MEET THE TEAM.
We are an eclectic and passionate group, bound together by a powerful vision: to make child soldiering a thing of the past through innovative justice in hard places.
U.S. TEAM
Marcus Young
Founder
Marcus's family has 125 years of history in SE Asia. He grew up in the Philippines, worked with the largest drug cartel in SE Asia and pioneered the first child soldier rescue efforts in Myanmar in the 90's. He was also reluctantly mentored by a famous CIA operative.
Bea Perdon
Donor Communications Officer
For years, Bea has contributed to groups dedicated to child protection. Equipped with a background in English and education, she now serves as a donor communications specialist, shaping words to build meaningful relationships between donors and the children whose lives they help transform.
Jared Navarre
Chairman of the Board
Jared is a strategic leader with experience advising Fortune 500s, global agencies, and high-risk humanitarian efforts. His business acumen and operational expertise support Project AK47’s mission to disrupt exploitation networks and deliver scalable, lasting impact in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Cai Morano
Finance Manager
Cai is entrusted with organizing, realigning, and optimizing financial processes to enhance operational efficiency and transparency. A proud descendant of the Higaonon indigenous people of Mindanao in the Philippines, she combines technical competence with a deep compassion for the most vulnerable children and a strong commitment to community and ministry service.
INTERNATIONAL TEAM
Sammy
Upper Mekong Region Director
Sammy was a mercenary drug trafficker for over 300 men in his 20's but now manages 5 homes for children in his 60's. Much of his core work is in the heart of conflict or restricted access zones building trust with rebel commanders.
Stephen
Mexico Director
Stephen lives deep in Mexican Cartel controlled turf. He has won their respect and runs a winning semi-pro soccer team. He is a phenomenal mentor of youths coming out of dark and hopeless circumstances.
Junter and Suu
Upper Mekong Region Consultants
Junter and Suu are veterans in grassroots initiatives that serve child soldiers, marginalized communities, and at-risk families. They work with us as regional consultants in child and foster care, community health, economic development, and in emergency and disaster response.
Paolo Sitaca
Southeast Asia COO
For nearly 20 years, Paolo has guided children from preschool to pre-teen through teaching, coaching, academic advising, and sponsorship programs, alongside his wife Gladys, who has directed a school serving a low-income urban community for three decades. With over 30 years of executive leadership experience across diverse industries including consumer goods, healthcare, IT, construction, and telecommunications, Paolo specializes in strategic planning, operational excellence, and transformative leadership.
SPECIAL THANKS.
ANTHONY MATULA, Branding.
HOWIE KLAUSNER, Writing and Film.
THIERRY FALISE, Photography.
MASARU GOTO, Photography.
AARON PEGG, Photography.