Co-Founder ACCES Society & ACCES Foundation
President of ACCES 1993- 2017
Director of ACCES Foundation 1994 to present

“Until one is committed there is hesitancy…… Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Beth and George Scott founded ACCES in 1993. Retired, they searched for something to do that had purpose and meaning. After reading “Save Three Lives” by Robert Rodale, Beth and George turned their attention to the Canadian Harambee Education Society (CHES). When they saw the students helped by CHES couldn’t utilize their education without education beyond secondary school, they found their purpose: to provide post-secondary scholarship so students could receive that further training and education. It is here that ACCES was created.

Under Beth’s leadership ACCES, both the Society and the Foundation, have grown into vital international development organizations that have remained true to their core ideals: to help young Kenyans obtain the skills and education needed to benefit themselves and their community.

In 1999 Beth received the Lewis Perinbam Award for International Development which is given “in recognition of excellence and imaginative leadership in the field of international development.” Her name is listed among the giants in International Development. Today, some of the Kenyans ACCES has helped refer to Beth as Nuru – their light.

Beth’s memoir, “Pinch Me”, chronicles her story from her childhood in the prairies, to her career in education, falling in love with George, and finally creating ACCES.

“George and I have often been praised for our work as the founders of ACCES. We always reply that we are the ones who have received the greatest rewards. That is not modesty: it is the truth. ACCES has given us “Something to Do” that has purpose and that purpose brings us joy” – Beth Rowles Scott, Pinch Me. page 206.

ACCES Director since 2024

Born in Mwiyenga Village, Kakamega County, Kenya, Moses Akali’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination. Growing up in a large, polygamous family, Moses faced significant financial challenges, particularly in securing his education. Despite academic excellence, paying for primary and secondary schooling was a constant struggle. His relentless pursuit of education bore fruit when he secured a sponsorship from the ACCES program, enabling him to attend Moi University and graduate in 2003. After earning his degree, Moses began his career as a high school teacher while continuing his education. He obtained a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in 2016.

His career flourished as he joined the university as an assistant lecturer, progressing to roles such as campus director and, eventually, director in the national government’s Directorate of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS). Grateful for the opportunities he received, Moses is dedicated to ensuring underprivileged young Kenyans have access to education. He views education as a transformative force and actively works to fund educational opportunities for others.

Moses serves on the ACCES Society Board of Directors, able to attend regular online meetings, chairperson of the Kenyan Advisory Committee, and he provides leadership for the newly established Kenyan-based ACCES Scholars Foundation in Kenya, aiming to uplift and empower the next generation through education.

ACCES Board Member since 2016

Khaleel lives in Vancouver, and specializes in organizational strategy within the technology sector. He is specifically interested in how vision and purpose can be acted upon to bring value and “goodness” to people. Khaleel was drawn by the sustainable nature of Kenyanization, and an organization that is ready to make that a reality.

Joining ACCES in 2016, he’s particularly enjoyed applying the concepts of purpose driven value to provide opportunities for empowerment of Kenyans.

The mission of ACCES to alleviate poverty through education speaks to this idea of empowerment. The closer we get to the goal of enabling Kenyans to help their own communities by using the power of education, the closer we are to achieving this mission.

ACCES Board Member since 2021

Elisa believes in the power of education to transform lives, families, and communities. She is keen to support ACCES in its work to make a difference in the lives of Kenyan students. Elisa is currently the Executive Director of The Cmolik Foundation. She was also the former Director of Instruction (Curriculum & Innovation) with the Surrey School District and worked in public education for over twenty-five years. She has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has taught at the graduate level for several different universities.

She lives in Langley, British Columbia, and has four sons who are now grown young men.

ACCES Board Member since 2016

ACCES President, 2021 to present

Sharon believes that education is a golden key that opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. She has over 40 years of experience with all levels of education from kindergarten to post-secondary and has worked as a classroom teacher, principal, and district leader. Prior to her retirement in 2013, Sharon was the Deputy Superintendent of the Surrey School District. Sharon was hired to be a Surrey teacher decades ago by Beth Scott, co-founder of ACCES. Over 30 years later, Beth attended Sharon’s retirement event and because of this, Sharon considers Beth to be the ‘bookends’ of her career. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University in the M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program.

Neither of Sharon’s parents graduated secondary school. The limited opportunities that they experienced, as well as their encouragement to pursue a comprehensive education, have made all the difference in a single generation. That is the power of education.

In Canada, Sharon had the opportunity to pursue this education. In Kenya, poverty is so pervasive that very few students, regardless of ability, have the resources necessary to attend university or college. The mission of ACCES is to give a growing number of them this same opportunity.

“It is not beyond our power to create a world in which all children have access to a good education. Those who do not believe this have small imaginations.” – Nelson Mandela

ACCES Executive Director since 2021

ACCES Foundation Director since 2023

Kevin is driven to constantly learn new things and experience as much in life as possible. He spent over twenty years in the education sector without staying in the same position for more than four years. He enjoyed his time as a teacher, principal, District Principal of Human Resources and Director of Member Support with a provincial association before establishing a consulting business (Formative Solutions Inc) that provides Human Resources support to clients.

Kevin became consumed with stories and events of post colonial Africa in university where he focused on African History. Those that know him personally have heard about his dream to one day make a difference in the lives of people in sub saharan Africa. With this in mind he is very excited to support the ACCES mission in Kenya by working with staff and stakeholders to continue the legacy that Beth and George Scott started. Kevin feels honoured and privileged to contribute and appreciates every opportunity to hear directly from current and former scholarship recipients, donors and interested community members.

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel” – Socrates

ACCES Board Member since 1997

John is a strong proponent of education as a critical tool for reducing poverty and improving the overall standard of living in the world.  Having known George Scott for over 60 years, John admired the amazing foresight and energy of George and Beth to establish this outreach by ACCES in Kenya that has provided an exciting opportunity for so many young people as well as significant long-term benefits to their home communities.

John has established important research collections at UBC, SFU and U of A involving early B.C. legal history, Doukhobor history in Canada and development of the early Fur Trade.  He has also established and endowed a permanent scholarship in library sciences at University of Alberta.

 John continues to work with his two sons in the investment management business he founded in 1973 and has enjoyed working with the Foundation’s investment portfolio.

“Time is short to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So be swift to love and make haste to be kind.” – Henri Amiel (1821-1881)

ACCES Board member since 2005

ACCES Foundation Board member since 2023

Maureen holds a long view and a deep commitment to the ACCES belief of helping others to help themselves. In the early years of ACCES, she supported Beth and George Scott’s vision with scholarship donations. In 2004 she lived on site in Kakamega for six months and served as one of the last volunteer agents before the board hired an executive director.

In 2008, with the generous support of the Canadian International Development Agency, Maureen co-authored Kenya: Our Global Friend. A curriculum used in many BC classrooms to inspire students and teachers to think and act globally. Maureen returned to Kenya in 2011 to create video stories of alumni students. At that time Moses Akali, who today is a member of the alumni executive said, “ACCES is my mother. If you’re an orphan and ACCES comes into your life, you are no longer alone.”

In addition to serving as a member of the Board of Directors since 2005, Maureen has fulfilled various executive positions at ACCES including two years as president. Her values are closely aligned with those of the society.

Her career in public schools extended from teacher to assistant superintendent and even international assignments as a teacher trainer. Maureen continues to work enthusiastically with other directors and Kenyan partners to reach the Board’s ultimate goal of Kenyanization.

ACCES Foundation Board Member since 1993, (President until 2014)

Mo began her teaching career in Australia and after extensive travels through Asia and Europe, returned to Canada. She believes in the empowerment of children and youth through education.

During her 33 year career as a teacher, consultant and school administrator she was provided numerous opportunities to contribute to the education community in Canada and internationally. Beth Scott became her mentor and coach instilling the confidence in her leadership skills and encouraging her to seek broader opportunities. She has served as President of the Canadian Association of Health, Physical Education and Dance.

Soon after ACCES was co-founded by Beth and George Scott, the Foundation was established. It began in 1993 with the purpose of providing long term funding for the Society. It has always been a small group who share core values and a passion for alleviating poverty through education that continue to enhance the work of ACCES.

“A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation, provide children with the protection they need from the hazards of poverty, labour exploitation and disease, and give them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential.” – Audrey Hepburn

ACCES board member since 2014, ACCES President (2015-2021)

In 2004-2005, Tobin moved from British Columbia Canada to Kakamega, Kenya to support the work of ACCES as it piloted a microfinance program for scholarship recipients who wished to launch their own businesses – it was a life changing experience. Witnessing Kenyanization in action gave Tobin a deep appreciation for the power of education and the exponential impact it can have on a family, a community and a country.

Following his time in Kenya, Tobin moved to the UK for seven years where he worked for a large steel and mining company, launching a corporate responsibility (CR) strategy as well as developing global community engagement and CR reporting standards for the company’s industrial operations in over 30 countries.

Upon moving back to Vancouver, Canada in 2014 Tobin was invited by Beth and George Scott to join the ACCES Board. While in Vancouver, Tobin worked for the City of Vancouver most recently as the Director of Intergovernmental Relations, working with other levels of government on issues related to transportation, affordable housing, opioid crisis, Reconciliation, climate emergency and COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.“ -Benjamin Franklin

ACCES board member since February 2026

Jennifer Stodt brings a lifelong passion for Africa, education, and community
empowerment to her new role as a board member of ACCES Kenya. As the
owner of Horn and Crane Travel, she designs authentic, immersive travel
experiences throughout Africa, connecting travellers not only to the
continent’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife, but also to its people and
cultures. Her love for Africa began on her first safari to Kenya, where a visit
to a children’s home supported by Lewa Education Program profoundly
shaped her path. Witnessing firsthand how access to education can
transform an individual—and uplift an entire community—ignited a deep
commitment to supporting educational opportunities in East Africa.

Following that experience, Jennifer joined the board of Lewa Education
Program and returned to Kenya to better understand what it takes to raise
funds for schools, implement meaningful programs, and equip classrooms
with books and computers. She later traveled extensively throughout
Uganda, visiting schools and expanding her knowledge of how to effectively
channel resources to educational initiatives across the region. With a
background in journalism and creative writing, Jennifer is a powerful
storyteller and advocate who believes deeply in the transformative power of
both education and tourism to lift communities out of poverty. Her combined
experience in impact-driven travel and grassroots educational support
uniquely positions her to advance the mission of ACCES Kenya and help
create lasting opportunity for students and families.

President ACCES Foundation 2016 – Present
President ACCES Society 2012 – 2015

“Leadership for me is actively and consciously influencing others to act and focus on our shared purpose with a bias toward the long view. It is the opportunity to be myself and to be in relationship with others in service for a higher purpose.” – Donna VanSant

Donna is a distinguished educator, facilitator, coach, teacher and writer. She is well known for her penchant for innovation and “start ups.” From the position of teacher and leader in the Surrey School District, she has nurtured the onset of Dance in High School, the District Research and Evaluation Department, Vision 36/20, Making Tomorrow Work, and The Surrey Wellness Committee. After and early retirement, Donna operated her own Company, Healthy Ventures, focusing on positive youth development and organizational health issues in the work place. Currently she is an Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University and President of the African Canadian Continuing Education Foundation (ACCES.) Donna believes the most important gift she can give is education. She has served ACCES operations since it’s inception and for her, ACCES is family.

Donna is particularly proud that ACCES Scholars Education Foundation (ASEF) are now aware of the need to help others as they wereonce helped. Instead of asking, “what do I do?” they now collectively query, “what is life asking of us?” This new way of seeing the world will have profound impact as they support the ACCES vision of alleviating poverty through education.

“As we live more deeply into selfhood that is our birthright gift, we find not only personal fulfillment. We find communion with others and ways of serving the world’s deepest needs.” – Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak