AKAFI TEAM

Awa Kebba Saidy, Ph.D.

Founder and President, AKAFI

Dr. Awa K. Saidy is the founder and president of AKAFI. She is a global citizen born and raised in The Gambia. Dr. Saidy is currently the associate director for the African Studies Initiative, a Title VI Comprehensive National Resource Center at the Institute of Global Studies, University of Minnesota. Dr. Saidy worked as an analyst and risk management consultant in the institutional banking sector in corporate America for 16 years prior to transitioning to academia to pursue a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development. Her academic areas of interest include higher education policy; intercultural and cross-cultural leadership; institutional equity; program and policy evaluation; and the intersection of education, gender, and international development policy and practice. Dr. Saidy is passionate about volunteering in local immigrant communities and at the global front.

Tamsir Ousman Samb

Secretary, AKAFI

Tamsir serves as a founding Officer and Secretary of AKAFI. He is passionate about helping underserved communities everywhere. He is currently the Managing Director at The Firm Group where he leads the company’s strategic planning and vision including management of operations and audit activity related to system and technology operations. Tamsir holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. He currently holds several Audit and Compliance related certifications including CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and CAMS (Certified Anti Money Laundering Specialist). He is a member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute for Internal Auditor (IIA).

Peter Djerf

Auditor, AKAFI

Peter Djerf is a founding Officer and Auditor of AKAFI. He is the Founder and CEO of Custom Made Mortgages. He also serves as Analyst and Senior Loan Officer at Custom Made Mortgages. He is passionate about helping people “reach their true potential. He has worked as a “Change Management Consultant” and Auditor prior to finding Custom Made Mortgages. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Christian Studies.

Baboucarr Bojang

Officer, AKAFI

Baboucarr is a founding Officer of AKAFI. He has worked in international philanthropy and is passionate about helping people from all walks of life. He has worked in marketing most of his career. He worked as a Senior Marketing Manager for one of the largest supermarket chains in The Netherlands.

Momodou Bojang, Paramount Chief of The Gambia

Senior Advisor, AKAFI

Chief Momodou L. K. Bojang is the Senior Advisor and Counsel of AKAFI. He holds the title of the Ground Commander, Republic of The Gambia bestowed upon him by the first president of The Republic of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. He is currently the Paramount Chief of the Republic of The Gambia. He has been instrumental in the founding of AKAFI from inception by coordinating and mobilizing the pilots launched in various villages in The Gambia prior to formation of AKAFI as a non-profit organization. He is a dedicated servant leader who is proud of his heritage and his leadership role not just in The Gambia but in the entire west Africa region.

Fatou Kinneh Fatty

Coordinator and Spokesperson, AKAFI

Matarr Jammeh

Coordinator and Secretary, AKAFI

Aminatta Saidy

Advisor, AKAFI

Luis Juarez

Technical Expert

Luis Juarez is a software developer with a passion for leveraging technology to empower communities and drive meaningful change. Recently, Luis collaborated with the nonprofit organization AKAFI to bring their vision to life through the development of their website. Drawing on his expertise in web development, Luis created a website that amplified AKAFI's mission and enhanced their online presence. By leveraging modern technology, Luis helped AKAFI connect with a broader audience, streamline their outreach efforts, and boost their impact. Luis’s commitment to delivering tailored technical solutions reflects his deep understanding of technology's potential to foster growth and innovation for organizations with a cause.