Board of Directors
Mr. Hashem Mekki
Founder/Board Member
Hashem Mekki is the Founder and President of Kele Global, a nonprofit focused on advancing education, health awareness, and economic empowerment in Sudan and South Sudan. He has over 15 years of experience teaching Arabic to federal employees, including at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, and has taught Arabic language and Middle East studies at the Institute of World Politics since 2012. He is also the owner of Bridge Language Solutions, providing translation and cultural expertise on North Africa and the Middle East. Mr. Mekki holds degrees from the City College of New York and the Institute of World Politics and is an active advocate for human rights in Sudan and South Sudan.
Ms. Isha Wright
Board Member
Ms. Isha Wright is a global leader with over 20 years of experience in humanitarian work, human rights, education, and nonprofit leadership across the United Nations, higher education, and grassroots sectors. Her work spans transitional justice programs in Sierra Leone, emergency response in South Sudan, and student success initiatives in U.S. universities, with a consistent focus on empowering communities facing conflict and inequity.
She brings strengths in strategic planning, program design, policy development, and mentorship, grounded in a commitment to empathy, inclusion, and lasting impact. Ms. Wright holds master’s degrees from Brandeis University and Columbia University.
Dr. Anne Smiley
Board Member
Dr. Anne Smiley is a global leader in education in emergencies and foundational learning, with over 20 years of experience advancing research, policy, and practice for children affected by crisis and displacement. She currently serves as Global Practice Lead for Foundational Learning at the International Rescue Committee and Senior Technical Advisor to the PlayMatters initiative, supporting education systems in fragile contexts.
Previously, she held leadership roles at FHI 360 and contributed extensively to global education efforts through organizations like INEE. Dr. Smiley’s work focuses on evidence-driven, equitable learning solutions that expand access and improve outcomes for vulnerable children worldwide.
Dr. Wayne A. Schroeder
Board Member
Dr. Wayne A. Schroeder is a senior national security and international relations professional with extensive experience across government, defense industry, public policy, and higher education. He has served on a U.S. Senate committee staff and in a Senior Executive Service (SES) role at the Department of Defense, along with a 26-year career in the defense industry.
Widely published in areas such as international security, NATO affairs, and defense policy, Dr. Schroeder is known for his strong teaching, research, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, helping institutions achieve strategic objectives.
Fatima Barrie
Board Member
Fatmata Barrie is a legal and policy leader with over 20 years of experience advancing justice, equity, and systemic reform. As Founder and Principal Attorney of The Barrie Law Center, they lead a mission-driven practice serving immigrant families, nonprofits, and students with disabilities, with a strong record in litigation and policy advocacy.
They have also held senior public service roles focused on police accountability, operations, and reform, bringing a strategic, community-centered approach to their work. Fatmata Barrie is deeply committed to advancing immigrant rights, civic engagement, and inclusive policies that drive lasting change.
Ms. Angelique DioGuardi
Board Member
Ms. Angelique DioGuardi is an international executive with over 20 years of nonprofit and business leadership experience, focused on strengthening communities and improving lives across Africa and Asia. She has led programs in emergency response, food security, health, WASH, and community development in complex, resource-limited settings.
Known for translating strategy into effective action, she brings expertise in program design, capacity building, and operations, along with a collaborative, solutions-driven leadership style. As a board member, Ms. DioGuardi contributes global perspective, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to sustainable, community-centered impact.
Staff & Volunteers
Nader Albaire
Network Security Engineer for Kele Global
Senior Network & Security Engineer | CCNP, PCNSE, NSE7–4 | 7+ years in Cisco L2–L7, Palo Alto (PA-400–1400), SD-WAN, and AI-integrated surveillance networks. Expert in BGP/OSPF/EIGRP, VLANs, STP, VPNs, and scalable LAN/WAN design. Skilled in Aruba/Wi-Fi, Huawei switches, ISR/ASR routers, VMware, and network automation. Proven ability to deliver secure, high-performance, and resilient infrastructure solutions.
Adil Koj Kadaf
Sudan Field Manager for Kele Global
Kirsten Price
Web, Digital, & Print Designer for Kele Global
Kirsten is a graduate of George Mason University with a BA in Graphic Design. She currently freelances part time, and has extensive agency experience. She has a passion for helping non-profits tell their stories visually. She creates professional graphics, website designs, social media content, and marketing materials that help organizations look credible, engage the community, and inspire supporters.
Saran Diaubate
Human Resources Volunteer for Kele Global
Experienced and result driven Human Resources (HR) professional with international experience in Europe and the US. Skilled in a wide range of human resources activities such as HR information systems (HRIS), benefits, employee relations, organizational compliance and diversity and inclusion. Passionate about working with people from diverse backgrounds, with a high sense of cultural competency. Fluent in English and French.
Abubakr Adam Yagoub
Social Media Volunteer for Kele Global
Eleanor Moose
Social Media Volunteer for Kele Global
Eleanor is an undergraduate student studying Anthropology and Middle East Studies with a focus on Arabic. She has experience working and volunteering with human rights and international affairs organizations in Washington, DC and abroad, with a passion for refugee support and sustainable humanitarian work.
Originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, she has been involved with Kele Global for over five years, contributing to digital storytelling and fundraising efforts.