Join Our Team

West Africa Foundation

Join Our Team

The West Africa Foundation Team

President

Kadidia Kone, French ARNP: Kadidia is a resident of Renton, WA, USA. She received a degree in Midwifery from the Secondary School of Health in Paris, France. Worked as Midwife in Mali for over 7 years where she developped a lot of OBs, women children care experiences

She has over 10 years of clinical clinical experience ranging from rural to urban settings. . She is fluent in Bambara, Mandingo, French, English and has worked as an Interpreter-translator in Seattle and the surrounding metro area.

Originally from Mali, Kadidia is highly motivated and is determined to help the children of West Africa. She, along with her sister, Mafoune, initiated the Fund Raising Program called WEST AFRICA FOUNDATION. She mother of twins, a boy and a girl.

Executive Board Director

Mafoune Coulibaly: Mafoune resides in Bamako, Mali West Africa and is the project manager for PNIR Project Mangement, a Canadian-based non-governental organization (NGO) involved in civil engineering projects. She has earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Paris.

She is integral to the success of PNIR's business practices and is responsible for making sure that the appropriate requirements, budgets and schedules are developed for their firms’ projects.

She has extensive experience in the evaluation and development of international development projects. She is married and has four children, all boys.

Board Director

Fatoumata Sylla: Sylla works as an Event Planner and lives in Fife, WA. She is a graduate from the University of Gamal Naser of Guinea, West Africa, where she received a Masters degree in Arts and Human Sciences. Fatoumata has previous experience working with charity and non governmental organizations.

She is compassionate and uses her skills and experiences to help people in need. Fatoumata speaks more than five languages. She is very motivated to make the West Africa Foundation success. She is married with three children, one boy and two girls.

Vice President

Russell "Russ" Merchant: Russ is Service and Building Remodeling Technician residing in Renton, WA. A military veteran who served overseas where he developed a strong interest in humanitarian projects.

Originally from Port Townsend, WA Russ likes to travel to West Africa, is open minded and loves children. He has 2 children.

He previously coached a middle school student's basket ball team in Port Townsend and would love to help to help the less fortunate children. He is committed to the success of the West Africa Foundation.

Fundraising Director

Kelly Martin V. RN Seattle: is helping WAF and is committed to the success of the West Africa Foundation. Kelly is working at the King County Public Health pedriatric clinic where she vaccines kids, make sure they are uptodate and keep track on the county children health care and assessement. Kelly loves children and she is willing to do the same thing for the foundation.

Board Volunteer

MARINA RUIZ: Medical Assistant, Bellevue WA. Marina works at a Pediatric clinic for years, where she has been helping Doctors's offices to treat babies, infants and children. She loves and cares for children of all countries.

Marina speaks Spanish and English. She has taught small kids in the past and she likes being around children. Marina volunteers to help the WAF found raising program because of its good cause, Marina also believes that less fortunate children deserve hope, good health and better education.

Board Director

Sandra Mayfield: Bremerton, Wa She loves children and is willing to serve the WAF as volunteer and is helping within the fundraising program.