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Our team is comprised of genuinely gifted minds

President and Founder

Nolan Watson

At 26 years old, Nolan launched Nations Cry with the goal of providing world-class education to children in the developing world to create self-sustaining, successful leaders in their communities.

From a young age, Nolan had a sense of responsibility to help those less fortunate. His parents instilled values of compassion and benevolence, which grew into his passion for humanitarianism.

By age 26, Nolan had accomplished more than most. As the youngest CFO of any New York Stock Exchange-listed company, he used his resources to develop and launch Nations Cry, with the goal of providing world-class education to children in the developing world to create self-sustaining, successful leaders in their communities.

Nolan provides executive oversight and drives the vision for Nations Cry. He is a successful entrepreneur and business leader in the finance industry and is currently President & CEO of Sandstorm Gold Royalties. Nolan is driven by his belief that the efforts of Nations Cry will positively impact the future generations of Sierra Leone.

Managing Director — Africa

Samuel Kamara

Samuel was one of the first children to be put on a school scholarship with Nations Cry. Now, Samuel manages the day-to-day operations of Nations Cry in Sierra Leone.

At 12 years old after losing both of his parents in the Sierra Leone civil war, Samuel was taken into the care of an orphanage run by D.O.V.E International. The orphanage was a place of refuge for Samuel, and there, he developed lifelong friendships with people he now considers family.

When Nations Cry began a partnership with Samuel’s orphanage, they became instrumental in Samuel’s life, particularly in his education. Samuel was one of the first children to be put on a school scholarship with Nations Cry. Now, Samuel manages the day-to-day operations of Nations Cry in Sierra Leone. He has been the project manager for Pathway Academy construction projects, has recruited and manages the Pathway Academy staff and Samuel is a representative of Nations Cry and Pathway Academy to the Ministry of Education and the local communities in Sierra Leone.

Samuel believes that he can make a measurable difference in his country by helping to educate the next generation. Samuel holds a certificate in Information Technology from the University of Sierra Leone, a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of Makeni, a Global MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Italy) and University of Makeni (Sierra Leone) and has recently begun a law degree.

Vice President of Education

Dana Watson

Dana has played a key role in shaping Pathway Academy into the high-achieving school it is today. Her experience as an educator and dedication to quality education have helped build a strong foundation for student success.

Dana’s passion for education has been a driving force throughout her life. Bringing years of teaching experience and service on the board of one of British Columbia's top-performing schools, Dana has overseen the curriculum and academic standards that have made Pathway Academy one of the leading schools in Sierra Leone. Her specialized training as a Certified Orton-Gillingham Practitioner (OGP) and dedication to inclusive education have helped shape the school’s approach to supporting students with different learning needs.

Dana is passionate about ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to reach their full potential. Her belief in the transformative power of education is at the heart of Nations Cry’s mission to equip the next generation of leaders in Sierra Leone.

Manager

Colton Vander Kooi

Colton supports Nations Cry operations and fundraising efforts, developing programs to expand the organization’s impact.

Raised in a family committed to generosity, Colton grew up with a strong belief in using his resources to make a difference. His connection to Nations Cry deepened after visiting Pathway Academy, where he saw firsthand the impact of the organization’s work. Since then, he has worked to expand awareness and launched initiatives like the One Des Program program to grow supporter engagement.

Early in his career, and also working as an Analyst at Sandstorm Gold Royalties, Colton brings fresh energy and a passion for connecting people to Nations Cry’s meaningful cause.

Vice President of Operations

Denver Harris

Denver has been volunteering with Nations Cry since 2010, and has had the privilege of collaborating with Sierra Leoneans to establish, build, operate and grow Pathway Academy.

Denver has been involved with Nations Cry for more than 15 years, helping establish and grow Pathway Academy. He oversees day-to-day operations, manages the organization’s finances, and leads fundraising efforts.

Passionate about education as a transformative force, Denver is committed to the lasting impact that Nations Cry is supporting in Sierra Leone—one student, one classroom, and one opportunity at a time.

Denver’s day job is Vice President of Sandstorm Gold Royalties where he has held investor relations and corporate development roles.

Board of Directors

Scott McTaggart

Scott is a founding director of Nations Cry and has played a key role in shaping its mission. His lifelong dedication to leadership and service is reflected in Nations Cry’s values and impact.

Scott has been a pastor for more than 20 years, dedicating his life to serving and guiding others. His wisdom and compassion have shaped his involvement in both local and international ministries, including work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. As a founding member of Nations Cry, Scott has helped guide the organization’s strategic direction and vision for the future.

During a visit to Sierra Leone, Scott was struck by the beauty of the land, the resilience of the people, and the transformative power of education.

Scott is currently the Pastor of Community Formation with Artisan Church.

Marcel de Groot

Marcel is an experienced entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a strong track record of investing and scaling successful companies. Inspired by the transformative impact of education, he is a passionate supporter of Nations Cry’s mission.

As co-founder and President of Pathway Capital Ltd., Marcel has provided strategic support and investment to numerous private and public companies, particularly in the metals and mining sector. His investment and management experience spans the globe, including operations in several African countries. Marcel is known for his long-term commitment to the people and businesses he invests in, providing the strategic guidance needed to help companies and initiatives thrive.

Marcel is active in the community and has been involved in raising funds for education-focused initiatives both locally and internationally. He is proud to support Pathway Academy in empowering future leaders who will make a lasting impact in their communities and country.

Christopher Bennett

Christopher is a leader in branding, storytelling, and marketing. After learning about Nations Cry’s mission, he was inspired to use his expertise to amplify the story. What started as a concept for a documentary project soon became a deeper commitment to supporting education in Sierra Leone.

Christopher is known for his innovative approach to creative strategy and has held executive roles in marketing and production at some of North America’s leading companies including Best Buy, TED, and T-Mobile.

His connection to Nations Cry began when he invited Nolan Watson to speak at a TEDxVancouver event. Inspired by Pathway Academy’s impact, Christopher set out to film a documentary about the school and its students. While in Sierra Leone, he witnessed firsthand the power of education to change lives and knew he wanted to be more involved. His expertise in storytelling and branding has since been instrumental in helping Nations Cry expand its reach and inspire others to support its mission of empowering future leaders through education.

Christopher is the Founder and Principal Agent of HectiQ Artists, a talent management agency representing actors across Canada and the U.S.

Nolan Watson

At 26 years old, Nolan launched Nations Cry with the goal of providing world-class education to children in the developing world to create self-sustaining, successful leaders in their communities.

Denver Harris

Denver has been volunteering with Nations Cry since 2010, and has had the privilege of collaborating with Sierra Leoneans to establish, build, operate and grow Pathway Academy.

Send a Message

    Contact Info

    14022 30th Avenue
    Surrey, British Columbia
    V4P 2N3, Canada
    (604) 561-3043

    info@nationscry.com