Fatou Talla

FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

My father made the courageous decision to bring my family to the United States, driven by a desire to enhance our education and provide better opportunities for all of us. However, the fact that my parents had never attended school presented a challenge, as they struggled to provide homework assistance and additional support during my middle school and high school years. Despite these obstacles, I successfully completed high school with the invaluable support and resources provided by Harlem Children's Zone. This paved the way for me to enroll at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, becoming the first woman in my family to graduate from both undergraduate and graduate programs.

My journey towards higher education has allowed me to realize my dream of working in a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the community and helping others achieve their aspirations. Inspired by this experience, I founded the Educational Development Initiative for Senegal (EDIS). As an immigrant hailing from West Africa, specifically Senegal, I have wholeheartedly immersed myself in the task of community building.

I have volunteered at the Senegalese Association located in Harlem, where I assist Senegalese families in learning the English language. This experience has driven me to provide opportunities for the youth of Senegal, fueled by the quality of education I received as a young Senegalese woman who migrated to a new country and adapted to a new culture.

My goal is to support these young individuals in completing their K-12 education and ensuring they are well-prepared to either pursue higher education or enter the workforce, thereby enabling them to actively participate in society. Through EDIS, I aspire to create a platform that empowers the youth of Senegal and opens doors for them to a brighter future.

Isaiah Davis

chief Operating Officer

I joined EDIS because I am passionate about opportunity. Education is an essential gateway to opportunity. Education is not just for financial or political gain, but also for personal growth and improvement. All humans deserve that opportunity no matter where they are, and this is one step towards creating that opportunity.

Ndeye Lissa Diagne

Communications & Public Relations Director

I joined EDIS because it compliments my belief that; education is the key that can open all doors. Given advanced technology, I believe that EDIS can nurture a strong network awareness in widening the opportunity to better education. With the right resources and proper environment, each one of us can give back to the world.

Astou F. Talla

Chief of Outreach

I joined EDIS because I firmly believe in the fundamental right to education. Education not only safeguards one's dignity and success but also equips individuals with the tools to thrive. With EDIS, I am committed to facilitating access to resources and fostering an enriching learning environment for the people of Senegal. Together, we can empower them to make significant contributions to the global community.

Alicia Blandon

Data MANAGER

I joined this organization because I wanted to be more hands on with the community in an international aspect. I see the potential for growth within this organization and how it can provide great opportunities for the youth of Senegal. “Education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”

Donovan Griffin

Special Projects & events director

I join EDIS because I believe in its creation and mission. The success of the next generation of young people depends on the investment we give through mentorship, workshops, and dedicated and passionate professionals who want to see them win. EDIS represents that to the fullest, and I am honored to have been chosen to help EDIS grow, make a positive impact, and have fun with our scholars.

Sekou Kesselly

grant Director

My passion for Africa and its descendants led me to join EDIS. EDIS gives me an opportunity to serve young Africans in the United States, especially in New York City and in Senegal. EDIS enables me to help young people obtain a quality education while challenging me to learn new skills and connect with new people.

Oumy Sakho

GENERAL SECRETARY

My deep affection for Senegal and my fervent dedication to the country's development and its people have inspired me to become a part of EDIS! Just like their counterparts elsewhere, Senegalese youth deserve access to top-notch education. Education is not only a fundamental human right but also a societal benefit. Recognizing that young people are the future, I firmly believe that providing them with quality education is an investment that will enable them to realize their full potential and lead gratifying lives.

Thiawo Lecor

Vice Chair

Before I came to the USA in 2016, I was a teacher. I taught in Southern Senegal for five years. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the people to send their children to school daily even those that lived in rural areas with extreme poverty. I met young and motivated teachers who had no educational support to achieve the curriculum goals but obtained good results annually. However, I also came to realize, after I’d relocated, that Senegal’s educational system faced several challenges. Challenges that can only be met when we, people of the Senegalese diaspora and their supporters, work together to ensure that our young brothers and sisters are granted a bright future through a quality education. EDIS strives to ensure that future and that is why I joined EDIS.

Dajanee Cochran

Mentorship Coordinator

Many people experience challenges in life due to a lack of accurate information and opportunities. I am so blessed to have had wonderful mentors in my life to guide me academically, professionally, financially, and spiritually. My mentors have inspired and empowered me to develop into a well-rounded individual. As someone who grew up in Harlem, it has been so rewarding to spend five years working at a non-profit dedicated to helping black and brown youth get to and through college and land fulfilling full-time employment. I am passionate about giving future generations the same care and support that I was privileged to have, which led me to join EDIS. I am excited to work with the Senegalese youth in my Harlem community to provide them with the necessary resources to be self-sustaining adults.