Our Founder
“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” - Saint Mother Theresa
These words, from the heart of Saint Mother Theresa, do much to strengthen Morella Carta in her love and service to the most vulnerable children of Uganda through StarsUganda.
It was in 2015 that she first visited Uganda on an invitation from the CEO of H.E.L.P. International. The visit came at a time in her life when she was searching for her mission and it was here, surrounded by the overwhelming and expansive need of little souls (now known as Saint Joseph’s Shining Little Stars), where she received “the call” to work with abused and abandoned children.
Morella is an American citizen, but her story began in Venezuela where she grew up as one of eight sisters. Always one to take advantage of opportunity afforded her, she worked hard and earned a scholarship to the Lubin School of Business at Pace University where she earned her M.S. in Human Development.
She soon began her career in human resources; work that spanned three decades, included significant international travel, and concluded with the well-earned title of Global Senior Vice President of HR for the Marketing Services Business of Experian Information Technology in New York City. Morella retired in 2015 to dedicate her life to serving others.
Initially, Morella began her volunteer journey in Florida with organizations such as Mater Filius- Miami, as part of the Board of Directors, St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church where she supported administration, taught religious education, and served as a lector and EMHC, Mount Sinai Medical Center bringing the Holy Communion to the sick, and the Malta Knights serving food to the poor.
In February of 2018, she found her permanent home in the heart of abused and neglected children in Jinja, Uganda and dedicated herself to the mission of building and operating a transition home for children under 6 years old in need of rescue, nourishment, education, and healing. Under the providence and care of Saint Joseph, Morella founded StarsUganda. “Everybody has a mission in life,” says Morella. “It may take time to find it, but the search is worthy.”
When not traveling to visit her “Shining Little Stars” in Uganda, Morella is home in Florida enjoying the gifts of her 3 sons and 6 grandchildren.