Luke Carstens founded HAESO after serving more than two years as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Lesotho, where he lived and worked alongside a rural school community in the mountains of the Thaba-Tseka District. His experience teaching, supporting school programs, and working directly with local families and community members became the foundation for HAESO’s locally guided approach.

Luke holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and currently serves as an Associate Director in disaster relief, helping coordinate operations, resources, volunteers, and response efforts. He also brings professional engineering experience from Ford Motor Company, Cummins, and BOSS Snowplow. Together, his engineering and disaster relief backgrounds have shaped a data-driven, practical approach to problem solving, resource management, and developing effective, sustainable solutions.

As President, Luke combines his technical background and firsthand experience in Lesotho with a passion for humanitarian work and international development, helping ensure HAESO’s efforts remain thoughtful, effective, and grounded in the needs of the communities it serves.

Joe Meisburger brings extensive international service and public health experience to HAESO. He served as a Peace Corps Health Volunteer in Lesotho, working alongside local communities and health partners to support community health initiatives and strengthen access to health resources. His firsthand experience living and working in Lesotho gives him a strong understanding of the communities and local context at the center of HAESO’s mission.

Joe studied Geography and Urban & Regional Development at the University of Arizona and has experience in international research and development. He has continued his work with the Peace Corps as a Health System Operations Advisor in Namibia, further building his experience in community health and health systems.

As Secretary of HAESO, Joe brings a global perspective, firsthand knowledge of Lesotho, and a continued commitment to public health, community driven development, and meaningful international service.

Jake Eaton brings a strong background in finance, business analytics, and financial technology to HAESO. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree in Applied Business Data Analytics from Boston University. His professional experience spans financial consulting, corporate strategy, and blockchain technology, and he currently works in blockchain partnerships at Circle.

As Treasurer, Jake applies his financial and analytical experience to help guide HAESO’s responsible stewardship of resources, financial decision-making, and long-term sustainability. His combination of finance, data analysis, and strategic thinking helps ensure HAESO approaches its mission with both compassion and sound financial management.

Dylann Nasr brings a strong background in international development and community health to HAESO. She served as a Peace Corps Health Volunteer in Lesotho, working alongside local partners to improve adolescent health outcomes, HIV education and support, nutrition and food security, and access to health resources. These projects emphasized community ownership, including the development of a youth health space at a local clinic and programs supporting adolescents living with HIV.

Dylann studied International Relations at Connecticut College, with additional international experience focused on refugee health and migration. She has continued her work in global health with Peace Corps in Namibia, where her public professional profile identifies her as a Public Health Program Officer.

As a Director of HAESO, Dylann brings firsthand knowledge of Lesotho, public health experience, and a strong commitment to community-driven international development.

Phil Brual brings a background in public service, education, and community engagement to HAESO. He served as a Peace Corps Education Volunteer in Lesotho, where he worked directly within local communities and gained firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges facing schools and families.

Phil studied Government and History at the University of Texas at Austin and has experience in public policy and civic engagement, including work at the Texas State Capitol and a campaign for Mayor of Austin. His background has given him experience listening to diverse perspectives, evaluating community needs, and engaging with complex public issues.

As a Director of HAESO, Phil brings his experience in Lesotho together with a commitment to public service, education, and community-driven development.

HAESO defines projects directly with community representatives to identify the most important needs affecting students’ education, health, safety, or well-being. From there, we work together to determine exactly what is needed, how many learners will benefit, what the project will cost, how materials or services will be obtained and transported, how long the work should take, and who will be responsible for each part. We also consider likely challenges before the project begins, establish practical backup plans, and determine how the project will be maintained or sustained when necessary. A project is approved only after the need, scope, cost, logistics, expected impact, and responsibilities are clearly understood. 

When a project creates ongoing needs, HAESO considers sustainability as part of the project planning process. We work with local community representatives to understand how equipment, improvements, or services will be maintained, funded, and managed after HAESO’s initial support. This may include planning for recurring costs, maintenance, repairs, replacement needs, and available local resources. For projects that do not create ongoing obligations, such as one-time distributions of clothing or supplies, a formal sustainability plan may not be necessary. Our goal is to ensure that sustainability is addressed whenever it is relevant so that the support we provide remains practical, responsible, and beneficial over the long term.