Nancy was a stay-at-home mother of five boys, dedicated to nurturing and caring for her family. Her compassion, curiosity, and drive to set an example for her children inspired her to dream beyond her immediate world. She wanted to show that it is possible to turn dreams into reality.

Her journey began in the Philippines in 2009. Nancy had traveled there on a business trip with her husband, but she was determined to explore the local life and learn about the people. She volunteered at a rural feeding program, where most families lived without electricity. There, she encountered a young girl whose face had been burned by a kerosene lamp, and learned that the only treatment available was to rub toothpaste on her burns.

The encounter was heartbreaking—but it revealed a larger problem. Children were often left in darkness while their parents worked, relying on dangerous kerosene lamps that caused injuries, fires, and countless other risks. Moved deeply by the needless suffering she witnessed, Nancy felt a sense of urgency. She resolved to find a solution: a safe, sustainable source of light for families living without electricity.

Returning home, Nancy carried the dream of lighting the world, even though she did not yet know how to make it happen. Sharing her vision with a trusted acquaintance, she was told, “You were given that dream for a reason. Don’t give up on it.” That encouragement ignited action.

Through perseverance and creativity, Nancy designed a user-friendly, solar-powered lamp that could safely bring light to homes anywhere in the world. Watts of Love was born, reaching communities trapped in darkness and poverty. Nancy became a voice for the voiceless, bringing hope to families in need.

She could not do it alone. Many rallied around her vision, starting with founding member and Nancy’s borhter, Kevin Kuster. Inspired by the organization’s potential and the impact of its mission, Kevin brought his expertise as a professional photographer to capture stories of hope and transformation. Still to this day, his images and videos powerfully communicate the joy and dignity Watts of Love brings to communities worldwide.

Today, Watts of Love is a global movement, bringing light—and with it, opportunity, safety, and hope—to those who need it most. This work is made possible thanks to the countless people who believed in Nancy’s vision and joined the mission to end generational poverty, one light at a time.