Meet Our Members

Alinka Foldesi-Freeman:  President and Program Developer

Alinka emigrated to the United States in 1990 after the outbreak of Liberia's civil war.  Keeping the value of education in mind, Alinka attended college and obtained  a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Bloomfield College, Bloomfield, New Jersey. She later obtained a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey  (UMDNJ) in Newark ,New Jersey. At present she works in the field of Nephrology and Hypertension.

Alinka has volunteered in Community Health Screening Programs and participates in local fundraising events.

Folita  Sherman :Vice President and Director of Women's Health Initiative  

     Folita is a native of Liberia, West Africa. She resided in her native land until September 1994 when she relocated to the United States. She currently resides in North Carolina where she works as an IVF coordinator for one of the largest IVF centers in the state.
Folita volunteers regularly with the State of North Carolina public health division. She works with a group performing infectious disease testing in low income communities.
Ms. Sherman is currently a student at the North Carolina Central university pursuing a degree in Sociology and psychology with the hopes of pursuing a graduate degree in Public health with a focus in Women health initiatives.

Regeane Villarson -Frederique: Director of Finance and Business Management

Regeane is the daughter of  Pierre Anthony Villarson and Marie Carmelle Doricent-Villarson, both of whom emigrated to the United States from Haiti in the late 1970's. At a young age, Regeane's parents instilled in her and her brother the value of an education. Her mother, who was a teacher in Haiti, always told her that "if there is one thing that someone can't take from you, it's your education."  Regeane's parents made many sacrifices to afford her and her brother Catholic school education from grades K to 12. Tragically, at the end of  Regeane's  junior year in high school, her mother suddenly passed away. Fortunately, the foundation had been laid and Regeane continued her studies.

Regeane obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. She later attended Dowling College in Oakdale, New York, where she earned her M.B.A.

Regeane strongly believes that education is the key to success, and when we educate our girls, we ultimately educate the world!

Valerie Stewart:  Secretary and Director of Social Services

Valerie lived in Liberia  until 1996 (after enduring many years of civil war).  She taught at Don Bosco, Monrovia, Liberia prior to moving  to the UK.

Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Social Policy with a diploma in Social Work. She is currently employed with Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council in Wallasey, England. Valerie's work experience involves Child Protection and Looked After Children.

She has volunteered at Humber Pre-School Learning Alliance and Prison Play Project in Hull, England.

Valerie resides in Wallasey, England with her husband and children.

Candida Savice :Director of  Public Relations

Candida was born in Liberia where she lived until the outbreak of Liberia's  civil war.  In 1990, Candida sought refuge in the US. The hardships of civil war did not deter her from obtaining an education. After completing high school, Candida enrolled in college and eventually obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kean University, Union, ,New Jersey. While obtaining her college degree,Candida volunteered as a student mentor, conducted orientation for prospective students and advised incoming freshmen under the supervision of a Professor. Mentoring has always been a passion and Candida always reinforced "you can achieve anything you put your mind to." Candida has worked as a Family Service Specialist for the State of New Jersey and as a Case Manager for Catholic Community Services.

Candida currently works at a local college, and is obtaining  her MBA (specializing in Marketing) from Keller Graduate Business Management School in New York.

Candida strongly believes that “Education opens doors and breaks boundaries for all."

Dina Mayifuila-Solinas : Legal Counsel

Dina was born in Boma,  in The Democratic Republic of Congo. Dina holds a Bachelor's degree in Congolese Private Law and Civil Procedure from The Protestant University of the Congo, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. While living in France,  Dina obtained a Master's Degree in European Business Law from the University of Paris X, Nanterre, France.

Dina has been a member of the Rotaract Club of Kinshasa Limete, DR Congo and President of the Rotaract Club of Nancy France from 2004 to 2005. Rotaract is a non profit organization affiliated with the Rotary Club, which addresses the physical and social needs of communities around the world. Dina worked as a volunteer for UFC Que Choisir Nancy, a French non-profit organization which aims to protect consumers’ rights.
She is currently employed at a local Law Firm, in New York City.
Dina believes that education is one of the only ways that will allow women to hold their destiny in their hands.

Elise Kumar : Director of Public Health Initiatives

Elise holds a Doctorate in Medical Education, a Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biology and Public Health. Elise has a 20 years of research experience in Molecular Biology. 

She is currently employed as Associate Director of  Infectious Disease at a local Medical Center

Elise is dedicated to community outreach work; with a recent presentation on breast cancer awareness for South Asian Indians at the temple in New Jersey 

Elise enjoys spending time with her family, listening to classical music, gardening and cooking.

Lloa Bass-Golokeh: Director of Education Initiatives

Lloa is a graduate of Kean University in Union, New Jersey. She obtained a degree in English and Secondary Education. Throughout her college years, Lloa was a member of several organizations  which include: The Pan African Student Union, Women’s Circle, Steppers of a Free Nation, the Emerging Leaders Program, the Established Leaders Program, the Gold leaders program, and the junior class treasurer of the Student Organization . She served as a Student Ambassador, and volunteered at an afterschool program at a local Middle School. As a prospective educator, she embraces all that education has to offer and believes that “All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.”~ Aristotle.

Advisors

 Dr. & Mrs Foldesi (Liberia),

Mr. Anthony Villarson (Haiti)

Mr. & Mrs Mayifuila (Congo)

Mr. Toby Stewart (England)

Mrs Enda Clarke (Canada)

Mr. Julius Freeman (USA)