Empowering youth to lead change and build loving communities
We are building a world where Mandla’s spirit of service and compassion continues to shine. By empowering young people to step up as leaders, we are creating stronger, more loving communities in her honor.
Our Goals & Mission
Equip and inspire young people across Canada and Cameroon.
To honor the legacy of Mandla, our mission is to equip and inspire young people across Canada and Cameroon. Through compassionate action, we empower youth to serve, lead, and educate, fostering sustainable and positive change within their local communities.
GOALS THAT WE HAVE
Inspiring Compassion. Empowering Action
Meet our Board and Team
At the heart of The Mandla's Foundation is a passionate team dedicated to keeping Mandla’s legacy alive through service, education, and empowerment. Together, they blend their diverse backgrounds with profound compassion to uplift young people and their families in Fort McMurray, Cameroon, and beyond.
KERIN MACLEAN
Board CEO
Born in Halifax, Kerin is an early childhood educator and mother of two. She is dedicated to supporting children, especially those facing difficulties, and is honored to help spread Mandla's message: "It's a beautiful day to be a good person."
CYNTHIA ZEKENG
Board Deputy CEO
Originally from Cameroon and now based now in Canada, Cynthia works in food quality assurance. She also mentors students through VAS Africa Fulda and supports youth integration initiatives. Her multi-continent commitment reflects Mandla's spirit of universal compassion.
VIVIANE Y. BILE
Board Secretary
Viviane, born in Ivory Coast, is a social worker and student of social development. She champions dignity and equality, supporting vulnerable youth and families through her work. She brings empathy and a deep commitment to Mandla's mission.
CHARLES AGUNBIADE
Operations Director
Charles is a national leader in occupational health and safety, mental well-being, and equity for Black professionals in Canada. As president of the CABHSP, he leads strategy, programs, and outreach. At the Mandla Foundation, he leverages his expertise in non-profit governance, community development, and mental health advocacy.
BRIGITTE ZATCHA
IT Director
A computer engineer living in Germany, Brigitte supports the technical aspects of the Mandla Foundation and volunteers with Cameroonian youth groups and for fundraising. She is also the first Black firefighter in Bad Breisig. Brigitte proudly manages the Foundation's digital presence and honors Mandla through her service.
ALAIN HOUNANG
Board Treasurer
Mr. Alain Hounang pursued university studies in Cameroon and then in Canada. Holding a postgraduate diploma (DESS) in Finance and Accounting from the University of Douala and a postgraduate diploma (DESS) in Finance from UQAM, he has over 15 years of experience. Mr. Hounang has held positions as an accountant and financial controller in numerous companies and accounting firms in both Cameroon and Canada.
MIREILLE ZATCHA
Managing Director
As the driving force behind the Mandla Foundation, Mireille transformed the tragic loss of her daughter, Mandla, in 2019 into a lifelong mission. An experienced educator and mediator, she is a relentless advocate for justice, educational equity, and community inclusion for BIPOC populations throughout Canada. Mireille leads the foundation with compassion and a steadfast commitment to empowering youth. Her advocacy earned her the title of Brand Ambassador from Diversity Magazine, and her ongoing efforts helped establish the official "Mandla Day" in Fort McMurray on March 22, 2023.
MARTHE A ESSONKENG
MANDLA CAMEROUN Office Head
With more than twenty years of experience in the Cameroonian public administration and in non-profit organizations (cooperatives and orphanages), Ms. Essonkeng has served as an administrative assistant and secretary in several Cameroonian ministries. She brings strong expertise in project management within Cameroon as well as in Office Head
YVES KOUASSI
Board COO
Originally from Côte d'Ivoire, Yves is a bilingual professional bridging scientific research and community empowerment. He holds a BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta and is currently pursuing studies in economics, finance, and sustainable development.
Passionate about public health, virology, and immunology, Yves has contributed to malaria research and led health communication initiatives for the Francophone community. A dedicated leader, he has served in executive roles for university student associations and the Alliance Jeunesse-Famille de l'Alberta Society, earning double recognition from MLA Marlin Schmidt. Yves brings scientific rigor and award-winning advocacy to our team.
Funders & Partners
