Who We Are

Amaha Kassa is the founder and Executive Director of African Communities Together. Amaha has 25 years of professional experience as a labor and community organizer, nonprofit director, and social entrepreneur. For nine years, Amaha directed East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, a workers’ rights nonprofit in Oakland, California, growing it from a startup to one of the leading organizations in its field. Prior to launching ACT, Amaha earned his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He is an immigrant from Ethiopia.

Abdirahman(Abdi) Muse is ACT's Deputy Executive Director of Chapter Development. Abdi recently concluded his Senior Advisor role at the U.S. Department of Labor's OWCP, providing strategic policy and operational guidance to the agency head, aligning with Biden-Harris priorities. He prepared weekly briefings for the Acting Secretary and managed high-level agency communications, including Congressional inquiries, briefings, and FOIA operations. Abdi supported the agency head by flagging priority issues, drafting memos and policy briefings, and managing key engagements.

Prior to his federal service, as executive director of Minneapolis' Awood Center which advocates and builds power for East African workers, Abdi led the first known negotiation (according to the NYT) with Amazon and the passage of Minnesota’s warehouse workers safety bill, improving conditions and earning the Letelier-Moffit Human Rights Award. As a former Metropolitan regional council member, he brought economic development resources, championed workforce diversity, and spearheaded equitable procurement. He also served as a senior policy aide for Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognized him as a top 50 Black leader in early 2024 Abdi is s Obama Leaders USA, Humphrey Policy, and New Voices policy fellow, which has given him a deep public policy understanding and allowed him to develop a strong track record of collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Fluent in English, Somali, and Arabic, Abdi holds a master’s in public Affairs from the Humphrey School and a Bachelor’s in Technical and Professional Writing from Metropolitan State University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science (MSc) in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics (LSE).

Assefash Makonnen is the Communications Manager at African Communities Together. Assefash was born in New York City to Ethiopian immigrant parents who sought asylum in the mid 70s and early 80s. Assefash has over 10 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, with experience in event planning, communications, and operations for a variety of organizations, including Just Food, Race Forward, and Transportation Alternatives. Outside of ACT, Assefash is a mental health advocate, organizing several events, focus groups, and panels for local Eritrean and Ethiopian communities in New York and Washington, D.C. in the last few years. Assefash received her Bachelor degree from Vassar College with a dual degree in Africana Studies and Urban Studies. 
 

Bert Bayou is ACT's Deputy Executive Director for Organizing and Member Engagement. He joined the organization in January 2019 as the Chapter Director for the DC office. With over 19 years of experience in organizing, Bert previously served as Vice President of Unite Here Local 23 and was elected as the DC Chapter President in 2014. During his leadership, he was instrumental in significantly growing union membership and successfully advocating for higher wage standards for workers since 2007. Before these leadership roles, Bert worked as an organizer with Unite Here, a labor union representing members across the United States and Canada. Bert earned a Master’s Degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations from Addis Ababa University. Originally from Ethiopia, Bert is fluent in Amharic.

Christina Samuels is the Deputy Executive Director, Programs. She was born to Jamaican parents and grew up along the east coast. Before joining ACT, Christina worked in a range of for- and non-profit sectors and fields, most recently as director of South Bronx Rising Together, a cradle-to-career collective impact initiative working to improve outcomes for young people in the Bronx. Prior to that she was the Policy & Impact Manager at HERE to HERE and the Education Policy Manager at the New York Immigration Coalition. Christina sits on the Board of Directors for the Caribbean Equality Project. She earned her Master of Arts in Anthropology & International Development from The George Washington University and a BA in Anthropology from The Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dauda Sesay is the National Network Director for African Communities Together (ACT).  A former refugee from Sierra Leone, Dauda fled his homeland at the age of 16 due to a terrible war and resettled in the U.S. in 2009. He earned a degree in Applied Science in Process Technology and is currently going for his Bachelor Degree in Administrative Management with a concentration in International Business at the Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Dauda is presently the Vice-Chairman of the Refugee Congress Board of Directors. Prior to working for the ACT, Dauda worked as a Process Technician at Dow Chemical Company and volunteered with various local and national nonprofit organizations.

Dauda is a community advocate and founding member of the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI,) assisting other refugees and immigrants with integration into the United States. He is also a member of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome International Relations Commission and Chairperson of the Commission Culture and Art Engagement. Recently Dauda was appointed as the United States Advisor at the UNHCR High-Level Officials Meeting on Global Impact on refugees. Dauda speaks Sierra Leone Krio and Temne.

Diana Konaté is Deputy Executive Director, Policy. She works to ensure that the interests of African immigrants are considered in federal immigration policy.  Prior to joining ACT, Diana worked in the House of Representatives as a legislative assistant and scheduler. While a congressional staffer, Diana also served as President of the Congressional African Staff Association (CASA), an organization with a mission of educating the Capitol Hill community on Africa policy issues. Diana was born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. She moved to the U.S. at 8 years old and was raised in the Liberian community. Diana holds a J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from Old Dominion University.

Dina Jaffary is the Director of Workforce Programs at ACT. She brings 10+ years of multi-sectoral experience—nonprofit and international development—in program design and project management with a track record of successfully transitioning projects into streamlined programs. Dina previously served as a project management consultant for ACT's African Wage Gap project focusing on identifying and developing evidence-based strategic interventions to enhance equitable job access for African immigrant communities.

Dina formerly led the development and execution of economic mobility initiatives for women and girls in West Africa's Sahel region leveraging public-private sector partnerships. She also has several years of experience in cultivating partnerships to facilitate the economic integration of skilled immigrants in the U.S.

Dina holds a master's degree in International Service from American University in Washington D.C. Additionally, she earned a BS in Computing Information Systems from Greenwich University in the UK. As a first-generation immigrant from Syria, Dina approaches her work with empathy, ensuring that workforce programs prioritize equity and embrace diversity.

Hamza Al Hammadi  is ACT's Finance Director/CFO. He is an accounting professional with over 20 years of experience in managing day-to-day financial operations, reporting, and auditing. Born in Ethiopia, he worked in Yemen as the primary accountant for a major hospital, and served as an auditor for the country's largest telecom company. Hamza provides individual tax preparation for low-income individuals as a volunteer. He speaks Arabic, Oromo, and Amharic.

Maimouna Dieye is the New York Chapter Director, where she leads ACT’s Community Interpreter program, supervises the development of our African language services worker cooperative, and manages ACT's advocacy to address occupational licensing issues faced by African hair braiders. Prior to joining ACT, Maimouna served as a College and Career Advisor at Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School. Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Maimouna has lived in New York since 2007. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Mount Holyoke College. Maimouna is fluent in Wolof and French.

Salematou Kake is ACT's Deputy Executive Director, HR, Finance and Operations. She was born and raised in the Bronx to Guinean parents. She brings several years of experience in non-profit management and leadership within non-profit and corporate organizations. She is committed to working with institutions to advance a unique approach to confronting socio-economic barriers in communities of color. Her work also includes overseeing the programming of inadequate funding of Minority and Women Business Entrepreneurs, Immigrant rights, Environmental Racism, and Education. Before moving to the nonprofit arena, Salematou worked as an operations director and business consultant for small and medium-sized businesses. She earned her bachelor's in Comparative Politics and Economics from Kean University.

Solomon Ayalew is ACT's DMV Chapter Director. Born in Gonder, Ethiopia, Solomon immigrated to the USA, where his knack for bridging community differences flourished. His ability to communicate with diverse groups enabled him to build robust relationships, aligning stakeholders with organizational goals. Solomon’s storytelling talent often catalyzed change.
As the Senior Program Manager for the National Racial Equity Initiative (NREI) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), Solomon oversaw the strategic implementation, program administration, and evaluation processes. He produced NREI research, tracks pivotal social justice legislation, and has organized large-scale events, including the Annual Legislative Conference. Solomon left CBCF with the most-read publication to date. His efforts have strengthened CBCF's mission and built vital connections with Black leaders.
Prior to CBCF, Solomon completed a Master of Public Administration focusing on nonprofit management and public policy at American University, and a sociology degree at Ohio State University (OSU). At OSU, he led youth programs at the Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Service Agency (ETSS), advocating for immigrants across Ohio. He secured $1 million in funding, managing programs that annually assisted over 1000 immigrant families. With nearly a decade in nonprofit management, Solomon is a prominent advocate for Black migrant communities, sharing his insights and expertise across various governance levels.

Airenakhue B. Omoragbon is ACT's New York Policy Manager. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Nigeria, Airenakhue brings a profound dedication to social justice and community empowerment to ACT. Before joining our team, Airenakhue served as a Search for Common Ground’s Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Advocacy Fellow. In this role, she collaborated with Search’s Director of Children & Youth to map and conduct outreach to new youth groups and activists, with a special focus on those facing identity-related violence and hardship. Additionally, she played a crucial role in supporting and conducting outreach and meetings with Congressional members and the Department of State to integrate YPS principles into existing Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) strategies. Airenakhue's commitment to social change has also seen her serve as a Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives and as a John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Airenakhue holds a Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) from Columbia University, specializing in Accelerated Policy Practice on behalf of Family, Youth, and Children’s Services. Her expertise lies in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child welfare. Airenakhue speaks French at an intermediate level.

Akinde Agnes Kodjo-Sanogo is Assitant Organizing Director. Akinde brings to ACT extensive experience with New York's African and Carribean immigrant communities. For over a decade, she served as a Research Program Associate for ParentCorps, a Child Development Program at the New York University Child Study Center. She is a native of Cote d'ivoire,  she is very active in her community, with African Women's Development Organization, and with her religious community which is one of the largest African Mosques in New York City. Akinde holds a BS in Finance and Banking from Touro College, and an  MBA/MPA from NorthCentral University, she is fluent in five languages, including English, French, and Madingo.

Alpha Kassogu is a Community Organizer in our New York City Chapter, drawing upon extensive experience within the city's vibrant African immigrant communities. With over three decades of immersion as a Malian Community Member, Medical Interpreter, and Prevention Coordinator at African Services Community, Alpha is deeply rooted in grassroots initiatives. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Metropolitan College of New York and a Master's Degree in Management from Monroe Business School, Alpha brings both practical knowledge and academic rigor to his work.

His commitment to community extends beyond his professional roles; he currently serves as the President of the Malian community in the USA and holds a position on the Board of the Malians Mosque Tumbuktu. Proficient in Bambara, French, and Mandingo, Alpha bridges linguistic and cultural gaps, ensuring effective communication and understanding. With a passion for empowering others and fostering unity, Alpha is a driving force for positive change within New York City's diverse tapestry.

Annie Kaseka Regina is ACT's Senior Immigration Paralegal. Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kaseka's journey has been shaped by a deep-rooted commitment to justice, equity, and human dignity. Kaseka holds an associate degree in Business Administration and a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies.

With over five years of hands-on experience she's developed a strong experience in processing immigration applications, conducting in-depth legal research, and advocating for clients. She is deeply passionate about human rights and committed to promoting justice and equity for all. She speaks French, Lingala, Tshiluba.

Ash Kalinda is ACT's DMV Membership and Outreach Organizer. Raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, Ash comes from a family of Rwandan immigrants and refugees. She brings a wealth of experience from her work with international and community-based nonprofits focused on civic engagement, humanitarian response, and the empowerment of BIPOC and immigrant youth.
Ash holds a degree in International Affairs with a minor in African Studies from the University of Georgia. Her studies strengthened her interest in African cultures and communities, leading her to study Swahili in Tanzania through the Critical Language Scholarship, work in Uganda on technology-driven pilot projects supporting refugees in both camp and urban settings, and most recently, complete a Fulbright Fellowship in Kenya. In Kenya, Ash served as an English Literature teaching assistant and led after-school programs at a high school in Mombasa.

Assitan Makadji is ACT's Community Navigator. She was born and raised in Mali and came to the United States when she was 16 years old. Assitan has her associates degree in business administration and management and is pursuing her bachelor degree in business, with a minor in Human Resources. She has previously worked in the financial aid aid department of her college, where she helped students apply for loans and assistance. She began working with ACT in 2020 as a test and trace outreach worker, providing face masks and hand sanitizer. She speaks bambara, French and English .

Corine Dorcas Coulibaly is the Office Manager for the New York Chapter, she was born and raised in Ivory Coast and has been living in the United States for eight years. Prior to joining African Communities Together, she worked in customer relations and support service for over five years. Driven by her passion for justice and equity, and also the strong desire to help others, Corine volunteered with an organization assisting people with immigration matters. Corine has a Master Degree in Law from the Catholic University of West Africa in Ivory Coast, a Paralegal Certificate from Pace University, NY, and a Diploma in Immigration Law from CUNY School of Professional Studies. Corine is fluent in French. 

Diaka Toure is ACT's Office Administrator for the New York office!

Diaka brings over 20 years of experience in customer service and management, including leading diverse teams and ensuring smooth operations in the restaurant industry. Born and raised in Ivory Coast to Guinean parents, Diaka is fluent in both French and Malinke. In addition to her professional background, Diaka has been an active member of ACT, contributing to our TPS campaigns for Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Erick Solis is ACT's Workforce Program Coordinator. A Queens native, Erick is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2020, majoring in Law and Society. In his previous work in the workforce development sector, he directly assisted the homeless population in securing employment.

Fatoumata Barry serves as the Community Navigator for African Communities Together. Raised in New York City by Guinean immigrant parents, she brings a diverse background to her role. After completing her education at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she studied Biomedical Sciences, Marketing, and Public Relations, Fatoumata delved into the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining ACT, she gained valuable experience working with Americorps, focusing on legal aid, communication, media relations, and social media management.

At African Communities Together, Fatoumata initially served as the Legal Outreach Worker, specializing in Know Your Rights initiatives, case management, and aiding asylum seekers. Fluent in English and Pular, she is passionate about bridging cultural divides and empowering marginalized communities.

Isaaca Kaly is ACT's Executive Assistant. Prior to entering this role, Isaaca served as an outreach worker at African Communities Together for over two years. Isaaca has her BA in International Relations where she focused on global development and strategic planning. She is an advocate for Human Rights and has led several advocacy campaigns including human rights campaigns and fundraisers at Amnesty International. Prior to her role at ACT, Isaaca worked as a Development Associate at the Bill of Rights Institute.

Jainaba Camara Ceesay is a Contracts and Compliance Manager in ACT’s New York office, where she coordinates immigration legal services for ACT members and clients. Jainaba was born and raised in The Gambia, where she worked for 13 years in office administration and finance. Before joining ACT, she served as an Administrative Officer at a Gambian nonprofit organization, National Farmers Platform. Jainaba earned her diploma in Business Studies and her Advanced Diploma in Banking and Finance. She speaks seven languages, including Mandingo, Wolof, Fulani, Mandinka, and Krio.

Kathryn Dale is our Data Manager. Kathryn was born in the Bronx and grew up in Queens, New York. She started organizing during the Iraq War, where she became involved in the antiwar movement. Her main focus was on combating discrimination within communities that were specifically targeted. She has continued her organizing activities within her community, focusing on important matters like housing justice and food insecurity. Engaging in these activities helped her develop a deep passion for data and technology. As a result, she was able to utilize her skills to support the election campaigns of several progressive candidates throughout Queens. She has earned a bachelor's degree in political science and criminal justice, and she is currently pursuing a master's degree in data science.  
 

Makeda Seare is ACT's Membership & Services Manager in the Washington, D.C. Chapter. Before migrating to the US, Makeda worked as Social Communications and Public Relations Director for the Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat. She was involved in the social service projects run by the organization that included food security, education, health and women empowerment throughout Ethiopia. She elevated the visibility of the organization throughout the country and internationally. She also worked as a radio journalist and correspondent for international media. Makeda got her Masters in Cultural Diplomacy from Sacred Heart Catholic University in Rome, Italy and studied Journalism and Communications in Ethiopia. Makeda Seare is fluent in Amharic and Tigriniya. 

Meron Hailu is the Paralegal/Legal Assistant in the D.C. office. She graduated from American University Washington College of Law in 2016 with an LL.M. in International Legal Studies. After graduating, Meron worked as a case manager for a boutique immigration law firm at Fairfax, VA and as research assistant for the NewMarket Lab at Washington, D.C. focusing on sustainable global economic development. Meron’s passion in the public service sector gave her an opportunity to work for Attorney General’s Office of Ethiopia as a public prosecutor before migrating to the U.S. to pursue her studies. At ACT, Meron provides critical immigration legal services by conducting phone screenings, legal research, and managing a heavy case load at ACT’s DC office. Most recently, she received a DOJ Accredited Representative recognition. Meron is fluent in both Amharic and Tigrina. 

Nils Kinuani is ACT's Federal Policy Manager. Nils brings with him over 8 years of invaluable experience in immigration services and a passion for community leadership.

Nils started his career as an immigration paralegal and quickly ascended to the role of Government Affairs Manager, where he led the development and management of the firm's government affairs program. In addition to his professional achievements, Nils is deeply involved in community advocacy, serving as the Immigration Coordinator and Board Director for the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan (CCWM), where he advocates for immigrant rights and supports vulnerable communities.

Outside of his professional commitments, Nils generously volunteers as an ESL teacher at Saint Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia, helping adult immigrant students integrate into American society by teaching them essential English skills.

Nils holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, and Society from George Mason University, and has recently completed the prestigious Immigration Leadership program offered by Immigration Hub.

Nils is proficient in French, Lingala, Swahili, and English.

Saba Fentaw is the Community Organizer at African Communities Together. She first joined ACT as an outreach worker for both ACT's healthcare and housing campaigns, as well as helping to distribute grocery cards for community members. Saba studied administrative and medical assistance in the U.S. and has a degree in plant science from Wollo University in Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, Saba worked as a Sales Agent at Awash Insurance for 5 years, Promotion leader and Salesperson at Shimelis Fiseha Import and Export company for 2 years, and she also has run her own Clothing Store as a Manager before immigrating to the United States in 2018. She speaks Amharic fluently, and some Oromigna.

Sophie Kouyate is ACT's Membership & Services Manager. Sophie was born in France to a father from Guinea and a mother from Guadeloupe, Sophie lived in Paris, France before moving to the United States. Sophie's background is in hospitality and customer service, having nearly 20 years experience working in front facing roles managing large teams and projects in industries ranging from restaurants to art gallery. She also has approximately 5 years experience as a tax preparer. Sophie joined ACT first as a member in 2015, where she was part of the Language Access Campaign. She also played an important role in helping to organize membership dues. Sophie graduated from the University of Evry in France with a degree in Marketing and Management. Sophie speaks French and Creole. 

Sosseh Prom is ACT's National Housing Justice Director and responsible for developing and managing housing campaigns and advocacy efforts across ACT's chapters to ensure that members of the African immigrant community are safely housed and protected from displacement. Previously a Family Law attorney representing low-income D.C. residents, Sosseh has dedicated her life to assisting vulnerable communities by providing them with the resources they need to thrive. Prior to joining ACT, Sosseh also served as Policy Counsel for a local non-profit, advocating for change to make D.C. courts and government agencies racially equitable and just. She is an active member of the D.C. Bar and holds a J.D. from the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law. Sosseh was born in D.C. and raised in The Gambia.

Sylvia Nyamuhungu is ACT's National Lead Immigration Community Organizer. Sylvia is fluent in Kiswahili, Kinyarwanda, and beginner level in Kikuyu. Sylvia brings an abundance of passion and expertise to our team. With a remarkable track record as an award- winning multilingual community organizer, she boasts over 7 years of dedicated experience in community engagement, particularly with refugees and immigrants. Notably, her impactful initiatives in Michigan have been instrumental. Her efforts were pivotal in establishing the Michigan Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Council, orchestrating the successful Michigan Immigrant Youth Conference, securing funding within the Michigan 2022 State budget for a refugee and immigrant community center, and much more. Hailing originally from Tanzania and nurtured in Kenya by Rwandan parents, Sylvia identifies strongly as an East African. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international development studies with a minor in Business, which underscores her academic foundation and complements her practical expertise.

Yohannes Getahun Deboch is a passionate professional dedicated to immigrant rights, currently serving as a Senior Immigration Paralegal. He holds an LLB from Haramaya University and an LLM from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, as well as an MSc in Data Science and a Master of Divinity. With experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, he is committed to empowering communities and guiding individuals through the immigration process. An author and entrepreneur, Yohannes is excited to contribute to the mission of African Communities Together.