About Us
LLI's Vision & Mission
We envision a society where every child is nurtured and empowered to become a leader in advancing justice, equity, and inclusion for all.
Our mission is to enhance the well-being of marginalized children and transform their lives through a comprehensive, holistic approach. We are dedicated to fostering personal growth, economic empowerment, and social integration while implementing cohesive programs that build resilient communities and nurture the leadership potential in every child.
The Story Behind LLI
Little Leaders International (LLI) is co-founded by Mary Naber and Kirn Yochbed, two visionary women dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalized children. Mary Naber, a single mother of three, was deeply impacted by the issue of bonded labor in Pakistan, which she first encountered at the Barnabas Conference and further explored through the board members and allies of the Pakistan Partnership Initiative, particularly Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti. This experience awakened her commitment to addressing the systemic challenges faced by these children. Consequently, within the scope of LTW, she promptly spearheaded an educational initiative for children.
However, she envisioned and was resolute in creating a separate organization dedicated exclusively to children, distinct from LTW’s mission, which centers on senior citizens. Mary’s path intersected with Kirn Yochbed, a young widow and minority woman in Pakistan, raising her two children after losing her breadwinning spouse currently doing her PhD at the University of San Diego. Despite her personal hardships, Kirn showed remarkable resilience by co-developing acomprehensive development model for marginalized women, including widows, divorcees, women with disabled husbands, and minority women. Additionally, Kirn worked directly with children, focusing on trauma healing for survivors of violence and introducing human rights education in schools to teach children about their rights.
United by their belief that children are not just victims or future leaders, but active participants who deserve a voice in decisions affecting their lives, Mary’s educational initiative evolved into an independent organization. Consequently, Mary and Kirn established Little Leaders International (LLI). Their mission is to provide holistic support to marginalized children, empowering them to actively shape their own futures, develop their leadership potential, and contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Strategic Objectives
Cultivate leadership in children by expanding access to innovative educational and mentoring opportunities.
Create sustainable economic initiatives for women to change the socio-economic dynamics of families.
Improve intergenerational cohesion by fostering meaningful connections between children and senior citizens.
Collaborate with partners to collectively exchange resources and best practices aimed at advancing child leadership.
Co-Founders
Kirn Yochbed
Kirn Yochbed is a human rights professional and nonprofit consultant with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, gender justice, and civil society strengthening. She has designed and led programs on women’s rights, peacebuilding, and child protection in Pakistan, working closely with multicultural communities and with a particular focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and human rights education for children.As Director of Programs at Taangh Wasaib Organization, she co-developed a comprehensive support model for marginalized women, especially widows, divorced and separated women, single mothers, and religious minorities, while managing multi-district volunteer networks and donor-funded initiatives. Kirn is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego, building on master’s degrees in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, Gender & Women’s Studies, and Education.Her work as a human rights professional, university lecturer, and nonprofit leadership consultant centers on outcome-oriented program design, human rights education, and grassroots leadership development, and her contributions have been recognized through multiple competitive scholarships and international trainings in peacebuilding and human rights.
Mary Naber
Mary Naber is dedicated to educating and empowering individuals and institutions to merge compassion with financial excellence. At Sage Stone Wealth Management, she designs bespoke investment portfolios that reflect clients’ ethical values, avoiding companies with conflicting practices, and focusing on impact investing in community banking and private placements for both financial and social benefits. Naber authored “Catholic Investing: The Financial Impact of Screens,” a groundbreaking study integrating religious values with investing, cited in 11 peer-reviewed journals. Her widely read article, “Christ’s Returns: Building an Investment Plan Beyond Profit,” published in Christianity Today, has been reprinted extensively. Recognized for her expertise in ethical investing, especially where spiritual and religious values intersect, Naber’s work is featured in prominent publications, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated “Faith in the Halls of Power”.
Community Voices
Kaitlin Barker Davis
Writer and Freelance Editor
Thank you, LLI, for the comprehensive Baseline Reports. While some of the statistics are disheartening, we remain encouraged and confident that God is at work. We are hopeful and optimistic about the path forward. Blessings to everyone contributing to this important work.
Pasquale Russo
CEO Open Door Packaging
I support and admire LLI. During my travels to Costa Rica, Peru, and Ghana, I witnessed children trapped in bonded labour and spent time with those rescued, learning the true power of hope and teamwork. LLI transforms compassion into action, helping create a future where every child is free to dream and grow. I am proud to be part of this mission
Caleb King
International Vice President CLC
We are committed to LLI because we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing space to learn, grow, and dream boldly. With backgrounds in engineering and marriage & family therapy, we blend practical problem-solving with deep empathy for children’s emotional needs. By contributing to LLI through donations and developing learning resources, we hope to help create environments where children feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.