Our Team |
 Paul Klassen - Founder & President
Paul Klassen is the Founder and President of Aliyah Foundation. At home in Richmond, VA, or abroad in Israel, Paul's mission is to educate the Christian community in the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and advocacy on behalf of Israel through many humanitarian aid Projects. |  Tara Klassen - Co-Founder & Vice-President
Tara Klassen, wife of founder and President Paul Klassen, serves as Aliyah Foundation Vice President. Tara was raised in a conservative Jewish home which motivates her to stand up for her community in Israel and in the United States. |
 Sara Powers - Executive Assistant
Sarah Powers joined Aliyah Foundation in the fall of 2021 as the Executive Assistant to Paul Klassen. Sarah has a background in project management, development, and marketing. She has worked with non-profit and for-profit organizations, helping to build interest and support. Sarah has traveled abroad extensively, having lived in France and England for some time, and she enjoys learning about and experiencing new cultures. Having recently visited Israel for the first time, Sara's understanding of the importance that God has placed on Israel and her people has been heightened and clarified. With her newfound passion for Israel and her commitment to enriching the spiritual lives of others and furthering the Kingdom of God, Sarah is excited to be a part of Aliyah Foundation's mission to bless Israel, transform lives, and help bridge faith communities. Sarah is also passionate about her family; her husband of 20 years. Mark, and her two children, Jack and Callie |  Kathy Rogers - Travel Director
Kathy Rogers joined the Aliyah Foundation in December of 2022 and she is delighted to serve as the Travel Director for Aliyah Tours. Kathy has a passion for international travel, having explored many parts of the world, with many more locations on her bucket list. She's worked for two large outdoor outfitters preparing travelers for their adventures and has extensive experience in customer service. Kathy also worked for her church for six years as a bookkeeper and administrative professional. Prior to that, Kathy worked as a medical technologist in hospital laboratories. Kathy's visit to Israel with Aliyah Tours in 2017 had a tremendous impact on her understanding of the bible and her faith. She's on a mission to bring people to the Holy Land to experience it for themselves. |
 Danya Jordan - Donor Development Specialist
Danya Jordan, Founder and President of Blessings Brokers loves serving as a Donor Development consultant and formerly as Proverbs 31 Ministries Executive Director of Donor Development. With 26 years of nonprofit leadership, she is passionate about working together to prayerfully equip, empower, and encourage God-sized visions to become reality. Danya has earned a B.S. degree in Communications from Appalachian State University and a Master of Public Administration from the College of Charleston. Danya is one of 6,000 leaders worldwide to have Certification as a Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She is a member of The Master's Program for Women Christian Leadership Development Program. She conducts Donor Development webinars with non-profit web Advisors. She teaches a ladies' Sunday school class at her church and sings in the praise band. Her mission statement is "You Shine!" based on Matthew 5:16. She loves to Bible teach, write messages that make a difference, motivate, equip, and empower leaders, kayak, spend time in the North Carolina mountains, and laugh with family and friends. |  Daniel Araujo - Board Member
Daniel Araujo has served in ministries since his childhood, growing up in a missionary family. He currently serves as the Director of Finance and Development for 4.2.20 Foundation. He has been working with 4.2.20 Foundation since its beginning in early 2015. He has a bachelor's degree in economics and history from the University of Virginia. During his career, he has focused on developing the finances of multiple startups that act globally from their inception. Daniel grew up in Brazil and the U.S. He currently splits his time between Israel and Richmond, Virginia, along with his wife, Psalm and their 2 children. |
 Tom Barilla - Board Member
Tom Barila served for 20 years as the Director of Discipleship and Education and Chief Technology officer at a regional church in Richmond, Virginia. He is an ordained Elder and Certified Christian Educator. Tom has led numerous educational trips to Israel and other countries. Before serving at the regional church, Tom led and managed I.T. projects for major regional banking institutions. He also served in the US Army as a Signal Corps Officer. Tom graduated from Union Presbyterian Seminary with an M.A. in Christian Education. He's also a J.M.U. alumnus with a B.B.A./Management Information Systems. In his spare time, Tom loves to coach basketball and play tennis. |  Mark Konesco - Board Member
March Konesco is an accomplished leader with 20+ years of experience directing organizations to significant enhancements in higher education and consumer products. Marc received his bachelor's degree in Marketing from Miami University and his master's degree in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is very committed to his faith, his family, and his community. He is an active member of his church and is involved in several community service organizations, including being Assistant Scout Master of the local Boy Scout Troop. Marc has served on Boards and Committees throughout the country. Marc also loves sailing! And he has a penchant for adventure, having taken his wife and three small children sailing throughout the Caribbean, where they stopped in Costa Rica for a time, to serve at an orphanage. |
