Team

Founder & CEO

Oumarou Idrissa from West Africa, Niger. He is the epitome of inspiration, a force to be reckon with. Oumarou was inspired by his humble beginnings and journey through challenges that he was able to cope with by playing soccer. Rubbing shoulders with the stars through Uber driving has enabled him to build relationships that have been the foundation of Afrikicks. 

Idrissa believes no child should lack any basic needs such as clothing, health aid, and an education. His passion to advocate for those affected by extreme poverty has fuelled the work behind Afrikicks. His passion, determination, and perseverance has brought Afrikicks to where it is at today.  

Brand Ambassador

Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam, known mononymously as Akon, is a Senegalese American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of “Locked Up”, the first single from his debut album Trouble, followed by the second single “Lonely”. Read More

Director of Finance

Yolanda Ezell is a professional boxer, model and the CEO of MSKnockout. As a model seeking to keep fit and healthy, Yolanda always look for energizing ways to exercise. When a modeling friend mentioned that she boxed as part of her workout regimen, Yolanda was intrigued. At the time this friend appeared on a cable TV show called the “Perfect 10 Model Boxers“. A quick call to the recruiters and one team work out later, and Ms. Knockout was part of the troupe and well on her way. Yolanda was ranked 3rd in the nation as an amateur boxer and decided to turned professional. Later she joined Afrikicks to help move the mission forward.

Director of Communications

Erika Monroe is the former Deputy Mayor for the City of Lancaster, CA where she was an ambassador for the Mayor, City Council, and community. She also worked at the mayor’s law firm as a paralegal. Monroe earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. In 2015, she attained a paralegal certificate from UCLA. Monroe left the firm in 2016 and started her consulting firm, Premier Consulting Group where she would consult with political candidates as well as coordinate events. Monroe is currently the Founder and President of Alke-Bulan Naturals, LLC which is a nutraceutical company the produces all-natural organic herbal supplements formulated to help people thrive. For more information, please visit her website at www.alke-naturals.com

Board Member

Eboni Elektra holds an executive responsible for making high-level decisions regarding advertisement campaigns. Some duties and responsibilities include: review current marketing trends and advertisements to determine the effectiveness of different styles and strategies; analyze fundraising goals in comparison to the marketing budget in order to determine the best campaigns that are most effective; research competitors to stay current with similar program services on the market; work with both the public relations and program mangers to develop successful strategies and campaigns that attract new donors and keep current financial supporters; collaborate with other executives to make high-level decisions regarding the budget and the direction of the nonprofit organization; create and maintain a successful brand and image that attracts donors to the organization and its services; and develop marketing strategies for services that comply with organization’s mission, goals and objectives.  

Board Member

Dontay Kidd has worked in the music industry for 15 years. He is currently the COO of Open Bar Entertainment alongside his business partner, Xzibit. He has been mentoring the youth of his hometown (Compton, CA) and has joined Afrikicks to continue his philanthropic duties.  

Board Member

Priscilla Valldejuli was born and raised in Puerto Rico, before her parent moved six children to NJ. Being the eldest it was a struggle as no one of color, background or language was part of that community. This is where she learned of racism, bullying and the shock of reality. Her background is in hospitality, then in Los Angeles, both music and TV, working as a personal assistant (Goldie Hawn, Tova Borgnine, The Davis’ to name a few) Music (Al B Sure), then started promoting bands, groups in the Latin genre. Cancer knocked on Priscilla’s door in 2005, but softly she was able to heal through nutrition. It’s when she flew to China to understand herbs and how they heal. She was introduced to Sunrider products, healed and has been taking them ever since. Her passion is promoting health, music motivation. “I’m here to serve!”

Board Member

Ciana Singh has a passion for building and growing relationships for Afrikicks. Her goal is to turn one-time donors into lifelong investors for Afrikicks. Ciana has a satisfaction in knowing that donors are making a valuable contribution to the lives of those affected by not being able to have the necessities in life. She harnesses the influence and power of connections by engaging supporters to amplify Afrikicks through fundraisers, events and donor networks.