Who We Are
A shared commitment to children.
Our board brings experience in education, healthcare, finance, community leadership and service to one focused mission.
Board of Directors
People who turn care into action.
Board biographies reflect the updated information provided for this website.
01
Executive Director
Elhadj Ndoye
Born and raised in Senegal, Elhadj relocated to the United States in 1995. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Operations Management from the University of Arizona. His service includes volunteer work with Casas de los Niños and Big Brothers Big Sisters, along with community leadership through the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he served as chairman. In 2010, Elhadj founded Forgotten Children Africa to help children living on the streets of Senegal move toward self-sufficiency.
02
Board Member
Adja Thiouf
Originally from Senegal, Adja earned an undergraduate degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona and a Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health from Walden University. A certified medical laboratory technologist, she has worked with developing countries in Africa and Central Asia to strengthen clinical laboratories through quality-management systems, training and sustainable practices. Fluent in English, French and several African dialects, Adja participates in medical missions and supports initiatives focused on women and children.
03
Treasurer
Maricela Perez
Raised in Tucson and a graduate of Tucson High Magnet School, Maricela brings 25 years of banking experience and works as a commercial and consumer loan processor at Western Alliance Bank. She became an active supporter of the organization in 2010. Her community service includes leadership with Danza Cultura Mexicana, volunteer work with the Devereux Foundation and board service with the Esperanza Dance Project. She also produced the 2019 Stand-up for Humanity benefit.
04
Board Member
Russ Granillo
A Tucson native, Russ studied at Pima Community College and Prescott College and earned a B.A. in Secondary Music Education. For more than two decades, he has taught marching band, concert band, choir, orchestra and general music, primarily in the Amphitheater and Flowing Wells school districts. He views music as a way to help children grow in confidence and character and seeks to model a life of service for his daughter and two granddaughters.
05
Board Member
Alexander Folk
Alexander is a Los Angeles-born actor and author whose career spans more than 150 films, television programs and commercials. His work includes Dreamgirls and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, along with campaigns for major national brands. A traveler to more than 40 countries, Alexander considers supporting the vision of providing children with shelter, food and guidance among the greatest highlights of his life.
06
Board Member
Dr. Mufutau Akin Akinbile
Dr. Akinbile is a pediatric critical care physician at Tucson Medical Center. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, he describes himself as a global citizen and enjoys travel, sports and politics. He has held leadership roles in social and medical organizations and grounds his philanthropy in truth, generosity and accountability to humanity.
07
Board Member
Becky Lyle
Becky moved to Tucson from Wyoming. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Wyoming and a K-12 Special Education endorsement from Black Hills State University. Across 19 years, she has taught and coached students from preschool through high school and now serves as a special education preschool teacher in the Marana Unified School District. Her prior nonprofit board leadership and a 1998 mission serving children in Romanian orphanages shaped her lifelong commitment to children in need.
08
Marketing Director / Board Member
Fatima Ndoye
A Tucson native and first-generation Senegalese American, Fatima Ndoye is a marketing and content strategist and creative director with a background in nursing. As Marketing Director and the newest member of the board, she leads the organization’s marketing, social media and creative communications. Her work includes organizing fundraising initiatives, supporting community outreach and helping donors understand the impact of their giving. Her family ties to Senegal shape a commitment to expanding the organization’s reach and creating opportunities for children through education and essential resources.
With gratitude
Past Board Members
Modu Seye
Katie Reynolds
Richard Noel
Omer Kreso
Simon Brown
Rene Valdez
Denise Piazza
Kathleen Benyak
Suzie Agrillo
Christine Zoumis (Christy)
In Memoriam
Remembering a life of service
09
Board Member
Andi Smith
Andi devoted decades to nonprofit, civic and community service. She met every opportunity to help others with generosity, creativity and an open heart. Her compassionate leadership and joyful spirit remain an enduring part of her legacy.
A legacy of service
Board positions and volunteer work
Beginning around 1994, Andi gave her time and leadership to organizations serving the arts, families, neighborhoods and the wider community.
Ames Board of RealtorsBoard of Directors · 4 years
City of Ames Commission on the Arts2 terms
Make-A-Wish FoundationWish Grantor · 4 years
Northridge Heights Homeowners AssociationBoard secretary · 2 years; vice president · 1 year
KHOI Community Radio Station, Ames, IowaMarketing director, fundraiser and start-up team member · More than 1 year
Worldly GoodsVolunteer · 3 years; Board of Directors · approximately 4 years
Ames Soup KitchenCoordinator · 2 years
Stoney Canyon Townhome AssociationPresident · 2 terms; previously served as board vice president
Professional career
Andi enjoyed a 24-year career in real-estate sales before retiring in 2012.
Interests and passions
Her interests included photography, midwifery, art, birding, yoga, meditation, hiking, reading and, of course, drumming.
