About Susie

Susie Banfield

Susie Banfield is mother to five and grandmother to fifteen. Life was not easy as a single parent, and many struggles were overcome with the help of family and friends. She completed her education in 1986 with a degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California.  After graduation, Susie spent seven years in Europe as an administrator for USC’s Master of Systems Management program.  After completing that assignment she left for a job in the Engineering department on the Johnston Atoll Chem Demil program.  It was here a friend introduced her to travel in Africa and the journey began in 2001.

Banfield said “It is my belief that each of us has a destiny in life and felt it was time to give back to others what was given to me. I found a special place in my heart for East Africa and its people.  I feel a deep kinship with those who were struggling with poverty and the AIDS pandemic.”

In January of 2005, Banfield arrived for her third visit to Kenya, this time as volunteer with Nyumbani orphanage.  It was through mutual friends that she met Masi and after hearing his story Banfield knew this was her destiny. Several months later in Washington DC, the two of them moved forward with Voiceless Children.  Banfield believes that “Voiceless Children” is a foundation that can bring hope to those women and children who are struggling and have been forgotten. “Helping these women to be self-sufficient is a goal that can be accomplished” said Banfield.  She believes that through their work and the documenting of this work by Masi and his photographs the story will be told and the voices will be heard. 

Read about Susie's message here.