Who We Are
Our team is the wheels that keep pushing the vision for our great organization and for a better world. The individuals who work at AGI and support our work have a few things in common: a love for all people, a desire to bring about positive transformation in the world, and steadfast dedication to creating real sustainable change in the lives of people in need. Learn more about our staff and board below.
Surinder KAUR
Executive Director
Compassion plays a huge role in Surinder’s life. She has held numerous roles in local nonprofits, including co-founding Global Faith in Action, an organization which works to promote dialogue between people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds, she served as grant writer with a local interfaith nonprofit, and assisted with two other nonprofit start ups. She strives to put her compassion into action. When Surinder joined AGI in 2009 she'd already served as a volunteer with AGI, so it felt like a natural continuation of her work when she became Program Manager in 2010. In her role at AGI, she pulls from a diverse background, including being a UK expat, 10 years in the insurance/financial industry in Texas, and being fluent in two languages (Punjabi/Hindi). Surinder has dedicated almost 14 years to AGI, wearing many hats in the process, and 4 years ago she was appointed Executive Director.
Cody crawford
Bookkeeping
accounting@alternativegifts.org
For 12 years, Cody worked as a case manager for adults with physical disabilities. As rewarding as the work was, she decided to pursue a new degree in accounting. After graduating in 2014, she joined AGI as our part-time bookkeeper. She loves being able to work as an accountant for a nonprofit, because she continues to make a difference in the world, even while balancing spreadsheets.
MARIA JACOBIA
Communications Manager
maria@alternativegifts.org
Maria Jacobia started volunteering with Alternative Gifts many years ago assisting with gift markets. She has been an active volunteer for about 3 other local non-profits also. Maria went to Manchester College for a couple of years before she began working with an organization called “On Earth Peace” in New Windsor, MD, from there she joined the Brethren Volunteer Service where she served with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, GA. After eventually settling in Wichita, Maria has remained a selfless volunteer, giving her time and energy to our local community. She joined the AGI staff team as Market Facilitator 3 years ago.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVID LARSON
Treasurer
CLAUDE THAU
Member
KAREN WEBSTER
Member