Mission
Empowering refugee children through sports, health and education.
Vision
Our vision is to create a brighter future for refugee children by providing them with opportunities for growth, empowerment and success through sports, health and education.
Our Team
Joseph E. Robert III
Founder & Chairman of the Board
Joseph is a former Reconnaissance Marine and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. Expanding on his service overseas, he earned a bachelor’s in International Studies from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C.
Joseph’s international acumen and relationships were the lynchpin of the Afghanistan evacuation effort through the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), in August 2021, colloquially called Task Force 6:8 (TF 6:8). TF 6:8 was a group of military veterans that came together to evacuate approximately 12,000 refugees from Afghanistan in the final weeks of U.S. military withdrawal. Following the U.S. withdrawal, and recognizing the continued need, Joseph, along with several other members of TF 6:8, founded The Black Feather Foundation. He was an integral member of the continued rescue operations and the resettlement of more than 15,000 Afghan refugees to countries around the world. Joseph is a former Board Member of both the Youth Leadership Foundation (2007-2011) and Fight for Children, Inc. (2009-2018).
Patti Katter
President & Chief Executive Officer
Patti brings over 30 years of comprehensive experience in the nonprofit sector to her role, with significant contributions both in the United States and internationally. Her diverse efforts have assisted numerous nonprofits and encompassed a wide array of philanthropic opportunities.
Over the past 17 years, she has deliberately focused on advocating for and assisting U.S. military veterans, their families and caregivers. This commitment extends into her personal life, as she provides care for her husband, a military veteran who was wounded in war. Patti's broad experience in the nonprofit sector and her personal dedication to caring for military families, including her own, continue to shape her unique and impactful approach to leadership.
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Mike Bassett
Chief of Staff & Secretary of the Board
With nearly a decade of U.S. Army service, Mike served with distinction in various Armor and Cavalry units. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C.
Mike brings extensive international experience from a combined 13 years spent serving overseas as a Soldier, Department of Defense Civilian and contractor. He continues serving his community by supporting animal shelters and mentoring veterans struggling with addiction.
Kristen Rice
Chief Financial Officer
Kristen brings over 11 years of accounting experience to her role, including serving The Black Feather Foundation's (TBFF) accounting and bookkeeping needs since February 2023.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from University of California San Diego, her academic achievements are complemented by her entrepreneurial background. She previously owned a sports-related medical staffing business that served local non-profit organizations for more than seven years. As a devoted military spouse, Kristen's service experiences embody TBFF's mission to uplift communities and support those in need.
Iqbal Najimi
Regional Outreach and Programs Director
Iqbal holds a bachelor's degree in Political Sciences and Public Administration from The American University of Afghanistan, and a master's degree in International Relations from Kardan University in Afghanistan.
Iqbal is a former Afghan diplomat at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., with nearly a decade of experience in the following sectors: diplomacy, strategic research and analysis, policy formulation, team management and briefing high-level clients. In Abu Dhabi, Iqbal assisted The Black Feather Foundation and provided consular services through the embassy to all Afghan guests in the Emirates Humanitarian City.