Board of Directors

Rod Womer

Rod “Rocket” is a retired Test Pilot, Program Manager, and U.S. Navy Captain. Nurturing Woka into existence and serving as its Chief Executive Officer and Board Member fulfills Rod’s passion to use his material blessings to help create a more just world and pass on a legacy of empathy and caring to future generations.

Barbara Karplus

Barbara is a mother, wife, tax accountant and retired schoolteacher. Barbara has long been involved with organizations related to education and advocacy for children. As Board Member and Secretary/Treasurer of Woka, she melds her passions for human rights, the environment, and a world of compassion and caring.

Krista Kurth, Ph.D.

Krista is a retired management consultant and former Director of the Green America Center for Sustainability Solutions (GACSS). Supporting Woka continues Krista’s lifelong work towards creating a just and sustainable world, supporting global action to create a future where everyone has enough, all communities are healthy and safe, and the environment is preserved for generations to come. For Krista's Blog: Climate Action for Everyday People, click here.

People: Meet the Team

Staff

Robin Baird
Director of Operations and Strategy

Robin is a new mom, a former educator, and a former philanthropic consultant. Her strength in each role has been building community and making things happen. Robin believes that we honor the dignity and value of each person through daily action and intent, a philosophy that aligns with Woka Foundation’s approach to philanthropy. Serving as Woka’s first staff member fulfills Robin’s goal to continue her work in philanthropy guided by the belief in our sacred relationship with, and responsibility to, nature.

Emma Frawley
Associate Director of Program and Operations

Emma is a plant evolutionary biologist by training with a passion and expertise for advancing regenerative food systems through philanthropy. She joins Woka as their second full-time staff member. Emma is committed to restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change through all aspects of her work, and she will help champion Woka’s approach to address the root causes of environmental harm, reduce our dependency on finite resources, and respect the dignity and value of all.