Board Members

Saba Tewolde, Founder/Spokeswoman/Chef

Saba Tewolde is the founding member of Taste of Hope and the reason this organization started. Through her love for her people and promise to never forget them she inspires us all to be a part of this life changing work.  She is an accomplished Ethiopian chef and is the owner of Lalibela Catering. She is a refugee from Ethiopia and has found political refuge here in the USA.

Brenda Felkner, Board Member and Sponsorship Coordinator

Brenda Felkner is a homemaker, wife and mother of 2. She has been active in PTA and is a leader of Women's Small Groups at Ocean Hills Covenant Church. Brenda has been to Africa three times.  Her most recent trip took her to Ethiopia in May 2009 to learn more about the needs and help develop ways for TOH to continue work there. She enjoys traveling with her husband and sons, loves to cook and enjoys volunteering her time and talents for Taste of Hope.

Jeanne David, Board Member

Jeanne David is a devoted wife and mother of 4 boys.  Ms. David is the Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation – Santa Barbara Branch.  She joins the board of Taste of Hope out of her love of and friendship with Saba and her deep belief in the mission of Taste of Hope.  Her hobbies include: marathon running, hiking, cycling, skiing, cooking and reading.

Jillian Davis, Board Member

Jillian Davis has always had a love for Africa and is thankful to serve on the Board of Taste of Hope.  She is currently a Client Relationship Manager at Business First Bank and is Vice President of the Board of Casa Serena, serving woman with substance abuse issues in Santa Barbara.  She enjoys spending time with friends and family, being in the outdoors, playing guitar and writing.  She is a woman of faith and trusts God will use her for his good works in the lives of others.  

Peggy Wilson is a founding Board Member. She helped start Taste of Hope out of her love for Saba. Her greatest joy in life is her three children and husband.  She is actively involved with children's education, enjoys exercising outdoors with her husband and being with family and friends. She is passionate about God and using her life for His works. 

Sue Peterson is one of the first people Saba met when she arrived in Santa Barbara. Sue is a loving wife and mother. She is business woman and an excellent swimmer. She was a former US selection for the Olympic Swim Team.  She is a faith filled woman with a big heart to serve along side her family and friends. 

Founding Board Members