The Team
From top: Dana Sachs, Jen Maraveyias,
Monica Elias and Liz Ozol
Dana Sachs
Dana is a journalist and the author of several books of fiction and nonfiction. In April of 2016, she made her first trip to Greece to join the refugee relief movement as an independent volunteer. Within a year, Dana joined with Jen, Carol, and their friend Stephanie Meyers to establish Humanity Now. During her visits to Greece, Dana also conducted research for her latest book, All Else Failed: The Unlikely Volunteers at the Heart of the Migrant Aid Crisis, which Bellevue Literary Press published in 2023.
Jen Maraveyias
Jen began her career in the pharmaceutical industry, but she later discovered a passion for education. For twenty years, she volunteered and worked professionally in public and private schools. Her husband is from Greece and his family still lives there. The generosity and support for refugees by many Greek citizens, who for many years were enduring their own economic crisis, inspired Jen to join the effort.
Monica Elias
Monica has volunteered in Greek refugee camps working with both children and adults. She is excited to be part of Humanity Now’s efforts, having witnessed some of the immense hardships faced by refugees in Greece. Monica started out as a book cover designer. After 15 years she went back to school and became a speech pathologist. She lives with her husband in Brooklyn, NY, where they raised their two sons.
Liz Ozol
Liz and her husband provided short-term respite care for unaccompanied refugee minors. They developed enduring relationships with two Eritrean “daughters” and a “grandchild,” who live with Liz and her husband in California. Liz is thrilled to join Humanity Now to support people in their journey toward a place where they can live safely and with dignity.
