Joan Gachuhi

Born in Central Kenya, Joan Gachuhi (pronounced “Jo-ann” “Gah-shoe-hee”) moved to and spent her formative years in Northern California. A proud Hornet & Cardinal alumna, Joan is on a mission to create a lasting impact, with a B.A. in philosophy from California State University, Sacramento, and an M.A. in international development from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

As the development director at Operation Smile, Joan leverages 15+ years of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector. She utilizes her boundless enthusiasm for community engagement and creative problem-solving to strategize and implement funding opportunities that support the organization's global health care and comprehensive care programs.

Family is at the core of Joan's world. Alongside her amazing husband and four wonderful children, they embark on a journey of exploration, seeking to diversify their minds and palates. From reading to experimenting with new cuisines, the King’ori family believes in the power of knowledge and the richness of cultural experiences.

For Joan, change is more than a concept; it's a calling. Believing in the power of unity to break barriers, she's thrilled to contribute to Operation Smile's transformative work, bringing smiles to children worldwide. She invites you to be part of this incredible journey toward positive change. Let's create a world where smiles know no bounds! Your support ensures a lifetime of smiles for children worldwide.