Volunteers are very special and important people! Without them, Develop Africa would quickly fall short of the impact it is making in enriching the lives of individuals in Africa.

It would be difficult to acknowledge all of the invaluable assistance that our many volunteers have provided in one form or the other over the year - 2009. The volunteers have selflessly given many, many, many hours of their time. Their contributions have made a great difference, and today many lives have been touched. 

To all Volunteers: The Board and Staff at Develop Africa wishes to say: "thanks for your confidence and willingness to assist a compelling vision.  We value and appreciate your willingness to invest into Africa's future by engaging in the various projects. We are truly grateful and wish to acknowledge your excellent investment for the people of Africa."

This year the Board is pleased to announce Develop Africa's “2009 Volunteer of the Year.”  This noteworthy award is given to a dedicated, excellent and outstanding volunteer who has invested substantially into the organization throughout the year. This award for 2009 goes to Avis Dillard-Bullock for her outstanding work as our Project Liaison, coordinating book and school supplies drives.  Through her efforts in collaboration with many individuals, businesses and schools, Develop Africa received a thousands amount of books and miscellaneous school supplies.  Congratulations Avis !! We are proud of you!

More about Avis...

Avis R. Dillard-Bullock grew up in St Louis, Missouri. She retired from the United States Air Force in April 2008, after 28 years of service as a Chief Master Sergeant. She held the position of Senior Paralegal Manager to The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force. In this position, she served as the senior advisor to The Judge Advocate General on enlisted matters and as the Career Field Manager for paralegals in The Judge Advocate General’s Corps worldwide. She exercised management responsibility, and establishes policy and training requirements for over 900 active duty and over 400 Air Reserve Component paralegals in Air Force legal offices worldwide. Her assignments included tours in Germany, Korea, England, and Italy as well as numerous assignments throughout the United States.

Mrs. Dillard-Bullock currently works for JMA Solutions, LLC as a program manager. She volunteers her time with Maryland’s Speakers Bureau speaking to junior high and ninth graders on the importance of a high school education and opportunities available for college assistance. She is a member of Ebenezer AME Church where she works on the missionary committee involved in activities in the community and the Daughter’s of Anna prayer team. Avis also volunteers as the Project Liaison for Develop Africa, where she coordinates donations and maintains the project tracking site.

Mrs. Dillard-Bullock has been awarded numerous military honors and selected as an Outstanding Young Women of America in 1997. Avis is married to Stanley Bullock and they have one daughter, Ava.