Meet Our Board of Directors

David Woods, Chair

David is Mechanical Engineer at Raytheon Technologies, where he applies his technical skills to drive innovation in aerospace technology. Beyond his engineering pursuits, Woods is an entrepreneur in crafting exceptional beverages. As the driving force behind Brillé Beverages, he channels his engineering expertise into the creation of unique Ethiopian-inspired drinks. Woods and Brillé Beverages are dedicated to providing the highest standards of authenticity and quality, blending traditional brewing methods.

He was born and raised in Ethiopia until he was a teenager, so he understands the struggle to find clean water sources in the rural communities. He has been delighted to have been selected to serve on the board of Bridge H2OPE Inc. He looks forward to helping the organization reach its long term goals.

Bontu Workineh, Co-Chair

Bontu Workineh is a public health leader with extensive experience in program management, community health, and strategic leadership across nonprofits. She holds a Master of Public Health from Lamar University and a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Marymount University.

Her passion for global health began long before serving as a Community Health Educator with the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, where she partnered with local communities to advance health education and strengthen community well-being.

Bontu is passionate about advancing equitable, community-driven solutions. As a member of the Bridge H2OPE Board of Directors, she is honored to support the organization’s mission of expanding sustainable access to clean water and empowering communities to thrive for generations to come.

Romulus Ferrer Perez, Treasurer

Romulus brings over 15 years of expertise in the higher education sector, specializing in student life and leadership development. As a former adviser of H2OPE at Trinity College, Hartford, he has a deep-rooted passion for nurturing students' growth and seeing them evolve into impactful leaders.

Romulus leads by example, encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zones, share their unique talents, and inspire others to do the same, ultimately fostering a culture of positive influence and transformation.

Jane Winn, Secretary

Jane is a co-founder and the current Executive Director of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), based in Pittsfield, MA. With a profound passion for clean water, healthy air, and interconnected landscapes for wildlife, Jane has steered BEAT towards impactful environmental initiatives. Her expertise in nonprofit accounting has enabled BEAT to allocate resources efficiently and forge strategic partnerships, amplifying the organization's influence on environmental matters in the Berkshire community. Apart from her accounting proficiency, Jane holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in zoology, further enriching her understanding of ecological systems.

Lynn Arches, Board Fundraising Lead

Lynn Arches-Rappaport has spent over thirty years shaping lives and learning environments through Waldorf education. From classrooms to boardrooms, she’s led with clarity, care, and a

strong sense of purpose. Her leadership blends experience with inquiry, always grounded in a deep respect for the unfolding human being. Her work includes mentoring teachers, rebuilding

school governance, and designing hands-on science curricula that connect head, heart, and hands. Lynn is also the founder of Women for Water, empowering women and young children

with clean, safe water so that the opportunity of an education is possible. Her water and education projects are in the United States, Rwanda, Ethiopia, India, Puerto Rico and the Oglala