Decorah man is leading organization to help rural women in Nicaragua

(Left to right): Decorah Lions Club president Bob Naslund and Winds of Peace Foundation CEO Steve Sheppard

A Decorah resident, Steve Sheppard, is working to help the people of Nicaragua.

Sheppard is CEO of the Winds of Peace Foundation, a private foundation founded by Harold and Louise Nielson, Minnesota business owners, who had a vision of a just and peaceable world. Since being started the foundation has provided over $9 million in grants, micro-loans and a presence in the community throughout Nicaragua. The focus has been on the rural poor, women, indigenous peoples and education.
 
Sheppard spoke recently to the Decorah Lions Club.  He told the group that cultivating awareness of the issues facing the people of Nicaragua is a goal of the foundation.

Sheppard and his wife, Katie, are graduates of Luther College and residents of Decorah.