Global Mission - Local Engagement. Lasting Impact - Empowering Children Through Education - Building Futures Beyond Barriers.

Camala Foundation works to ensure that vulnerable children in Guinea-Bissau can access safe, consistent education — while engaging communities across the United States to drive sustainable impact.

Who We Are

Camala Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit committed to strengthening education access and child protection systems in Guinea-Bissau. We work through trusted local partners to support vulnerable children and strengthen education systems.

Headquartered in Massachusetts, we operate through structured partnerships, accountable systems, and responsible oversight to ensure measurable impact and long-term sustainability.

We maintain an active and growing presence in New York and across the Northeast United States, supporting community engagement, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.

We currently support 15 children within a partner school serving over 400 students, with a responsible plan to expand to 10 0 children by 2028.

We are community-rooted and professionally governed, combining local trust with international standards.

Teacher Helping Male Pupil Studying At Desk In Classroom
Portrait Of Female Teacher Holding Digital Tablet Teaching Line Of High School Students Sitting By Screens In Computer Class

Our Mission

To expand stable, accountable education access and child protection for vulnerable children in fragile environments.

OUR VISION

A Guinea-Bissau where every child has access to safe, consistent education, regardless of structural instability or economic hardship.

OUR APPROACH

We implement our work through a disciplined, impact-focused model:

  • Structured education access

  • Child protection and stability

  • Responsible phased growth

  • Transparent governance

  • Partnership-driven implementation

  • Safeguarding-centered program design

We grow only when funding, systems, and oversight are in place — ensuring quality is never compromised.

Building a Brighter Future

The Camala Foundation is a beacon of hope and transformation, driven by the values of integrity, collaboration, and sustainability. Together, we can build a brighter future for Guinea-Bissau and its people, wherever they may be. [Read More]

OUR APPROACH

Camala Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Massachusetts, strengthening education access and child protection systems across Guinea-Bissau through structured partnerships and accountable oversight.

We currently support a defined cohort of vulnerable children within a partner school serving more than 400 students and are building responsible capacity to expand to up to 100 children by 2028.

Our work combines community trust with professional governance standards

OUR TEAM

Leadership Section: Founder & President

Camala Foundation is led by a dedicated team committed to integrity, accountability, and community-centered impact.

Mario Camala

Mario Camala Founder & President

Mario was born a natural leader, shaped by resilience...

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Mario was born a natural leader, shaped by resilience and vision. Trained as a lawyer in Guinea-Bissau, he later emigrated to the United States, where he personally experienced the challenges of integration - from navigating legal systems to achieving economic stability. Rather than letting those obstacles define him, he transformed them into his mission: ensuring that immigrants, particularly from West Africa, have pathways to social and economic inclusion.

As Founder and President of the Camala Foundation, Mario bridges two worlds: supporting immigrants in the U.S. through mentorship, guidance, and opportunity, while addressing urgent challenges in Guinea-Bissau such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment.

His leadership combines legal expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and deep community roots, proving that integration and empowerment are not only ideals but achievable realities when communities unite.

Board Members:

Cindy Steven

Cindy Stevens, Ph.D Board Member

Cindy Stevens is an educator, mentor, and leader who…

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Cindy Stevens is an educator, mentor, and leader who believes that learning is a lifelong journey extending far beyond the classroom. As a Project Management Program Director and Business Management Faculty member, she is dedicated to equipping others with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills. Cindy holds a Ph.D. in Technology Management with a specialization in Digital Communication, along with advanced degrees and certificates in communication, online instruction, and facility management. Her passion for growth, leadership, and innovation adds valuable perspective to The Camala Foundation’s mission of building stronger communities through education and opportunity.

Cindy’s leadership ensures that our education initiatives remain both aspirational and achievable

Rodney Kornegay

Rodney Kornegay, ChFC®, FSCP®, WMCP® Board Member

Rodney Kornegay is an accomplished financial professional with…

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Rodney Kornegay is an accomplished financial professional with New York Life, where he has built a distinguished career guiding wealth management, risk mitigation, and long-term financial security. He holds multiple advanced designations, including Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP®), and Wealth Management Certified Professional (WMCP®). With more than a decade of experience, Rodney has helped families, businesses, and organizations develop comprehensive strategies to achieve both stability and growth. His expertise reflects a strong commitment to lasting client relationships.

Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC (member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency and a New York Life Company. 2 LAKESHORE CENTER 2ND FLOOR NEW YORK LIFE, BRIDGEWATER MA 02324

LaTasha Harris

LaTasha Harris Board Member

LaTasha is the Equity and Inclusion Manager for the…

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LaTasha is the Equity and Inclusion Manager for the City of Boston's Human Services cabinet, where she works with leaders across departments to ensure equitable access to services for all residents. With over 20 years of experience in government, nonprofit, K-12, and higher education settings, she brings expertise in organizational development, strategic planning, and systems-level change. Her equity journey began at MIT’s Office of Engineering Outreach Programs (MITES), where she supported underrepresented students in preparing for college success—work that resonated deeply with her own Upward Bound experience. Later, at the Scratch Foundation, she helped guide strategic planning and DEI frameworks while providing thought partnership and change management support during a period of significant organizational growth.

LaTasha holds a Master of Education from UMass Boston and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Anderson University. At the Camala Foundation, she applies her experience in community engagement, nonprofit management, and organizational development—including grant administration, budget oversight, and compliance—to strengthen programs that empower immigrants and create pathways to opportunity.

LaTasha’s guidance ensures the Foundation grows sustainably while remaining effective, equitable, and impactful.

Operations & Support:

Rashida Harris

Rashida Harris, MBA Clerk

Rashida is an MBA-educated leader with a strong background…

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Rashida is an MBA-educated leader with a strong background in Category Management, Cross-Functional Leadership, and Private Label Product Development. She has successfully managed projects from concept to completion, coordinating multiple stakeholders while ensuring quality and compliance in high-pressure business environments.

At the Foundation, Rashida oversees governance documentation, board records, and compliance workflows, applying her corporate expertise to nonprofit accountability. She ensures that board operations remain transparent, meetings are well-documented, and governance standards are upheld as the Foundation grows.

Rashida’s leadership ensures that governance is not just a process but a living structure that drives trust and effectiveness.

Aerton V. Pereira

Aerton V. PereiraTreasurer

Aerton holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources…

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Aerton holds an Associate Degree in Accounting and Business Management from Portland Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Portland State University. Since 2021, while studying, he has served as Accounting Administrator and Human Resources Manager at America Cleaning Solutions, Inc., Accounting Administrator and Human Resources at America Janitorial Supplies, Inc., and Accounts Payable at Parra-Vazquez Holding Corporation (real estate company). He is also a founder of “Keep Track of It, LLC” (bookkeeping company). He brings extensive experience in accounting and human resources, including financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, compliance, employee recruitment, training, benefits, compensation, and policy development.

At the Camala Foundation, Aerton provides day-to-day accounting and compliance support, ensuring accuracy in financial records and assisting in building transparent financial systems. His unique blend of expertise in Accounting, Human Resources, and Business Management addresses key challenges faced by a growing nonprofit—such as sustainable financial management, effective people operations, and sound governance.

With his precision and discipline, Aerton is helping the Foundation establish trust and credibility with funders, partners, and auditors from the very beginning.

Aerton V. Pereira

Sophie MacMillanCommunity Engagement & Outreach Coordinator

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies...

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Her experience spans early childhood and K–12 education, youth mentorship, and community engagement, with a background that combines education and communication skills to support collaboration with families, students, and community partners.

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from Bridgewater State University and an Associate degree in Elementary Education from Quincy College.

At the Camala Foundation, she supports community engagement and outreach efforts, helping strengthen relationships with local partners and expand networking opportunities that increase awareness of the Foundation’s mission to promote youth empowerment and educational access.

Her work contributes to building meaningful connections between communities in Massachusetts and the Foundation’s broader efforts to create opportunities for children and families.

Hemery Gomes

Hemery Gomes Ambassador

From former footballer to visionary entrepreneur...

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From former footballer to visionary entrepreneur, Hemery Gomes brings the discipline of sports and the creativity of entrepreneurship to his role as Ambassador of the Camala Foundation. Founder of the brand Pankada & Nhatidura and co-founder of Dellean Soccer Player, he places his international experience and network in Europe at the service of the Foundation’s mission.

His commitment is to help expand the Foundation’s impact beyond the United States, especially in Europe, by mobilizing partnerships, sponsors, and institutions that can strengthen education and development projects.

At the same time, Hemery inspires young Guineans to believe in their talents and in the transformative power of education, culture, and entrepreneurship as a path toward a brighter future.

Libania Abdu Na Man Sa

Libania Abdu Na Man Sa Ambassador

Libania Abdu Na Man Sa is a New York City–based model...

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With over three years of experience in runway modeling and fashion campaigns. Currently signed with Wilhelmina Models, she has worked with internationally recognized brands including Calvin Klein, Adidas, Derek Lam, Balmain, and Tara Babylon, among others./p>

Through her work in the fashion industry, Libania has built strong professional networks across the creative, media, and fashion sectors, bringing valuable visibility and outreach opportunities.

As an Ambassador for the Camala Foundation, she helps expand awareness of the organization’s mission by leveraging her professional platform and industry connections. Her role focuses on strengthening relationships with new audiences and supporting initiatives that promote education and opportunity.

Her experience in public-facing industries and her ability to connect with diverse professional communities contribute to advancing the Foundation’s efforts to build meaningful partnerships and broaden the reach of its work.