ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

The Zarzar Empowerment Network (ZEN) is committed to transforming communities through holistic development initiatives that empower women, mentor children, engage men, and promote unity through sports. We believe sustainable change begins within the community by strengthening families, fostering leadership, and creating opportunities that shift mindsets and reshape futures.

Through mentorship, community-driven programs, and inclusive engagement, we work to uplift underserved populations and change the narrative, one family, one child, and one community at a time. 

VISION STATEMENT

The Zarzar Empowerment Network (ZEN) envisions thriving communities where women are empowered, children are mentored to reach their fullest potential, men are actively engaged as leaders and role models, and unity is strengthened through sports and collective action.

We aspire to create a future where families are strengthened, opportunities are accessible to all, and communities are equipped to redefine their own narratives, building a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and lasting transformation for generations to come.

Kindly change the soccer team picture with multiple pictures of the organization's team members. I will send the pictures.  



Tougbay B. Zarzar
Founder and CEO/President

A Servant Leader Committed to Service, Family, and Community Impact
Tougbay Barcelious Zarzar is a distinguished leader, devoted father, philanthropist, and athlete whose life reflects resilience, discipline, and global perspective. His journey is marked by perseverance, personal growth, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Born in Monrovia, Liberia, Tougbay immigrated to the United States in 1993 in pursuit of greater opportunity. His life story embodies determination, adaptability, and the courage to build a meaningful future beyond adversity.

Mr. Zarzar holds a Master's degree in Human Performance Improvement from the University of Arkansas–Grantham, a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Post University, and an Associate degree in Supply Chain Management from Coastline Community College. He has also earned undergraduate and graduate certificates in leadership from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Post University, demonstrating his deep commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. He is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in International Relations from Liberty University.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Tougbay is a devoted husband to Tessiah Ben-Zarzar and a proud father of five sons. His life is grounded in faith, family, and service to others.

Throughout the years, Mr. Zarzar has quietly extended financial support and assistance to numerous families through personal acts of generosity and goodwill. His passion for uplifting communities and creating sustainable impact led him to establish the Zarzar Empowerment Network (ZEN), transforming a lifelong vision of empowerment into an active mission focused on opportunity, leadership, and community development.

From his early beginnings in Liberia to becoming a respected community leader and philanthropist, Tougbay's journey stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to helping others rise. 





Lester Wleh
Chairman

Lester C. Wleh was born on August 8, 1988, to Mr. John M. Wleh and Mrs. Eva Kaioh Wleh. Raised primarily by his grandparents in Deajala Village, meaning "Place of Fortune", he grew up in a community shaped by the realities of post-war Liberia. After being displaced from the village between 1996 and 1997 and later returning, he experienced the loss of his grandmother to an undiagnosed illness, an event that deeply impacted his early life.

He began his primary education in Deajala and later moved with his grandfather to Bilibokree City, the capital of Juarzon Statutory District. There, he attended Juarzon Central High School from 6th to 8th grade. He subsequently enrolled at N. Nixon Garlo Evangelical Lutheran School in Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County, but returned to Bilibokree due to his close bond with his grandfather. He then attended Wylie Christian Academy (WCA) in Karmo Town, where he graduated as 1st dux of his graduating class and 2nd dux overall in the school.

Following his graduation, he was invited to serve as a classroom teacher at Wylie Christian Academy despite not having formal teaching training, demonstrating early leadership and academic excellence. In 2012, he sat for the University of Liberia entrance examination; however, the Ebola outbreak delayed the results for three years. In 2015, he successfully passed and relocated to Monrovia to pursue tertiary education.

At the University of Liberia, he worked with the Center for Testing and Evaluation and served as a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry Department. In 2021, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

After graduation, he was appointed Political Advisor in the office of Senator Cllr. Augustine S. Chea, where he gained valuable exposure to public service and governance. Motivated by a growing vision for leadership and impact, he later sought readmission to further his studies in Management and Public Administration, with an emphasis in Human Resource Management, continuing his commitment to professional and personal growth. 





Mark W. Carr
General Secretary

Rev. Mark W. Carr Sr. was born on October 5, 1974, in Slip Way, Montserrado County, Liberia. A Liberian national, he is married to Pastor Edwina T.N. Carr, and their union is blessed with two children, Markwina P. Carr and Mark P. Carr Jr.

His early education began at D.H. Brown Government School in Sinkor but was interrupted in 1990 due to the Liberian civil war. He later continued his elementary education in a refugee camp in Sierra Leone and attended Peninsula Secondary School from 1992 to 1995. However, the outbreak of civil war in Sierra Leone forced his return to Liberia, where he completed high school in 1998 at Wells Hairston High School.

Rev. Carr pursued higher education at AMEZ University on Benson Street, earning a Bachelor of Theology (BTH) degree with high honors.

He currently serves as Principal of Sherry Kupstas Academy, Founder and General Overseer of Anointing Center Ministries International Inc., and General Secretary of the Zarzar Empowerment Network (ZEN).

Rev. Carr joined ZEN out of his deep passion for giving back to society, supporting the needy, and promoting equal opportunities for all. He believes that serving alongside like-minded individuals through ZEN provides a meaningful platform to use his skills and resources to create lasting, positive change in communities.   





Naomi Garley
Financial / Secretary

Miss Naomi Garley is a Liberian professional with a strong academic focus in Public Administration and Management. Born on August 14, 1988, in Monrovia, Liberia, she completed her early education at Grand Gedeh Multilateral High School and graduated from the Calvary Baptist Church School System in 2009–2010.

She is currently enrolled at African Methodist Episcopal (AME) University as an applicant candidate in the Department of Public Administration and Management, demonstrating her commitment to public service, integrity, and lifelong learning.

Naomi's professional interests center on public administration, management, ethical leadership, and community development. She is passionate about continuous learning and applying interdisciplinary knowledge to address real-world challenges in public policy and governance. 





Jefferson Doe
Vice Chairman of Operations

Jefferson Doe was born on June 11, 1985, in Sinoe County, Liberia. He graduated from Henri Wilmot Dennis High School in Monrovia and is currently pursuing higher education at African Methodist Episcopal (AME) University.

From 2016 to 2020, he worked with UN Women, contributing to initiatives focused on empowerment and development. He currently serves in the House of Representatives, continuing his commitment to public service and national development.

As Vice Chairman of Operations for the Zarzar Empowerment Network (ZEN), Jefferson joined the organization with a strong ambition to serve his country, promote equal opportunities for all Liberians, and help improve the lives of the less fortunate. 





Andrewneker RT Swope
Public Relationship Officer

Andrewneker R. T. D. Swope (born June 6, 1979) is a Liberian professional with a strong background in criminal justice and sociology, complemented by practical experience in security management, community policing, and logistics operations.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Amen Zion Wilfred E. Clarke College of Criminal Justice in 2013, after graduating from Wellshairston High School in Monrovia.

Andrewneker has served as a Security Supervisor for the Liberia Maritime Beaches and Waterways Project and as a Warehouse Monitor at the National Food Agency. He also received a Certificate of Honour from the Community Policing Forum on Crime Prevention through the Liberia National Police and UN civilian training in 2011.

Born in Bong Mines, Bong County, he is the son of the late Col. Donald Z. Swope and the late Mrs. Ruthbellie Y. T. Swope. His career reflects a commitment to public safety, community service, and professional integrity. 





Jefferson Wonjah
Chairman of Operations

Jefferson Wonjah was born to Oldman Johnny Kahn Wonjah and Sarah N. Wonjah in Zanwonjah Town, Sinoe County, Liberia. He spent his early childhood in his hometown, growing up in a close-knit community rooted in strong cultural values.

He began his primary education at ENI Mission School but his studies were interrupted in 1990 due to the outbreak of the Liberian Civil War. Forced to flee Liberia, he later sought refuge in Ivory Coast in 1995. There, he continued his education at ADRA School, operated by UNHCR, where he completed grades 6 through 12 between 1995 and 2002. Despite the challenges of refugee life and adapting to a new language and culture, he remained committed to his academic goals.

When civil war erupted in Ivory Coast, Jefferson returned to Liberia in 2002. He enrolled at Paynesville Central Academy in Monrovia and successfully completed his high school education during the 2002/2003 academic year.

In pursuit of higher education, he enrolled at the University of Liberia in 2015, initially studying Business. After four semesters, he discovered a strong passion for the natural sciences and transferred to the Geology Department. Through perseverance and dedication, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology in the 2022/2023 academic year.

Jefferson's journey reflects resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to education and personal growth despite the challenges of war and displacement. 





Lovetta Tharlee Swope
ChairLady Women Wing

Lovetta Tharlee (born March 15, 1979) is a Liberian business professional specializing in marketing and sales, with a strong focus on business development and customer engagement.

Born at John F. Kennedy Hospital in Monrovia and originally from Vookpadee, Sinoe County, she is the daughter of the late Mr. John Moses Tharlee and Elder Sangbe Tharlee. She is married to Mr. Andrewneker R. T. D. Swope and is a proud mother of eight children.

Lovetta graduated from Wellshairston High School in Monrovia in 2013 with a focus on business studies. She currently serves as a Marketing Sales Officer with the Liberia Marketing Associations, where she applies her business knowledge and strategic marketing skills to drive…



HEADQUARTER

Albertville, Minnesota 55301
Phone: +1-915-234-8625
Email: ceo@zen-impact.org 

LIBERIA OFFICE

Tinker Village
Paynesville, Monrovia
Phone: +231888359812 

Established in 2025 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, chartered in Tinker Village, Paynesville, Monrovia, Liberia.