Our Board
Joanita Senoga, President
Joanita Senoga is one of 13 children born to the Bbaale family in Makindye, Uganda. In 1996 Joanita founded Circle of Peace School. Two years later she was forced to flee her homeland due to persecution. She found herself in Richmond, Virginia where she built a new life for herself and her two daughters, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006 from the University of Richmond and becoming a U.S. citizen in 2010.
Joanita’s passion for expanding educational opportunities led her to found Circle of Peace International (COPI). Her deepest purpose is working with Americans and Ugandans to expand educational opportunities and build cultural awareness and understanding between the two nations. She is available to speak to community groups about Circle of Peace School and Circle of Peace International.
Betty M. Allen, Board Chair
Betty worked for AH Robins/Wyeth Company for 36 years and uses her organizational and people skills to lead and coordinate many of COPI's public events, including the Safari Train Banquet annual dinner.
Betty became involved with COPI because of her friendship and admiration for Joanita Senoga, and because she was inspired by Joanita’s work on behalf of educational opportunities for children.
Iria Jones, Treasurer
Iria’s professional background is in operations and business management. She contributes effective communication, planning, organizational, human relations, financial and budget management skills to the COPI Board.
Because of the deprivation that she witnessed on a trip to Uganda Iria feels a deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities and cultural understanding. She appreciates the opportunities available in the U.S. and works to expand them for Americans and Ugandans.