CO-FOUNDER/FINANCE OFFICER/SR. ADVISOR

James A. Barbee

Jim Barbee is the co-founder, Finance Officer, and Sr. Advisor of Side by Side Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the gospel and alleviating poverty in vulnerable areas of the Philippines. He oversees the organization’s financial operations, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to empower communities through sustainable development programs.

In addition to his work with Side by Side Alliance, Jim serves as the CFO of Special Olympics, Inc. in Washington, DC.

While the earlier period of his 40-year career included roles in public accounting and corporate finance, Jim has found that serving in the nonprofit sector for the past twenty years has been the most rewarding time, both professionally and personally. Notably, he spent 15 months as Country Director in the Philippines following a natural disaster, deepening his understanding of the challenges facing vulnerable populations and instilling in him a desire to help those suffering with the implications of poverty in long-term ways.

Complementing his practical approach to problem-solving, Jim brings a wealth of strategic insight and solutions-oriented leadership to his role as advisor to Side by Side Alliance. He believes that ministry organizations can learn much from the people they seek to come alongside if they will take time to listen and truly understand the issues at hand.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. He considers it an honor to use his background and experiences to serve families in SSA’s partner-communities today.

Jim lives in northern Virginia with his wife, Laura. He enjoys reading, hiking, serving in his local church, and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys getting to personally know the participants in SSA’s projects and building strong relationships with SSA’s partners in the Philippines and the US.

FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Laura J. Barbee

Laura Barbee is the co-founder and Executive Director of Side by Side Alliance, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering people in vulnerable communities in the Philippines through the hope of the gospel and through training in sustainable livelihoods. Under her leadership, Side by Side Alliance focuses on equipping individuals with employable skills so they can gain freedom over poverty and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Laura’s commitment to transformational community development has fostered strong partnerships with training institutions like the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the Technical Education & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Philippines. These collaborative relationships have enhanced the reach and effectiveness of SSA’s programming, helping to ensure the most thorough and practical livelihood trainings possible.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Laura served in various clinical roles in hospital and public health settings. Early in her career, Laura made the transition from nursing practice to clinical research, and subsequently, gained years of experience in the various phases of clinical trials and in project and human resource management.

Laura continues to study best practices involving poverty alleviation and looks forward to every opportunity to grow in her understanding of how to implement viable solutions for the greatest challenges facing families in underserved areas in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines.

Laura and her husband, Jim, thank God for the privilege of working side by side with the SSA-Philippines team, local government officials, partners from different training institutions, participants from SSA’s partner-communities, and local churches and individuals in the US who regularly pray for and help fund SSA’s mission.

Laura serves on the women’s ministry team at Grace Bible Church in Lorton, VA, and is currently pursuing a national certification in Biblical counseling. She enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, and being ‘La-la’ to the Barbees’ four grandchildren.

Finance Manager

Mary Jane M. Dadulla

Mary Jane M. Dadulla is the Finance Manager for SSA-Philippines. In this role, Jane is responsible for maintaining the financial and accounting records for the organization and manages all reporting and compliance requirements. Jane possesses both a keen awareness of budgetary matters and a strong commitment to good stewardship of every donated dollar (or peso). She seeks to use this donated money in ways that help accomplish SSA’s overall mission and bring about the most good. Jane regularly collaborates with the CFO and the Executive Director, keeping everyone on the team informed with current and accurate information.

Jane has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over a decade, previously serving as Procurement Officer and Finance Officer for two international NGOs. She is known for her accuracy and transparency, both of which are apparent in everything she does.

Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Eastern Visayas State University in March of 2006.

She is married and has three lovely daughters. In her spare time, Jane enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, and graphic design.

Director of Operations

Jonna S. Abrugar

Jonna Sia Abrugar serves as the Director of Operations for Side by Side Alliance. In this role, she oversees all program development, ensuring that each project has as its foundation the hope found in the gospel of Jesus Christ and also helps advance SSA’s mission of alleviating extreme poverty in vulnerable communities. She plays an integral role in connecting our partner- communities with various other organizations, local churches, and resources, and serves as the initial liaison with local government officials in the areas where Side by Side Alliance is privileged to work.

Jonna comes to Side by Side Alliance with over a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Most recently, she was responsible for overseeing the field operations function for a large relief organization based in Tacloban City. In addition to managing the operations staff (procurement, HR, IT, fleet, and warehouse), Jonna oversaw the office and warehouse spaces and all units rented for staff housing. Earlier in her career, Jonna gained valuable experience in the corporate retail arena with roles in customer relations, monitoring and reporting, and line management of staff.

In 2002, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Saint Paul’s School of Business in Tacloban. Jonna earned her Master of Science in Public Resource Management from Eastern Visayas State University in 2022.

Jonna is married and is the mother of two delightful sons. When she’s not working or studying, Jonna enjoys cooking for her family and friends.