Our Team

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Mario is a lawyer trained in Guinea-Bissau who later emigrated to the United States, where he personally experienced the challenges of integration—from navigating legal systems to achieving economic stability. Instead of allowing these obstacles to define him, Mario transformed them into his mission: ensuring that immigrants, particularly from West Africa, have pathways to social and economic inclusion.

He founded the Camala Foundation to bridge two worlds: offering guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to immigrants in the U.S., while also addressing urgent challenges in Guinea-Bissau such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. With his legal expertise, entrepreneurial drive, and deep community roots, Mario brings both vision and lived experience to the Foundation.

Mario’s leadership embodies resilience and vision, reminding us that integration and empowerment are not only ideals but achievable realities when communities unite

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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, he has served as Accounting Administrator and Human Resources Manager at America Cleaning Solutions, Inc.

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.

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A seasoned diplomat, João Soares da Gama is a former Permanent Representative of Guinea-Bissau to the United Nations in New York, where he served for more than a decade. Currently an Inspector at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guinea-Bissau, João brings extensive expertise in diplomacy, international relations, and global advocacy. His career reflects a deep understanding of governance structures, cross-border cooperation, and multilateral partnerships.

At the Camala Foundation, his diplomatic insight strengthens our ability to forge institutional partnerships, align with global frameworks, and position the Foundation as a credible and influential actor both in Guinea-Bissau and internationally.

His guidance ensures our programs remain aligned with global development priorities while elevating Guinea-Bissau’s voice on the world stage.

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Cláudio Rumal is a network technician, graphic and web designer, and radio presenter who brings a dynamic blend of technical, creative, and communication expertise. With strong skills in IT systems, digital media, and public communication, he helps the Foundation build a modern digital presence and effectively engage with diverse audiences. His design and media background supports the Foundation’s brand development, digital storytelling, and outreach strategies, ensuring our mission resonates with communities both locally and across the diaspora.

Additionally, Cláudio’s experience in radio broadcasting provides unique opportunities for community education and awareness campaigns, further expanding the Foundation’s impact.

Cláudio’s mix of IT, media, and communications expertise enhances the Foundation’s ability to connect, inform, and inspire action.

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Ismael recently completed his Master’s in Public Administration (Nonprofit & Civic Leadership) at Bridgewater State University, where he received the Distinguished Research Project Award. His career includes experience in program coordination, community mental health leadership in Kenya, and higher education program management in the U.S.

He has coordinated major initiatives such as the Mandela Washington Fellowship, managed graduate student services, and designed mental health strategies in collaboration with NGOs and USAID. At the Camala Foundation, Ismael works closely with the Clerk by providing administrative, program, and policy coordination, ensuring that documentation, communication, and operations are well-structured.

Ismael brings both a global perspective and technical expertise, ensuring the Foundation operates with professional standards from day one.

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Jaquelina Dabo is a nonprofit leader with extensive experience in program design, economic mobility and workforce development. She has directed groundbreaking initiatives including Cambridge RISE, an 18-month guaranteed income pilot for single caretaker households, that led to the program being expanded to all income-eligible Cambridge families. Her career also includes leadership roles in survivor-centered programs throughout the Greater-Boston and Southshore area.

At the Foundation, Jaquelina provides strategic guidance and insight on the design and implementation of programs that are trauma-informed, equity-focused, and community-driven. Drawing on her experience in building collaborations with local governments, nonprofits and businesses, she ensures that programs are both impactful and sustainable. She is a graduate of Lesley University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. In addition to English, she is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, and is known to lead with kindness.

Jaquelina’s leadership ensures that programs result in equitable access to opportunities, through collaborative, systems-level change.