Who We Are

Paul Polakowski III

Why did you originally get involved/how long have you been involved with U4O?

I was introduced to U4O through the founder, Joe Brandi, whom I met at church in 2017. I first became involved as a donor in 2020, and was later honored to begin advising U4O on fundraising strategy and supporting a few events.

What motivates you to stay involved with U4O?

I lost my father at a young age and have always had compassion for children raised without one or both parents. I serve U4O because it fulfills God’s promise to care for orphans (Psalms 68:5 and 146:9) and that mission has always been incredibly important to me.

What do you do as a team member for U4O?

I am honored to serve U4O on the Board of Directors, assisting wherever the organization needs me. In particular, I advise in the areas of fundraising and general strategy, sharing what I’ve learned from building for-profit companies and a successful nonprofit organization serving combat veterans. I enjoy serving alongside other U4O teammates and witnessing how the organization is changing lives.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

I’m a native New Yorker (Long Island and NYC) who’s lived in San Diego for 15 years, and am single with no children. My life is dedicated to serving others and when not doing that, you can find me in the ocean, at the beach, on the mountains, or in the desert enjoying one of my favorite activities (biking, climbing, surfing, etc.).

Laura Fellows

How did you connect with U4O and what motivates you to stay involved?

I got involved with U4O over 10 years ago following an outreach trip to Mexico. After seeing the conditions and unmet needs many of the children living in the orphan homes were facing, I wanted to help in any way I could. I was drawn to U4O because it is an organization that prioritizes building personal relationships and focuses on quality over quantity–each of our contributions really do make a big difference in these childrens’ lives.

What do you do as a board member for U4O?

I’ve supported U4O in various roles and projects over the years–from helping to refine the organization’s original mission, vision, and strategy, to developing content and materials, to contributing financially and now serving on the Board of Directors in an advisory role.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

I love spending quality time with my family–I live in San Diego with my husband and two daughters, Addalyn and Brynlee. I enjoy walking and listening to books on Audible, going on adventures with family and friends, and immersing myself in different creative projects.

Prior to having kids, I spent most of my career developing content, events, and products for the personal development speaker, Tony Robbins. I also spent time as a Director of Culture and Training Development in the medical technology industry. I now spend my time raising my children, volunteering with different organizations, and feeding my creative soul through photography.

What else do you do to feed your soul?

I love spending quality time with my family–I live in San Diego with my husband and two daughters, Addalyn and Brynlee. I enjoy walking and listening to books on Audible, going on adventures with family and friends, and immersing myself in different creative projects.

Chris Fromm

Why did you originally get involved/how long have you been involved with U4O?

I was involved with a group of friends through the Rock Church who supported U4O in 2013, and went on my first service trip with U4O that year.

What motivates you to stay involved?

The children and God’s love offer continual motivation. U4O also has a good foundational culture and I personally enjoy volunteering with my friends here.

What do you do as a board member for U4O?

I offer occasional pastoral support, networking, funding when needed, and help during board meetings. Service trips are my favorite part, and when our baby is old enough, we will bring our kids too.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

In my own childhood, I experienced healing from cancer at age 13. My mom also had a separate experience with cancer years later. I found life is a gift from God, and you can live for the dot of your own timeline, or the line of eternity. My response has been providing life-saving medical research through my company and serving in various ministries globally. Currently, I stay close to home, raising three young children with my beautiful wife, Katie.

Julie Bonnett

When/why did you originally get involved with U4O?

I originally got involved with U4O 3 1/2 years ago because I attend LJCF with the founder, Joe Brandi. U4O’s cause resonated with me because my dad is adopted. I felt called to assist so I attended a gala and visited orphanages in Mexico on several service trips.

What is your role with U4O?

I am serving as a Board Member.

What motivates you to work with U4O?

To help at-risk children reach their highest potential in every area of their lives.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

I am a mother to my daughter Katie who is 25 and a USC graduate who lives with several members of her church (Kings Cross), and my son Logan who’s 18 and a senior in high school. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in oncology and retired at the end of 2019. I held a variety of roles including most recently helping patients who couldn’t afford their costly cancer medications gain access so that no patient is denied the medication they need and have access regardless of their financial situation or level of insurance coverage (or lack thereof).

Arlette Vargas-Ali

Why did you originally get involved with U4O?

My family has historically been involved in mission trips down to Baja’s children’s homes. We crossed paths with U4O on a joint project about 9 years ago and realized that our passion for serving abandoned and abused children aligns with the work of U4O. We decided to join forces and amplify the work of this organization instead.

What motivates you to stay involved with U4O?

Knowing that the work we do will help uplift underserved and abused children’s lives so they can thrive, and grow up to become productive members of society with purpose and redemptive stories.

What do you do as a team member?

As a team member, it’s my joy to help catalyze exponential growth for the organization’s next chapter of further outreach and measurable impact.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

The first mission I serve is my family and of course, two sons, who motivate me to use my energy to speak up for the vulnerable and voiceless and connect resources to children whose lives can be changed. My husband, Omar, is a self-proclaimed Italian chef, and being a family of foodies we tend to enjoy the gift of hospitality and dining al fresco with friends. You will normally find me at a baseball game for my sons, Alessandro and Matteo or any given athletic competition. Otherwise, you will find me making a fool of myself on the golf course, tennis courts, or a wakeboard. What I enjoy most is taking contemplative walks in nature to dream and experience silence & solitude.

Mikhanh Pham

When/why did you originally get involved with U4O?

I was looking into visiting orphanages when another U4O Board Member, Arlette Vargas-Ali, introduced me to the org. I have always supported mission work and attended mission trips through my church. U4O provides opportunities to “double click” on the orphan crisis and bring more help to this often-overlooked group.

What is your role with U4O?

I joined U4O’s Advisory Board to help expand our network of supporters and bring awareness to this critical need. There are one billion orphans in the world and every child matters. Mother Teresa said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

What motivates you to work with U4O?

I’m motivated by Matthew 25:40, which says, “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Jesus implores us to care for the least, the forgotten members of society. When we do, we are in effect showing love to the King himself. The work we do at U4O is the highest form of worship.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

This is the hardest question! I don’t like to talk about myself. My passions in life are the Bible, the beach, and babies (both fur and human). I’m devoted to my faith and my family. I’m a foodie, a fashionista, and a fan of traveling (35+ countries visited to date).

Zachary Meyer

When/why did you originally get involved with U4O?

I first got involved with Unity 4 Orphans in 2012, when my wife Stephany and I were first dating and attending the Rock church in Point Loma. We would go on monthly trips and loved the heart of the organization to care for the vulnerable children just across the border. We attended trips for about 2 years until our son Elijah was born. We started involving ourselves in business ventures and remained monthly donors. Fast forward ten years and we are glad to help out more financially but recently I felt led to get more involved and make a bigger impact by volunteering my time as well.

What is your role with U4O?

I have been invited to join the advisory board with the task of raising awareness and funds for the organization.

What motivates you to work with U4O?

My motivation personally is to respond to God’s Word to love the orphans and the poor. I also believe in what U4O is doing, offering counseling, education, as well as nutrition. I’ve seen U4O grow from serving a few orphanages in Tijuana to 29 sites across Latin America and I know God has been using the organization to make an impact in the lives of the children and families at each site. I am honored to play even the smallest role.

Tell us a little more about yourself!

My wife Stephany and I have been married for 11 years. We have two kiddos: Elijah, 9 years old, and Anayah, 7 years old. We own four businesses, a cocktail bar, and three that are Beauty School related. I am still a Charger fan though I hardly watch football nowadays. I am an off-and-on runner and run a few half marathons and a Ragnar normally at the beginning of each year. My family and I have attended Paseo del Rey Church in Chula Vista for about 10 years. My favorite book of the Bible is Proverbs. Most of my time is spent on work and the kids, but my wife and I love to go out and enjoy food and drinks when possible.