things accelerator—from recruiting applicants, facilitating the program and conducting post-cohort surveys, to tracking overall impact. Additionally, Sarah oversees Because International’s internship program, managing four interns throughout the course of the year. Prior to joining the team, Sarah spent several years in Costa Rica with her husband as field station managers, running a study abroad program at the Quetzal Education Research Center. When not leading engaging conversations with members of the accelerator, you can find Sarah spending time with her husband and two children, traveling or doing one of her favorite past times—tracking severe weather.
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Donor Relations
Jeanne Liston joined Because International in April 2023 after more than 20 years working in the nonprofit space amongst organizations with missions ranging from conservation to social justice. Most recently, Jeanne was the executive director for The Hunger Coalition in Blaine County, Idaho. At Because International, she will help facilitate generosity by working with supporters and sharing stories about the impact they’ve made. When not working, Jeanne enjoys yoga, hiking, gardening, traveling and volunteering with other organizations in her community, such as the St. Luke’s Wood River Community Board.
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East Africa Distribution Partner
Japheth Opondo joined Because International as East Africa Distribution Partner in 2018 after meeting Founder Kenton Lee in 2007 while he was in Kenya. Japheth oversees factory and field quality control of The Shoe That Grows, as well as maintaining Kenyan inventory and overseeing the shipment and logistics of shoe distribution in East Africa. Prior to joining the team, Japheth attended The Kenya Polytechnic University and worked as a taxi driver and freelance graphic designer, in addition to volunteering at his local church. When not popping by the factory to check on shoe development, you can find him swimming, driving and spending time with his wife and three children—Kimberly, Tara and Jakim.
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Entrepreneurial Support
Harliet Njenga joined Because International in early 2024 to support entrepreneurs and alumni of the Because Accelerator. Prior to joining the team, she attended Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya to study public relations and marketing. Later, she launched her own consulting business—Think Opal—where she supported social enterprises across East Africa in need of marketing, leadership support, and sales strategies. In her spare time, Harliet enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and participating in outdoor activities.
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Accelerator Coordinator
Angie Sterk joined the Because International team as accelerator coordinator in March 2023 after spending several years as a developmental specialist. In her previous role, Angie worked alongside individuals with disabilities to help them achieve meaningful careers and independent skills. As Because Accelerator coordinator, she will work with the team, entrepreneurs and alumni to support wherever needed during cohorts and beyond. Outside of the office, Angie likes to spend time with her family, go rockhounding, read, garden, raise chickens and make sourdough bread.
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Key Accounts Manager
Kyle Shaffer joined Because International in the spring of 2024 as key accounts manager, responsible for leading the organization’s sales strategy and processes. Before moving to Idaho, he lived in San Diego working in custom apparel sales with organizations like Founder Sports Group, Jakroo and Eliel & Co. When not at the office, Kyle enjoys cooking, fishing or spending time with his wife and two cats.
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Key Account Coordinator
Logan Lawrence, Key Account Coordinator, joined Because International in May 2023. In his role, Logan is responsible for packing and shipping The Shoe That Grows around the world for distribution, as well as supporting customers who are interested in ordering The Shoe That Grows. When not at the office compiling orders, Logan can be found playing golf, skiing or fishing.
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Customer Success Specialist
Kelly Crane joined Because International as Customer Success Specialist in 2022 after gaining relevant experience at the nonprofit Mission Aviation Fellowship. Prior to that, Kelly spent nearly five years working with TVSL of Idaho as the Chief Operating Officer, where she was responsible for creating processes that helped the organization’s accuracy and efficiency. At Because, Kelly will work alongside audiences interested in or currently taking part in The Shoe That Grows programs, such as Girl Scouts, Christmas shoebox and Mission Project. When not at work, you can find Kelly going on walks outside, going to the movie theater with her husband or reading non-fiction books.
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Customer Support Intern
Karli Berggren, customer service intern, is a senior at Northwest Nazarene University studying social work. At Because International, Karli will come alongside supporters to assist them with any questions they have about ordering shoes, donating or anything else they may need. When not at work or studying, you can find her listening to music, hiking, boating or enjoying time with friends.
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Communications Specialist
Hannah Braly joined Because International in the fall of 2021 as communications specialist, where she is responsible for managing social media, email marketing and day-to-day communications. Prior to joining the team, she gained experience as a marketing specialist for Portland Pet Food Company and before that, as a senior associate at a boutique public relations agency. Originally from Tennessee, Hannah attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville before heading west to Oregon and Idaho. After work, you can find her reading the latest fiction novel, cooking dinner, or going for a long walk with her husband, daughter and beagle.
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Graphic Designer
Philip Westlund, graphic designer, joined the Because International team in April 2023 after moving back to Idaho from San Diego, California. Prior to moving, he worked as a wedding photographer and as a small business owner doing graphic design work for customers around the country. At Because International, Philip is responsible for all-things graphic design, including on the website, print materials and more. When not getting creative at the office, you can find him spending time with his daughter, attending concerts in Boise or sitting at a local coffee shop.
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Financial Controller
Missi Williams joined Because International in early 2024 as our financial controller, overseeing monthly financial reporting processes and annual regulatory reporting, and collaborating with senior leadership on financial planning. Missi has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and, prior to Because, spent many years in the medical industry before transitioning to accounting and HR functions in the lumber industry. When not at the office, Missi enjoys playing softball and volleyball, camping, baking, reading and spending time with her family.
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Programs Support Intern
Michael Ushindi, programs support intern, joined Because International in the spring of 2024, and is a graduate student at Northwest Nazarene University working towards his Masters in Business Administration. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Michael attended Africa Nazarene University in Kenya where he earned his Business and Information Technology degree. You can find him playing soccer, jamming with his guitar, or participating in outdoor activities when not at work or studying.
Our Board
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Ty Gilmore currently serves as COO and director of operations for a national industrial health provider in Salem, Oregon. Prior to serving on the Because International board of directors, he volunteered time on boards such as the Willamette Valley Opioid Council and Northwest Nazarene University. Ty, who has been supporting the mission of Because International since its founding, is most passionate about the Because Accelerator and how it empowers entrepreneurs to make a difference in their communities.
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Carolynn Duncan currently works as CEO of Portland, Oregon-based TenX, as well as Fractional CFO for Honolulu, Hawaii-based Mission Edge. In addition to her role at Because International, she serves on the board of directors at Friends of Koolau Clubhouse. Because International's mission of poverty alleviation resonates with her personal hope to reduce suffering in the world, and Carolynn is dedicated to contributing her skills and experiences to organizations like it who are working towards that end.
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Roy Eiguren is the owner of two businesses in Boise, Idaho—a professional business center and a law practice representing a cross-section of industries with local, state and federal governments. In addition to serving on the board at Because International, he also serves on boards at the American Red Cross and the Foundation for Idaho History. At Because, Roy is inspired by the unique approaches and tools taken to alleviate poverty and uplift entire communities.
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Andy Crossman is the owner of Family of Services—a network of group homes, autism clinics and other disability agencies across the state of Idaho. He also works as president at Advocates for Independence, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing to individuals with disabilities in Idaho. Though his education and expertise are in behavioral psychology, his true passion is helping people find opportunities for inclusion and success. Andy loves the way that Because International provides dignity and hope to those impacted by poverty, prompting his involvement as board member in 2024.
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Kathy Sebuck owns a San Diego, California-based consulting company, Marchitecture, where she offers 25+ years of experience in corporate tech sales and marketing leadership to clients in a range of industries. In addition to serving on the board of directors at Because International, Kathy also offers her expertise as an advisor in the Because Accelerator. Previously, she served organizations including the University of California Irvine, Loudoun Literacy Council and Building Futures Thailand.
Our Founder
Kenton Lee founded Because International after traveling to Nairobi, Kenya in 2007. While volunteering at a small orphanage, he noticed a little girl wearing shoes that were much too small for her feet—sparking his idea for The Shoe That Grows. Little did he know that his small idea would go on to make a big difference.
Contact Us
Because International
1415 1st Street South
Nampa, Idaho 83651
+1-208-697-4417
info@becauseinternational.org