Kili Class
2026 Conquering Kili Class
Role
US Military Veteran
Location
Madison, WI
William Joseph “BJ” Ganem is a former United States Marine Corps sergeant who served in Iraq. On November 25, 2004, while on patrol, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the loss of his left leg and other injuries. Following his recovery, Ganem became an advocate for veterans, focusing on their transition to civilian life and the benefits of service dogs. He has been involved with organizations such as the Semper Fi Fund and has been featured in President George W. Bush’s “Portraits of Courage,” a series honoring America’s warriors.
In 2017, Ganem founded Sierra Delta, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans by providing access to dog training programs and fostering a supportive community. Sierra Delta’s flagship initiative, the Life Buddy Program, offers training grants to veterans, enabling them to work with dogs that suit their individual needs, whether as pets or service animals. The organization collaborates with professional dog trainers and veteran groups to ensure comprehensive support for its members.
Sierra Delta operates a digital platform and mobile app, connecting veterans with resources, training programs, and a community of peers. This innovative approach allows the organization to scale its services effectively, aiming to assist tens of thousands of veterans nationwide.
Through his leadership at Sierra Delta, Ganem continues to advocate for veterans, emphasizing the therapeutic and empowering benefits of the human-dog bond.
Each new Conquering Kili class accepts the challenge to embark for the summit, a walk that represents the miles that many African women journey on a daily basis to fetch water for their families. While training for the climb, each team member works to raise funds and transform communities through the gift of clean water.