Born out of gratitude
Spirit and Soul invests in children and youth in underserved communities through education, faith, and holistic development, beginning in Liberia.
Why Spirit and Soul?
I grew up in a Christian home with my mother, a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ. From an early age she taught me about God and the importance of faith. Over the years, evangelists came to Liberia and created opportunities for children and families to learn about God's Word. Those experiences nurtured the foundation of faith my mother had given me.
Looking back, I realize that many people invested in my life through my family, my church, my education, and the ministry of those who came to Liberia. They gave their time, shared their faith, taught me, encouraged me, and helped shape the person I would become.
Those investments became part of my story. Now, Spirit and Soul is my way of giving back. It is my opportunity to invest in children and youth in my country of origin by providing educational opportunities while introducing them to the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
Steffi Benjamin, Founder and CEO
Education was always part of the story
Both Steffi's mother and grandmother were educators. Education does more than teach a child to read, write, or pass a test. It opens doors. It builds confidence. It develops critical thinking. It expands possibilities. And it can change the trajectory of a child's life.
Today Liberia faces significant educational challenges, including a low literacy rate and limited access to quality educational opportunities. The children and youth of Liberia are the country's future, and Spirit and Soul was created with that future in mind.
More than education
Children and youth need more than academic instruction. They need to know that they are valued. They need opportunities to learn and grow. They need safe places to develop emotionally, physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. And they need to hear the message that changed Steffi's own life: Jesus loves them.
Our educational programs place particular emphasis on building foundational literacy and proficiency in Standard English, skills that help children access greater educational opportunities and participate more fully in their communities and future careers. At the same time, we intentionally create opportunities for children to learn about Jesus and develop a foundation of faith.
Our mission
Spirit and Soul, Inc. enriches the spiritual, moral, emotional, physical, and social well-being of children and youth in underserved communities through biblically based programs, mentorship, education, and holistic development.
What we believe
- Every child has the potential to thrive in spirit, character, relationships, health, and purpose.
- Faith and learning belong together.
- Knowledge is something no one can take away.
- When we invest in a child, we are investing in a generation.
Leadership and board of directors
Pediatricians, a social worker, and a lifelong nonprofit leader, united by a love for children.
Steffi Benjamin, M.Ed., CLC, CFRE
Founder and CEO, Board Member
Steffi founded Spirit and Soul out of her deep love for children, her faith, and her desire to see young people in underserved communities discover their God-given potential. Originally from Liberia, she brings more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement.
Steffi's connection to children and community began early, shaped by a family legacy of educators. She has invested in young people throughout her life, from managing her sons' travel soccer team for nearly a decade to facilitating grief support groups. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and a certified life coach, and believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, dream, and know that they matter.
Wiata Weeks, MD
Board Member
Dr. Weeks is a board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience caring for children and supporting families. She believes in supporting the whole child and family.
A native of Southeast Michigan, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine, and completed her pediatric residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Outside of medicine she enjoys dancing, reading, and time with her family.
Nathifa Sligh, MSW, ACC, CSC
Board Member
Nathifa is a mixed media artist, Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths coach, and founder of Juicy Christians Studio, with more than 15 years of experience across higher education, nonprofit, and mission-driven organizations.
She leads culture and well-being initiatives within a medical school and is the architect of the PATH Culture Architecture framework. Through her art and coaching, Nathifa creates spaces for reflection, connection, and transformation, and is passionate about helping people see their potential in a new light.
Hawa Forkpa, MD
Board Member
Dr. Forkpa is a board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience, recognized as a Washingtonian Top Doctor in both 2024 and 2025.
She earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed her pediatric residency through Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. She is passionate about partnering with families to help prepare children for healthy futures.
"When we invest in a child, we are not simply changing one life. We are investing in a generation." Steffi Benjamin