Our Team
Matt York
Executive Director
Matt graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Communications (TV and Film) and English in 1978. In 1986, he founded Videomaker Inc., a leading publisher on video production. With a magazine readership of over 64,000 and 400,000 monthly visitors to its website, it is Videomaker Inc.’s mission is to empower individuals to make video through its monthly magazine, website, DVDs, books and hands-on workshops and conferences.Branching out of Videomaker Inc. in 2008, Matt founded illuminAid because of his genuine passion to make a difference in the developing world by bringing change through video. Since then, Matt has been able to harness over two decades of expertise in the video consumer electronics industry to grow illuminAid from an idea to a thriving nonprofit organization.Through the development of his own patent for a consumer electronics device as well as his travels to research and development labs in Japan, he is experienced in the details of electronics equipment development. Matt's inside knowledge about consumer electronics gear, his tracking of up and coming technologies and his seasoned relationships with many top decision makers from major consumer electronics manufacturing firms contribute to his ability to fulfill the mission of illuminAid. His professional contacts will vouch for his honesty and integrity as he is a well-respected colleague in both the publishing and consumer electronics industry.
Emily Stewart
Business Development Manager
Emily Stewart, illuminAid's Business Development Manager since 2023, holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Social Sustainability specialization from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Her academic studies centered on global development and climate impacts in underserved communities. Prior to joining illuminAid, Emily's professional background focused in domestic disaster relief and the administration of food security initiatives.Emily excels in communications and design, and believes wholeheartedly in the value of relationship building in driving success. She aims to create a positive impact through community-centered design and storytelling.Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, traveling to new places, throwing pottery, and spending time with her husband and family.
Golden Mhura
Africa Regional Representative
Golden has worked with illuminAid and its partners both remotely and in-person since 2020. He has hands-on experience working and volunteering for Nonprofits locally in Malawi in the translation and localization industry as a translator and audio-video technician, computer help desk technician as well as in the freelance video industry. He graduated from the University of Malawi with a Bachelor of Education (Business Studies), majoring in Education, Computer Studies, Accounting, Marketing, and Business Management.Golden’s passion for video production has led to establishing an entry-level video production business called Provisualmw Films based in Malawi aimed at producing professional videos and photos for a variety of audiences and as a freelancer doing project management overseeing a translation agency known as Earthwide Translation Services.Golden’s duties at illuminAid include: providing video training and technical support to illuminAid's partners, hosting meetings to introduce illuminAid to potential NGO partners in Africa, and creating videos to tell stories from Malawi illustrating the power of video as a tool for change.In his free time, Golden loves listening to soothing music, visiting new places, and meditating about the future in quiet places.
Daphne L Nunez
Program Intern
Meet Daphne, a senior at California State University, Chico, pursuing a major in Liberal Studies and a minor in International Relations. Daphne's journey is a fascinating blend of academic pursuit and a profound love for exploring diverse cultures around the world. Daphne's enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful causes led her to join illuminAid. She is excited to collaborate with the team and be part of their mission to drive change. Looking ahead, Daphne aspires to continue her academic journey by pursuing a Master's Degree in International Studies. Her ambition is to delve deeper into global issues, develop expertise, and contribute to solutions that shape a better world.Beyond her academic and career pursuits, Daphne enjoys going to concerts, reading books, and cherishes quality time spent with friends and family.