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.
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 Marketing and 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 is currently obtaining her MBA (specializing in Marketing) from Keller Graduate Business Management School in New York and has returned to pursuing her passion of mentoring.
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 joined UMS as a member in 2007. She has always enjoyed helping others and serving the community where she lives. She is a former member of the Rotaract club, a nonprofit international organization affiliated to the Rotary which aims, among other things, to address the physical and social needs of communities. She was a member of the rotaract club of Kinshasa-Limete, in the DRC. She was the president of the rotaract club of Nancy, in France in 2003 and 2004.In New York, Dina worked as a tax-Aide Volunteer for the AARP during the 2008 tax season.
Dina believes that the greatest achievements are often accomplished through the smallest actions.
Lloa Bass-Golokeh: Member of Education Initiatives
Lloa is a graduate of Kean University in Union, New Jersey. She obtained a degree in English and is currently pursuing her M.P.A. Throughout her college years, Lloa was a member of several leadership organizations and worked as an AmeriCorps member providing 2,300 hours of service. 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.