Carl Wilkens is the Director of the website www.worldoutsidemyshoes.org. The website is a non-profit organization that is committed to educating students as well as adults about things that are happening "outside our shoes."

Carl was the former head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Rwanda. During the time the genocide began in 1994, Wilkens was the only American who chose to stay in the country. Through this, he was able to save thousands of lives through negotiations, relations, and approach.

In 1978, he had gone to Africa as part of a college volunteer program, in which he spent a time working to aid those who needed it. He later returned to night school and eventually recieved an MBA at the University of Blatimore. With his wife and children, he went to Rwanda.

Throughout his time in Rwanda, Wilkens saved many lives by relocating survivors to safe havens and bringing supplies. He used his connections, status, and negotiation skills to organize military escorts and vehicles to get through roadblocks and to move orphans and others to safe locations. Through his acts, Wilkens was able to save numerous lives that might have been lost.

After the genocide had ended, Carl Wilkens went back to the USA. In 1995, he and his wife and children went back to help with the reconstruction activities as part of the Adventist church. At that time, Wilkens made fairly frequest trips to Rwanda to visit old friends and to check up on the situation.

Today, Wilkens tours the United States to spread the story of his experiences in Rwanda and teach students, teachers, and parents about genocide intervention. As an active humanitarian, Wilkens continually supports fighting against genocide and human rights violations.