25th Anniversary Supporter Conference
25TH ANNIVERSARY SHELTERBOX SUPPORTER CONFERENCE
Transforming Lives, Empowering Communities
WHEN:
April 4 – 6, 2025
Friday, April 4 – Evening Welcome Reception
Saturday, April 5 – Daytime Conference Sessions & Celebration Dinner
Sunday, April 6 – Breakfast Sessions & Departure
WHERE:
The Barnett Hotel
600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
For questions or additional information, please contact Fundraising Events Manager Jenna Garver at [email protected].
weekend rundown
What Happened
• A Warm Welcome: We kicked off an unforgettable weekend in New Orleans with a lively reception, bringing together supporters from across the country.
• Inspiring Keynotes & Discussions: We reflected on ShelterBox’s 25-year journey and looked ahead to the future of our humanitarian mission.
• A Celebration of You: We gathered for a special dinner honoring the volunteers and supporters who make our work possible.
• Hands-On Learning & Connection: We participated in interactive workshops, shared ideas, and connected with passionate changemakers from all over.
Why It Mattered
This weekend was a celebration of you — your dedication, your impact, and your role in ShelterBox’s 25 years of transforming lives. Together, we built new connections, learned from one another, and explored bold ideas for the future of disaster relief.
Thank You for Being Part of It
We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us in New Orleans for this milestone celebration. The energy, passion, and commitment in the room reminded us what’s possible when we come together.
Here’s to the next 25 years!
Meet the Keynote Speakers
Kerri Murray
President, ShelterBox USA
Kerri Murray has led ShelterBox USA as President since 2015, bringing nearly two decades of experience in both business and nonprofit leadership. Previously, she served as Vice President at Direct Relief, overseeing development, communications, and marketing, following a 13-year career at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals.
Under Kerri’s leadership, ShelterBox has expanded to serve over 300,000 people annually, reaching more than 3 million since its founding. She has been on the frontlines of disaster response, including Hurricane Harvey, the war in Ukraine, and the Morocco earthquake.
A passionate advocate for philanthropy and international development, Kerri is a Rotary Club of Montecito member and has served as board chair of Girls Rock, empowering girls through music. In 2024, she was honored with the Martin Luther King Vision Award from Providence College.
Sanj Srikanthan
CEO, ShelterBox
Sanj joined ShelterBox in December 2019 as CEO, bringing extensive experience in humanitarian work. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Executive Director of IRC UK. Sanj has led emergency responses in Mali, Syria, Liberia, Lebanon, and Turkey, and worked with UN OCHA and as a Captain in the British Army.
With a deep commitment to turning despair into hope, Sanj is driven by the mission of providing quality emergency shelter to help people recover after disaster. His leadership at ShelterBox continues to make a direct impact on communities affected by crises.
Martin Strutton
Response Team Member & Emergency Coordinator
Martin has been with ShelterBox International since June 2010, currently serving as a Senior Emergency Coordinator. Over his 14+ years with the organization, he has led numerous deployments across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, providing vital shelter and logistical support in response to both natural and conflict-driven disasters.
His expertise extends beyond shelter provision to include WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), protection issues, and food security in camp environments, all while working in accordance with Sphere guidelines. Martin’s comprehensive experience in humanitarian relief is complemented by his ongoing professional development through ShelterBox’s regular training sessions.
Mike Seawright
Founder and Executive Director of ReliefAid
For over two decades, New Zealander Mike Seawright has been at the forefront of humanitarian aid, delivering life-saving assistance to families in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. From providing medical aid in Iraq, Yemen, and Sudan to leading emergency interventions in Syria, Gaza, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, Mike’s work has impacted over a million lives.
Driven by frustration at the lack of support for families caught in war, he founded ReliefAid—a global humanitarian organization dedicated to reaching those with nowhere else to turn. Despite working in the heart of conflict, Mike remains inspired by what he calls “the very best of humanity.” His powerful insights and firsthand experiences make him a compelling voice on resilience, compassion, and the urgent need for action in today’s world.
Katie Goodman
Award-winning Musical Comic, Actress, Director, Writer, Filmmaker, Author, & Speaker
Katie Goodman is an award-winning musical comic, actress, and director known for her sharp wit and creative work. Featured on Showtime’s The Green Room and TruTV’s Impractical Jokers, she is also the creator of the internationally touring satirical musical show Broad Comedy, which has raised over $2.25 million for Planned Parenthood and The ACLU. Katie’s solo show, The Mid-Life Crisis Tour, earned a Time Out New York Critic’s Pick, and she has directed and acted in over 125 plays. As a keynote speaker, she shares the principles of improv comedy in corporate workshops, helping audiences apply them to everyday life. She’s also the author of Improvisation For The Spirit and co-wrote The Night Our Parents Went Out.
Katie is currently directing a feature film, working on an EP, and developing TV scripts. Her short films have won over 40 awards.