DAWNers of the Month
2010
Each month, DAWN recognizes its outstanding members for their leadership, expertise and dedication to community service. Read below to meet a few of our fantastic DAWNers!
January 2010 - Mame Khady Diouf
A native of Senegal, Mame Khady is a Program Associate with the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, an institute that aims to promote dialogue among policymakers and academic specialists on both African issues and U.S. policy toward Africa. In this position Mame Khady facilitates the Program's training projects in Burundi, DRC as well as its Washington-based publications and conferences.
Prior to joining the Wilson Center, Mame Khady completed her Masters in International Affairs focusing on African Affairs. The program focused on issues such as governance, conflict resolution, development and leadership. Past experience includes a research internship with the National Council of Negro Women's (NCNW) International Development Center. As a Research Intern, she contributed to a report documenting the partnership between (NCNW) and African women organizations.
Prior to joining the Wilson Center, Mame Khady completed her Masters in International Affairs focusing on African Affairs. The program focused on issues such as governance, conflict resolution, development and leadership. Past experience includes a research internship with the National Council of Negro Women's (NCNW) International Development Center. As a Research Intern, she contributed to a report documenting the partnership between (NCNW) and African women organizations.
February 2010 - Tafadzwa Pasipanodya
Tafadzwa's diverse professional experiences in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas make her uniquely qualified to provide legal and policy advice related to international disputes, human rights, natural resources, health, and development strategies.
As a member of Foley Hoag's corporate social responsibility practice, Tafadzwa advises multinational corporations on strategic and cost-effective means of integrating human rights, labor and environmental standards into their management systems. She also helps facilitate effective collaboration between corporations, local communities, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders, and provides guidance on the impact of U.S. government policies on international business practice.
Tafadzwa is also actively engaged in Foley Hoag's public international litigation practice. She is involved in advising sovereign States in disputes before international courts such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and arbitral tribunals, as well as in proceedings before U.S. courts. She also counsels developing countries seeking to more effectively engage with U.S. and international governmental institutions.
Prior to joining Foley Hoag, Tafadzwa worked with several non-profit organizations, governments and the United Nations on various matters, including the prosecution of alleged genocidaires in Rwanda; natural resources and conflict in Angola; caste discrimination in Nepal and India; U.S.-Africa policy; Roma and prisoner health in Romania; and post-conflict reconstruction in Sri Lanka.
As a member of Foley Hoag's corporate social responsibility practice, Tafadzwa advises multinational corporations on strategic and cost-effective means of integrating human rights, labor and environmental standards into their management systems. She also helps facilitate effective collaboration between corporations, local communities, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders, and provides guidance on the impact of U.S. government policies on international business practice.
Tafadzwa is also actively engaged in Foley Hoag's public international litigation practice. She is involved in advising sovereign States in disputes before international courts such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and arbitral tribunals, as well as in proceedings before U.S. courts. She also counsels developing countries seeking to more effectively engage with U.S. and international governmental institutions.
Prior to joining Foley Hoag, Tafadzwa worked with several non-profit organizations, governments and the United Nations on various matters, including the prosecution of alleged genocidaires in Rwanda; natural resources and conflict in Angola; caste discrimination in Nepal and India; U.S.-Africa policy; Roma and prisoner health in Romania; and post-conflict reconstruction in Sri Lanka.
March 2010 - Rahama Wright
Over the last five years Rahama, founder of Shea Yeleen International, Inc. has led a fight for women shea butter producers in Africa. This fight has taken Ghanaian Rahama from Mali to Southern Sudan in an effort to bring greater awareness to the issues of women producers in rural communities across the African continent.
The mission of Shea Yeleen International is to connect women producers of shea butter to global consumers of this popular skincare product. Rahama first became a shea butter activist while living as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali. There she was directly impacted by the lives of women struggling with poverty.
Rahama's vision is to assist women in rural communities to overcome poverty by selling shea butter as an income generating activity. She believes that consumer education is the key to changing the imbalance in power between shea producers and big business. Currently, she is working to assist close to 5,000 shea butter producers in Mali. By linking producers directly to consumers her organization is playing a role in changing the face of skincare through transforming the lives of shea butter producers.
In addition, Shea Yeleen is a member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which advocates for safe and healthy products in the US skincare market. As the organization expands its product line and mission, be sure to see this rising star on the forefront of change within the African Diaspora.
The mission of Shea Yeleen International is to connect women producers of shea butter to global consumers of this popular skincare product. Rahama first became a shea butter activist while living as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali. There she was directly impacted by the lives of women struggling with poverty.
Rahama's vision is to assist women in rural communities to overcome poverty by selling shea butter as an income generating activity. She believes that consumer education is the key to changing the imbalance in power between shea producers and big business. Currently, she is working to assist close to 5,000 shea butter producers in Mali. By linking producers directly to consumers her organization is playing a role in changing the face of skincare through transforming the lives of shea butter producers.
In addition, Shea Yeleen is a member of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which advocates for safe and healthy products in the US skincare market. As the organization expands its product line and mission, be sure to see this rising star on the forefront of change within the African Diaspora.
April 2010 - Omonigho Ufomata
Omonigho Ufomata is the newly appointed director of the District of Columbia, Mayor's Office on African Affairs. Before this, the Nigerian native served in the Mayor's Executive Office (EOM) as a health policy advisor in the Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs, advocating directly for several of the Mayor's resident health and healthcare policy priorities.
Prior to joining EOM, Omonigho worked in the government affairs practice at K&L Gates, LLP where she advised on various international and domestic issues. Omonigho previously served as a legislative staffer for Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) and later with the House Ways and Means Committee, Democratic Staff.
Omonigho received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts at Kentucky State University with a minor in Political Science where she initiated an annual Women's Leadership Conference and was a delegate during the 1998-1999, National Summit on Africa. She received a Master of Public Administration degree from The George Washington University in 2006.
Prior to joining EOM, Omonigho worked in the government affairs practice at K&L Gates, LLP where she advised on various international and domestic issues. Omonigho previously served as a legislative staffer for Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) and later with the House Ways and Means Committee, Democratic Staff.
Omonigho received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts at Kentucky State University with a minor in Political Science where she initiated an annual Women's Leadership Conference and was a delegate during the 1998-1999, National Summit on Africa. She received a Master of Public Administration degree from The George Washington University in 2006.
May 2010 - Rafi Crockett
Rafi Crockett has worked for the US Department of Treasury since 2006 in various capacities. She currently is in their Financial Crimes Enforcement Network as their Regional Liaison for Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, Rafi works with African governments to strengthen anti-money laundering regulations and practices in the region. However, starting this summer, she will be working directly with the Central Bank of Ghana on improving their regulatory procedures.
Rafi's commitment to Africa extends beyond her professional bona fides. From youth, Rafi was taught the importance of being civically engaged in her DC as well as in her global community. She has lived and studied in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. As a human rights educator in South Africa, she worked with young people to understand their rights under the new South African constitution. During her graduate career, she worked with young Afro-Brazilian girls in Salvador do Bahia, Brazil, teaching them dance in an afterschool program.
She received her Bachelor's degree at George Washington University. She also attended Northwestern University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received her Master's degree in Anthropology with a Graduate Certificate in African Studies.
Rafi once stated that she wanted to become a member of DAWN to be part of a 'strong coalition of positive, dynamic women committed to excellence and service'. Rafi has exemplified this since a young age and continues to be a wonderful example of this in and out of DAWN.
Rafi's commitment to Africa extends beyond her professional bona fides. From youth, Rafi was taught the importance of being civically engaged in her DC as well as in her global community. She has lived and studied in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. As a human rights educator in South Africa, she worked with young people to understand their rights under the new South African constitution. During her graduate career, she worked with young Afro-Brazilian girls in Salvador do Bahia, Brazil, teaching them dance in an afterschool program.
She received her Bachelor's degree at George Washington University. She also attended Northwestern University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and received her Master's degree in Anthropology with a Graduate Certificate in African Studies.
Rafi once stated that she wanted to become a member of DAWN to be part of a 'strong coalition of positive, dynamic women committed to excellence and service'. Rafi has exemplified this since a young age and continues to be a wonderful example of this in and out of DAWN.
June 2010 - Shirlene Brown
Growing up in Kenya, Shirlene witnessed first-hand what made her beloved Kenya and Africa so unique. Its complexity. They are a motley mix of the fast and slow, the traditional and modern, the local and global. Steeped in that same eclectivity, Shirlene also wears many hats. As a "Jill" of many trades, she is a Dental Assistant, Web Editor, Entrepreneur and Writer. No matter what hat she fashions, she remains dedicated to service. A fervent believer in the power of women making a difference, Shirlene has worked to enrich the lives of others, particularly those in Africa and its Diaspora. She has tutored Washington DC youth, mentored young women, conducted seminars on dental hygiene in schools and churches and helped small businesses find cost-effective marketing solutions through her company BrownInk Media.
An avid writer, she once said her "words speak her soul." In her spare time, she writes for the Washington Examiner, Associated Content and Global Women Magazine on topics ranging from domestic violence to democracy in Africa. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Jamati Online, an online portal that highlights the achievements of Africans in entertainment. As if she is not busy enough, Shirlene has also created Kenyan Jewels, a forum that celebrates the positive contributions of Kenyans in the Diaspora and empowers younger Kenyans to blaze their own path.
An avid writer, she once said her "words speak her soul." In her spare time, she writes for the Washington Examiner, Associated Content and Global Women Magazine on topics ranging from domestic violence to democracy in Africa. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Jamati Online, an online portal that highlights the achievements of Africans in entertainment. As if she is not busy enough, Shirlene has also created Kenyan Jewels, a forum that celebrates the positive contributions of Kenyans in the Diaspora and empowers younger Kenyans to blaze their own path.
July 2010 - Maryamu Aminu
Maryamu worked for the late Congressman Tom Lantos, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she was Director of the Africa Region and Global Health for the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, and Congressional Coordinator for the Lantos 'Humanity in Action' European Fellowship Program. Before joining the Lantos Office in November 2001, she was the African Diplomatic Corps Fellow at the Constituency for Africa (CFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving U.S. policy towards Africa and fostering increased relations between Africans and Americans.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Maryamu graduated in 1998 from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, UK, with a degree in International Relations. She also has a graduate degree in International Politics from Aberystwyth, majoring in Critical Security Studies and Human Rights. Her Masters' dissertation explored the question of whether regional organizations can act as mechanisms for security in the post-Cold War era, examining the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the resolution of the Liberian conflict.
Born and raised in Nigeria, Maryamu graduated in 1998 from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, UK, with a degree in International Relations. She also has a graduate degree in International Politics from Aberystwyth, majoring in Critical Security Studies and Human Rights. Her Masters' dissertation explored the question of whether regional organizations can act as mechanisms for security in the post-Cold War era, examining the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the resolution of the Liberian conflict.
August 2010 - Elinor Tesfamariam
Elinor K. Tesfamariam is a managing member and immigration attorney at Plenpovo Law, PLLC. She has well-rounded experience in all forms of immigration law, particularly family petitions; adjustments of status; asylum; Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions, detention and employment-based visas. Elinor is particularly knowledgeable about detention processes and has successfully negotiated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on behalf of many clients. Prior to establishing Plenpovo Law, Elinor was the co-founder and Managing Member of Immigration and Human Rights Law Group.
Passionate about ensuring justice for all, she has vigorously developed areas of expertise and taken action regarding key human rights issues such as: female genital mutilation (or cutting) (FGM or FGC), genocide and Immigrant's rights. Elinor has provided Know Your Rights seminars for Immigrants; assisted in the creation of a human rights curriculum for the transitional Somali government; assisted in a US death penalty appeal case and contributed in the creation of fair anti-drug enforcement laws and sentencing guidelines.
Elinor is originally from Eritrea. She earned her law degree from Seattle University School of Law. She earned her bachelor degree from Western Washington University. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
Passionate about ensuring justice for all, she has vigorously developed areas of expertise and taken action regarding key human rights issues such as: female genital mutilation (or cutting) (FGM or FGC), genocide and Immigrant's rights. Elinor has provided Know Your Rights seminars for Immigrants; assisted in the creation of a human rights curriculum for the transitional Somali government; assisted in a US death penalty appeal case and contributed in the creation of fair anti-drug enforcement laws and sentencing guidelines.
Elinor is originally from Eritrea. She earned her law degree from Seattle University School of Law. She earned her bachelor degree from Western Washington University. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
September 2010 - Andrea Bediako
Andrea Bediako is the international program coordinator at the Katherine A. Kendall Institute for International Social Work Education at the Council on Social Work Education in Alexandria, Virginia. In that role, she works to promote international social work to the broader international development community and has organized workshops and panels in Beijing, China and Hong Kong on key Institute topic areas addressing disaster management and migration issues. Andrea has previously worked at InterAction and interned at the Aspen Institute.
Originally from Ghana, she received a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Michigan and Master's in public administration with a concentration in international development from Michigan State University. After deciding to pursue and international career, she volunteered with a small humanitarian organization, Promotion et Développment Humain (PDH) where she assisted in monitored the health and well-being of those who sought services from PDH.
Andrea participates in the DAWN mentorship program and volunteers with Women for Women International, a sponsorship organization that supports women's economic empowerment in post-conflict countries. She is also an honorary member of Assistance d'Urgence aux Enfants Vulnérables, a small NGO for street children in Togo. She has visited three times and hopes to make a fourth trip in 2011. One of her goals is to establish a microfinance program in West Africa.
Originally from Ghana, she received a Bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Michigan and Master's in public administration with a concentration in international development from Michigan State University. After deciding to pursue and international career, she volunteered with a small humanitarian organization, Promotion et Développment Humain (PDH) where she assisted in monitored the health and well-being of those who sought services from PDH.
Andrea participates in the DAWN mentorship program and volunteers with Women for Women International, a sponsorship organization that supports women's economic empowerment in post-conflict countries. She is also an honorary member of Assistance d'Urgence aux Enfants Vulnérables, a small NGO for street children in Togo. She has visited three times and hopes to make a fourth trip in 2011. One of her goals is to establish a microfinance program in West Africa.
October 2010 - Bisila Bokoko
Bisila Bokoko is the Executive Director of The Spain-US Chamber of Commerce in New York City. She provides day-to-day operational leadership, including supervision of staff across four departments: Foreign Trade, Publications, Events, and Professional Exchange Program and develops long-term and short-term sustainability strategies with the Board of Directors. Bisila travels internationally to visit with foreign government and business leaders to discuss ways to enhance trade and promote Spain exports. Prior to joining the Spain-US Chamber of Commerce, Bisila had a six-year tenure with IVEX NYC, a Spanish agency dedicated to developing trade and investment opportunities between the Spanish region of Valencia and the United States. Here, she worked her way up the ranks from International Trade Specialist to Director.
Always reminded by the obstacles she faced as one of only a handful of African families living in Spain and by the joy and power of reading that kept her focused on her goals, Bisila founded the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project, a foundation focused on leveraging resources from all over the world and providing books and resources to children and families in Africa.
Bisila received her Masters in International Relations from the City College of New York, her Masters in Business Administration and a Degree in Law (J.D. Equivalent) from the Universidad CEU of San Pablo. She is on the board of directors of the Global Information Network, Macdella Coopers Foundation, Advisory Board of the African Fashion Week, Africa Development Institute, Black National of MBA's, and the National Association of Female Executives.
Always reminded by the obstacles she faced as one of only a handful of African families living in Spain and by the joy and power of reading that kept her focused on her goals, Bisila founded the Bisila Bokoko African Literacy Project, a foundation focused on leveraging resources from all over the world and providing books and resources to children and families in Africa.
Bisila received her Masters in International Relations from the City College of New York, her Masters in Business Administration and a Degree in Law (J.D. Equivalent) from the Universidad CEU of San Pablo. She is on the board of directors of the Global Information Network, Macdella Coopers Foundation, Advisory Board of the African Fashion Week, Africa Development Institute, Black National of MBA's, and the National Association of Female Executives.
November 2010 - Mamesho Macauley
Mamesho Macaulay is currently a lead auditor for performance audits at Office of Inspector General for the Millennium Challenge Corporation (OIG/MCC). In this capacity, she conducts evaluations of MCC grant programs in the U.S. and overseas. This position has enabled her to work in several developing countries to evaluate projects such as microfinance and agribusiness. In addition, her current experience has enabled her to provide actionable recommendations to MCC.
As Mamesho is originally from Sierra Leone, she has a keen interest in Sierra Leone's development. For this reason, she, along with three friends and former coworkers, co-founded the NGO, Sierra Visions, which focuses on providing university scholarships and education training to people in post-civil war Sierra Leone.
Mamesho served as the Vice President of the organization for three years and learned a lot about the challenges in development. Through this venture, she gained experience working with local businesses in Sierra Leone and organizations in the U.S. to implement and fund projects. In addition, she designed a successful scholarship program for students in Sierra Leone to attend national universities. Each student that received a scholarship successfully obtained their degree and is currently working.
She holds a BA in International Relations from Syracuse University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
As Mamesho is originally from Sierra Leone, she has a keen interest in Sierra Leone's development. For this reason, she, along with three friends and former coworkers, co-founded the NGO, Sierra Visions, which focuses on providing university scholarships and education training to people in post-civil war Sierra Leone.
Mamesho served as the Vice President of the organization for three years and learned a lot about the challenges in development. Through this venture, she gained experience working with local businesses in Sierra Leone and organizations in the U.S. to implement and fund projects. In addition, she designed a successful scholarship program for students in Sierra Leone to attend national universities. Each student that received a scholarship successfully obtained their degree and is currently working.
She holds a BA in International Relations from Syracuse University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
December 2010 - Clara Cole
Clara T. Cole is currently the Senior Program Officer for Africa at Freedom House, one of the oldest human rights and democracy assistance organizations in the United States. As the SPO for Africa, she is responsible for Freedom House's West Africa Portfolio and oversees democracy and human rights programming in the region.
Prior to Freedom House, Clara worked for five years at the National Democratic Institute managing elections, civil society, and women's political participation programs for the West and Central Africa team. She has spent a significant amount of time in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, she observed the electoral process, provided technical assistance to civil society partners and facilitated trainings for female candidate contesting in the local government election. In Nigeria, she provided support to both civil society representatives and members of the Nigerian parliament.
Originally from Nigeria, Clara strongly believes in the potential that lies within the continent, and so is passionate about developing and promoting accountable governance, as she sees this as an essential element for the growth and stability of the continent. She holds a BA in Political Science from Loyola College in Maryland and a Masters in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University. She has also lived, studied and worked in South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, Cameroon, and Sudan.
Prior to Freedom House, Clara worked for five years at the National Democratic Institute managing elections, civil society, and women's political participation programs for the West and Central Africa team. She has spent a significant amount of time in West Africa, specifically in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, she observed the electoral process, provided technical assistance to civil society partners and facilitated trainings for female candidate contesting in the local government election. In Nigeria, she provided support to both civil society representatives and members of the Nigerian parliament.
Originally from Nigeria, Clara strongly believes in the potential that lies within the continent, and so is passionate about developing and promoting accountable governance, as she sees this as an essential element for the growth and stability of the continent. She holds a BA in Political Science from Loyola College in Maryland and a Masters in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University. She has also lived, studied and worked in South Africa, Namibia, Liberia, Cameroon, and Sudan.
