Team CCF
Meet Our Organization Members
Care Club Foundation Team
Ismaila Konate-CEO & Founder
Ismaila migrated to the USA from Mali in 2002 where he attended high school at La Salle Academy in New York City.
Ismaila joined the soccer club, “Arrows” in NYC from 2002 – 2004. In 2002 his team won the Super Y League championship in North Carolina. Ismaila attended Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY in 2005. He played on the School team where he won back-to-back MVP and All-American in both 2005 and 2006. His love for soccer did not end in college as Ismaila became a Soccer Coach for Manhattan Soccer Club in New York City.
Ismaila often visits his hometown in Mali every summer and with each visit he donates second-hand clothing and shoes to the less fortunate in Mali. This is how the idea for Care Club Foundation was formed.
Mariam Dao-COO & Founder
Mariam Dao was born in Mali but migrated to the USA with her parents at the young age of 6 months. Mariam graduated from Georgian Court University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management and Marketing in 2011 and a certificate in International Business.
Although she lived in Harlem she visited Mali every summer and spent time with her family and learned the culture of her roots. The native language of Bambara was the only language Mariam was allowed to speak at home which allowed her to be fluent in her native language and able to communicate with family during her summer visits.
At a young age, Mariam saw the difference in her world in New York City compared to the world of her peers and family in Mali. This is how the idea of “Care Club Foundation” was sparked.
“It is important that children know that their circumstance does not define who they are.”
Mahamadou Nimaga-President
Mahamadou graduated from Lycée Konare in 2001. Mahamadou came to the United States in 2001 where he attended the University of San Diego but later dropped out because of affordability. Although his parents were able to send him to the USA for a better life they could not afford to send him to school so he joined the workforce.
He moved to New York in 2002 and worked several jobs including a manager at Popeyes, Manager at Imperial Parking, and a Manager at Slam Dunk.
Mahamadou did not have the support he needed to finish school which is what inspired him to often donate to the disabled, orphanages, widows, and the homeless in Mali.
Helping the unfortunate has truly become his passion which is why Care Club Foundation is a dream come true. Having support at a young age is crucial for the development of a child.
“Care Club provides the support, guidance, and accountability I wish I had as a teenager. We are helping students thrive!”
Youssouf Wele Diallo-Vice President
Youssouf Wele Diallo was born and grew up in Mali. He migrated to the United States in 2008. It was such a challenge to adapt to the American culture, but he soon realized the opportunities and advantages America had to offer.
Sharing the possibilities of the USA with the less fortunate is the reason why being part of “Care Club Foundation” was beyond question.
“Having the opportunity to give back to my hometown was the fulfillment of a dream and to see the impact on the children has been tremendous.”
