FIELD DIRECTOR

Djiba was born and raised in Ouelessebougou, Mali. He was introduced to the Alliance at a young age and later worked as an intern in the Mali office. He was also an OA translator for the visiting Utah OB/GYN expeditions. Djiba came to Utah and graduated from Utah Valley University then earned a Master of Global Affairs degree from University of Notre Dame. Djiba was the first annual recipient of the Hesburgh Global Fellowship which funded a graduate of the Master of Global Affairs program to pursue work focused on peace, justice, development and other related fields. Djiba selected to work at Ouelessebougou Alliance with one year working in Utah and the second year in Mali. Djiba became the Alliance’s Field Director in August 2021.

Djiba lives in Ouelessebougou with his beautiful wife Mandie and their two children. He is very dedicated to serving his community. goes here

Malaria Project Manager

I am Siriman Samake from Bamako, Mali, with a passion for scientific research and public health. I studied at the University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, where I specialized in medical entomology. My significant work includes contributing to a malaria project in Nioro of Sahel, Mali, evaluating the impact of Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait (ATSB) on malaria transmission.

Currently, I am an assistant researcher at the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) in Bamako, coordinating a Phase Three clinical trial of ATSB across 80 villages in southern Mali. I am also pursuing a master’s degree in medical entomology and volunteering with the Integrated Vector Management (IVM) project team, a collaboration between the Ouelessebougou Alliance, the University of Bamako, and U.S. mosquito control districts. My experiences and training, including certification in Integrated Mosquito Management, equip me to tackle malaria in Mali.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

I am Ibrahim Doumbia from Ouelessebougou. I completed my education in Ouelessebougou and Bamako, earning a bachelor's degree in English and Journalism/Communication.

My connection with the Ouelessebougou Alliance began in childhood, inspired by their humanitarian efforts. Since January 2022, I have been an intern with the Alliance, where I have visited 26 partner villages, served as the master of ceremonies at events, and focused on data collection.

I am grateful to the Ouelessebougou Alliance staff in Utah and Ouelessebougou for their transformative work. I am proud to be part of such a dedicated team.

HEALTH COORDINATOR

Viviane Martha Traoré is a dedicated nurse with a passion for serving those in need. With over a decade of experience in nursing since her qualification in 2011, Viviane's commitment to healthcare led her to join the Ouelessebougou Alliance in 2023 as a Health Intern. Motivated by the Alliance's mission to support underserved communities, Viviane was drawn to the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her innate desire to help people drives her to give her all, ensuring that those she serves receive the utmost care and support.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Viviane finds joy in nurturing her family and pursuing her interests. In her free time, she indulges in the art of dance and cherishes moments spent with her two sons, Jean and Boubacar, and her daughter, Zacharia. Viviane's compassionate spirit extends both to her patients and her loved ones, embodying the values of empathy, kindness, and dedication in all aspects of her life.

NIGHT GAURDIAN

Modibo has worked for the Alliance for two years. He provides security at the compound and ensures the safety of the property and its visitors. Modibo is married with one child. with an idea.

GROUNDS KEEPER

Sekouba was born and raised in Ouelessebougou. He has worked for the Alliance since 1997. He is one of the Alliance's first and longest-serving employees. Sekouba is a hardworking man who serves with a smile. He is married and lives with his family of seven in Ouelessebougou.

DRIVER/VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Abdallah is a hardworking family man. He lives in Ouelessebougou with his wife and children. He is often the first to the compound and the last to leave. He is dedicated to the maintenance of the Ouelessebougou Alliance vehicles.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amanda's profound connection to Africa was ignited during her college years, specifically when she embarked on a transformative study abroad experience in Ghana. During this time, she dedicated her summer to teaching local students and engaging in community public health initiatives. Upon returning to the United States, Amanda completed her bachelors in Public Health with honors two years later.

Throughout her professional journey, Amanda has been deeply involved in healthcare administration including marketing, operations, project management, and leadership. Most recently, Amanda served as an Analyst for the Canyons School District.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Amanda is an avid enthusiast of outdoor activities. She finds solace and adventure in hiking, skiing, rafting, rock climbing, and camping. Her adventurous spirit is shared with her husband, four daughters, and their cherished canine companion.

FINANCE MANAGER

Bio coming soon!

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Rebekah grew up in a vibrant, international extended family spread across continents. Frequent moves due to her father's job fueled her keen interest in the diverse cultures and peoples she encountered. Inspired by the humanitarian work of her extended family, Rebekah began her journey with the Ouelessebougou Alliance as an intern and is now enthusiastic about her new role with the organization.

She earned her degree in Public Health with a minor in Nutrition from Utah Valley University. Outside of work, Rebekah finds joy in genealogy, reading, shopping, and traveling. Her favorite destination is Maine, where she cherishes time with family while enjoying fresh lobster.

AUTHOR, EDITOR

Member since 2018

Heidi Poelman received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). She is the published author of several books for children and families. She has volunteered as a Communications Consultant for HELP International. She started working with Ouelessebougou Alliance as a way to connect her children’s elementary school with the Malian culture. The school partnership program has been a great success, with cultural days, art exchanges, and multiple successful fundraisers for needed items in Ouelessebougou. Heidi joined the OA board in 2019 and is looking forward to continued efforts connecting school children in Utah with children in Mali. Heidi lives in Sandy with her husband and four children.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, RIIQO

Member since 2016

Carl Dempsey started working in the field of international development in 2008. He has held positions with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the American Red Cross and Pact, managing community-based programs implementing health and education projects. He has worked extensively in countries across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. Carl has a BA in Linguistics from BYU and an MPA in Non Profit Management from George Mason University. After years in the Washington, D.C. area, he relocated to Utah in 2015. He has a wife and three sons and works in software development as a Chief Operations Officer based in Lehi, UT.

AUDIT ASSOCIATE, TANNER LLC

Member since 2018

Bakary was born and raised in Bamako, Mali. He moved to the U.S. after high school to continue his college education. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Accounting and an MBA from Utah Valley University. He is a CPA and has been working with Tanner LLC. since 2017. Before his full-time position with Tanner, he had a chance to do an internship with them which exposed him to the financial accounting world. He likes lifting weights, and is always ready to play soccer whenever he has the chance.

Harrison Riehle has dedicated four of the past ten years to living in West Africa. Initially embarking on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, he later returned to establish an off-grid solar venture in the Central Region of Ghana. Throughout the four years of operation, Harrison and his team brought light to the lives of thousands, providing clean solar energy to Ghanaians. Unbeknownst to him, the impact of these efforts resulted in an unexpected honor – an invitation from a local chief in Nyenasi village to serve as an honorary elder on the council. Additionally, Harrison launched a for-profit hotel in the Western Region, with the profits earmarked to support the village. West Africa holds a special and significant place in his heart, and he is enthusiastic about bringing his experiences to the board, poised to contribute and make a positive difference in Mali.

RETIRED DEAN, BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

Prior to her doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota, Addie taught English at Jordan High and BYU High and, subsequently, advised Student Life programs at BYU. For 24 years, she was at the University of Utah, as a psychologist in the University Counseling Center and professor and chair in the Department of Educational Psychology. Her research focus was in counseling psychology, specifically, group psychotherapy. Addie spent the last nine years of her career at Brigham Young University as Dean of Graduate Studies and, lastly, as Assistant to the President. At a personal level, Addie considers Mali her country and Ouelessebougou her home, such that are blessed by noble people who understand the depth of ‘hope’. She served as Board chair in 1988-90 and 1996-98 and has participated in some 10 expeditions that focused on health, education, or staff development. Addie resides in Draper with Sharon Staples and Pebbles (a chocolate lab), both of whom have an affinity for our Malian friends.

I was raised in the Pacific Northwest, I then returned to my roots to attend Utah State University. My greatest joy and accomplishment has been the opportunity to raise my children and serve in the community in various capacities. My husband Seth and I have a blended family of 7 children. Our passions for athletics, faith and the beach keep us busy and happy.

I have known and loved the people of Africa since I was a child. My father had a starting role in the Ouelessebougou Alliance and passed down his passion to love and serve. My oldest son is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Cote D’Ivoire West Abidjan/ Senegal Africa mission. West Africa and its people hold special place as generationally we grow to know, serve and celebrate its culture and people. With enthusiasm and gratitude I look forward to working with the Alliance.

PROJECT MANAGER, ELITE HARDSCAPES

Member since 2005

Danene has been with the Alliance for a while now and her love of Malians continues to grow. She often says, “I’m homesick for Ouelessebougou!” and considers it her home away from home. She has served on our health committee and traveled a few times with doctors to help Malians with eye care. Danene is native to Utah and remembers when the Alliance was first organized, back in the 80’s. Danene served as OA Board Chair between 2018-2020. When she isn’t spending her time with the Alliance, Danene works in landscape construction. She also serves as a team leader for Days for Girls in Draper.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & PRIVACY MANAGER, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Member since 2021

Although Ben had not served on the board prior to 2021, he has a long history with the Alliance, having traveled to Ouelessebougou, and served on and off with the Alliance for decades. Ben is an attorney and a former journalist whose legal expertise is in media law. He is enthusiastic about the capacity of the Alliance to improve the lives of community members throughout Southeast Mali.

Ryan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Brigham Young University, complemented by certifications in CMCA and CAMICB. His academic foundation and professional accreditations reflect a deep commitment to excellence in community management.

Driven by a passion for community engagement, Ryan has played pivotal roles within the Utah Chapter of CAI, including a term as President of the Board of Directors from 2016 to 2017. His leadership was marked by proactive initiatives that strengthened community ties and enhanced operational efficiency. Beyond his professional achievements, Ryan nurtures a fervent love for hockey, leveraging his affiliation with USA Hockey Utah Affiliate. His contributions span coaching roles, vice presidency of adult hockey, and presidency of the Utah Affiliate, where he has fostered growth and development within the local hockey community.

Michael R. Francis is a retired Associate Vice President for Finance at Utah Valley University, where he served from March 1983 until June 2016. With over thirty years of experience, he is a partner at the local CPA firm, Michael R. Francis, CPA and Associates, specializing in tax, small business management advisory services, and non-profit and governmental entities. His professional skills are extensive, including certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Government Financial Manager, and in Federal Grant and Contract Management. He maintains a current CPA license, requiring a minimum of forty hours of continuing professional education annually, and has worked with various federal, state, and private grantors and contractors. Mike's experience spans professional auditing for government, higher education, non-profits, and corporate entities. He holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting and an A.S. Degree in Marketing, along with over 1300 hours of postgraduate continuing education.

Outside of his professional life, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, which includes three children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. For leisure, he likes to hunt, go shooting, and ride his Harley motorcycle on road trips. Mike's commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his involvement in numerous complex projects, preparation of detailed reports, and active participation in conferences, workshops, and self-study. He values open discussion, respects the opinions and expertise of his colleagues, and is adept at resolving issues respectfully and effectively. His roles in various boards and committees, including Chairman of the Board of Directors at EMIHealth and CFO at The Refuge Utah, demonstrate his comprehensive knowledge and ability in accounting, auditing, budgeting, business management, and internal controls.

Mindy is a public health educator with training in community health education (BS, Utah Valley University), public health practice (MPH, Brigham Young University), and the sociology of population and health (PhD, University of Utah). She has enjoyed teaching at all three of her alma maters over the past decade and being part of shaping the next generation of public health workers. Mindy’s teaching and research interests include families and health, health disparities, quantitative methodology, and global health. She serves on the Utah Public Health Association Board as the fiscal unit chair. Mindy is happily married to the world’s most supportive and empowering husband, Joel. They are the parents of four amazing adult children and have three objectively adorable grandchildren.

Lynley Murphy grew up in central California with 4 brothers, 2 sisters, and multiple random pets. She earned degrees in Secondary Health Education and Spanish, a master’s degree in health science, and a PhD in Health Education and Promotion with an emphasis in International Health. She taught at Utah Valley University in the Public Health Department for 21 years. During that time, she developed and ran Study Abroad programs to the Dominican Republic and Ghana, Africa. She has had a wide variety of professional experiences, from developing collaborative International Public Health conferences abroad, to creating a local non-profit to improve the mental health and well-being of K-12 students in Utah. She has served as Public Health Department Chair at UVU, Vice-President of the Utah Society of Public Health Educators, and President of the Health Education Association of Utah. Her greatest professional joy has come from the association with her students who continue to inspire, amaze, and provide reassurance her that our collective future is in good hands. Her greatest personal accomplishment has been marrying her sweetheart, Allan. They reside in South Jordan, Utah.