Marygrove Welcomes New Board Members, Villie Appoo and Nelly Howell
Originally from Mumbai, India, Villie moved to St. Louis in 1975 to study at the Brown School at Washington University. Her practicum at Grace Hill Settlement House sparked a lifelong dedication to public health and community service. She spent over 30 years at Grace Hill, helping expand health programs for underserved populations and establishing new health centers.
Villie later became the first CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, where she led a successful merger and strengthened the organization’s regional impact on young girls. Now retired, she enjoys time with her two children, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren in St. Louis.
A passionate traveler and volunteer, Villie remains committed to giving back and staying active in her community.
With over 20 years of leadership experience in finance and auditing, Nelly has built a dynamic career across global corporations. Since 2008, she has held key roles at Nestlé SA / Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, spanning the U.S. PetCare business, global strategy, and internal audit for North America. She currently serves as Head of Finance for Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada, leading cross-border teams from her base in St. Louis.
Beyond her professional career, Nelly is an avid reader and podcast enthusiast who enjoys staying active, walking her dog, and gardening. She is a dedicated mother to her son, Andrew, who graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School this year and will be attending Indiana University in the fall.
Nelly is deeply committed to service and community impact, passionate about helping individuals realize their full potential, all while fostering a culture of encouragement and support, ensuring that others have the opportunities they deserve to succeed.
Marygrove Welcomes New Board Member, Jamela Griffin
With over 17 years of experience in security, governance, risk management, and compliance, Jamela is a seasoned leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to our team. Currently serving as the Vice President of Security Governance and Risk at Navvis Healthcare, Jamela excels in guiding multi-disciplinary teams to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, enhancing resilience and ensuring compliance.
Jamela’s strategic vision and innovative solutions drive exceptional performance, while her commitment to mentoring fosters team growth and a culture of accountability. Known for translating intricate regulations into actionable strategies, she has successfully led numerous projects that have significantly reduced risk exposure and improved compliance across organizations.
A St. Louis native, Jamela faced significant obstacles early in life, but her resilience and determination fueled an unwavering commitment to success. She earned degrees in Management Information Systems (Columbia College) and Information Technology Management (Webster University), while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood. Her career includes impactful leadership roles at Navvis Healthcare, Boeing, and Centene, where she led initiatives that delivered innovation and collaboration.
Passionate about youth empowerment, Jamela actively mentors young individuals facing similar circumstances, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to success.
Marygrove Welcomes New Board Member, Nathan Bennett
Nathan, along with his wife Christina, have owned and operated Hendel’s Restaurant, a beloved Florissant staple, for 26 years. They are heavily involved with their parish, helping young couples prepare for marriage through their marriage preparation program. Nathan has been involved with the church’s youth group, as well as serving as a sponsor for their RCIA program. He’s also been a mentor for Marygrove!
Their community involvement has been recognized by many awards, and they are also members of various North County organizations such as Old Town Partners, North County Chamber of Commerce, TEAM Food Pantry, and St. Vincent DePaul Society.
They have three children and one grandchild. Their roots run deep and spread wide throughout their family, church, and community!
