Barry Childs
Courtesy of Civic Ventures
Barry Childs, 66, is the founder and executive director of Africa Bridge. After growing up in Tanzania, Childs left to attend college and returned 35 years later in 1998 when he was a healthcare executive. He was so moved by the nation’s poverty and the devastating impact of AIDS that he quit his job and began Africa Bridge. Based neared Portland, Ore., the nonprofit has helped thousands of children and their families through a range of economic development and related social-service programs. Childs also has engaged Portland-area school children in fundraising and other efforts to help children in a growing number of Tanzanian villages.
