About Us

TUPO International is committed to assisting community development by encouraging individuals to formulate and manage sustainable projects for the improvement of their communities. Using financial tools and training programs, TUPO International increases the capacity for social entrepreneurship within communities.

Promoting sustainable economic growth is an essential step toward the elimination of poverty. We believe encouraging local and innovative small businesses in areas such as agriculture, health, and education can contribute to the development of a community in a lasting and powerful way.

TUPO International is currently raising funds for our KIBOWA Orphanage Project.

TUPO International is in the planning phase of Mikungani Community Project.

TUPO Team

Jennifer Ware graduated with Honors from the University of Arizona in 2007 with a degree in Political Science and a Thematic minor in African Studies and Kiswahili.

Jennifer is an ARMY brat who has grown up traveling the world. Ms. Ware became passionate about international policy and US/Tanzanian relations while volunteering as an HIV/AIDS educator with Support for International Change in 2005. Since then, Jennifer has traveled to and from Tanzania studying American and Tanzanian foreign policies.

Years in the making, TUPO International was founded by Jennifer in the fall of 2007. Ms. Ware feels fortunate to be working with an inspiring team of individuals who will enable TUPO International to positively affect people's lives.
Jennifer R. Ware | JWare@TUPOInternational.com
President and Executive Director
Mr. Risko received his B.A. in Global Health and International Studies from Bard College, and is a Masters candidate in International Health Systems at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

With a passion for social justice, he has been deeply involved in development and public health work in the United States, Africa and South America.

Mr. Risko started his work with TUPO International in the fall of 2007, serving as both Vice President and Director of Operations.
Nicholas Risko | NRisko@TUPOInternational.com
Vice-President and Director of Operations
Michael Minkoff graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he focused on matters of social and distributive justice. After completing his studies in Madison, Michael spent a year living and traveling in Central America, where he became inspired to involve himself in a hands-on international development project.

Upon his return to the United States in September 2007, Michael joined Jennifer, Nicolas, and Achyut in honing the ideological backbone of TUPO International, as well as addressing the administrative responsibilities in the United States. Michael continues contributing to TUPO International as Vice President and Director of Information.

Michael is currently a Masters Candidate at the Fletcher School of Law and Dimplomacy, where he is focusing on political economy and international trade and development economics. He is expected to graduate in December, 2010.
Michael Minkoff | MMinkoff@TUPOInternational.com
Vice-President and Director of Information
Achyut Sompura, now residing in Alabama, completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona in 2008. His interests, which are not limited to the social sciences, expand to include studies in medicine and fine arts. His extroverted personality hides a very thoughtful and unique individual who, over the years, has managed to study classics in Italy and participate in the Model United Nations organization at the University of Arizona for three years, as well as help start a medical anthropology club on his college campus. While he intends and aspires to become a first rate doctor and later a medical journalist, Achyut has always pursued his passion for acting by performing in local theatres. He paints and sculpts at home, when he can, and takes his responsibilities as the youngest sibling at home very seriously.

While he has followed the journey Jennifer Ware has taken over the past couple of years with TUPO International, and shared his faith for her "project", he is extremely thrilled to be working with the team to work towards TUPO's vision and mission. He carries high hopes for the positive effect that TUPO will have on the peoples of Tanzania and the United States. Every day, Achyut founds his stamina and endurance growing for the work ahead.
Achyut Sompura | ASompura@TUPOInternational.com
Director of Finance
From Arusha, Tanzania, Jonas Kessy has dedicated his life to helping people live enriched and happy lives. In Arusha, Mr Kessy volunteers his services to many. He currently volunteers his time to the children of the KIBOWA Orphange in addition to spending a great deal of time making home visits to patients living with HIV/AIDS in rural and urban areas of Arusha.

Mr Kessy has worked towards International Change with many International NGOs, including Global Service Corp and Support.

When he's not working, Jonas enjoys walking with people, sharing of himself and his belief, that with great determination, nothing is impossible.
Jonas Kessy | JKessy@TUPOInternational.com
Program Director