Faculty & Staff Listing

Director
Baba Jahi Awakoaiye


School Staff
Mama Mildred Rose
Mama Kelly Kouyate
Mama Pamela Williams
Mama Bonisile Ikemba


Preschool Teachers
Mama Kelly Kouyate
(Preschool Director)
Mama Lisa Smith
Mama Karla Jones


Elementary Teachers
Baba Ajamu Stewart (4th/5th)
Mama Tyanne Moore (3rd)
Mama Imani Todd (2nd)
Mama Chrystal Moore (1st)
Mama Aisha Stephens (K)


Middle School Teachers
Baba Abubakar Omari
(MS Coordinator)
Social Studies/Boy's Health

Baba Ajamu Stewart
Pre-Algebra/6th Math
Baba Jahi Awakoaiye
Advanced Math, Computer Technology, Humanities, Science
Baba Damu Sudi Ali
Jazz Band
Mama Barbara Hunter
Jazz Band
Baba Monte Lawson
Instructional Support
Baba Sidney Coulter
Boot Dance


School Wide
Baba Neemly
Dance

Faculty and Staff

Ile Omode is blessed with an amazing and talented group. Our faculty and staff are commited to our students' development. They are commited educators and are in many cases leaders within the broader community.

Ile Omode Staff

Director, Baba Jahi Awakoaiye
Send Email 

Baba Jahi

Instructing a middle school class.

Jahi Awakoaiye was born and raised by his mother in Oakland, California, and has served as the director since 2003. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at San Diego State University, and minored in Africana Studies and Economics, while working fulltime. At SDSU, he was the president of the African Student Union, served on the student council, wrote for the school’s daily newspaper, and published a city-wide magazine, the “Alarm”, for 3 years. In recognition of his community efforts he received the National Society of Black Engineers, “National Community Leadership” award. He was honored by his selection to speak at the school's Black Baccalaureate.

After graduating from SDSU in 1991, Jahi accepted a position with Intel Corporation, and worked there for ten years. He held design responsibilities for the Pentium processor, coded one of the first media processor video players for the PC, and received numerous awards for his work. As a software developer and manager, he led efforts that resulted in his code appearing in products from Symantec and Macromedia. While at Intel he attended school fulltime, and earned an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Santa Clara University. He also co-founded Intel's first employee group, NIA-e (Network of Intel African Employees), and instituted the first student "Shadow Day".

While at Intel he created the "High School Engineering Program" at Castlemont, and began teaching fulltime at Laney College, earning tenure, and serving as the Department Chairperson of the Computer Systems department. At Laney, he taught Java and C++ programming, web page design and other courses; he also created several new degrees and certificates programs. After leaving Intel, he continued to work at Laney, until the call of supporting and growing Ile Omode proved much stronger than parttime participation would allow; although he served as an adjunct faculty member at Holy Names University in Oakland, teaching computer programming.

Jahi previously participated actively in youth sports, and volunteered with youth track, softball, and soccer, as well as coached football for the Oakland Dynamites, a team he played for while growing up in Oakland, and served as assistant coach for CA Track Club.

He and his wife own two businesses, CalPremiere, Inc., a realty and mortgage company, and Awakoaiye Properties, a property investment firm. Their family strongly believes in the need to develop, sustain, and support enterprise in our community. He lives in Oakland with his wife, Sia, whom he met while at SDSU. The couple has been together for over 30 years, and they have three children, Bakare, KaRa, and Khukheper, each of whom attended Ile Omode until graduation. All three children were selected for the National Honor Society, and received numerous full academic scholarships to attend college.

He serves on the Council of Elders at Wo’se Community Church, and has taught courses in the Medu Neter (Egyptian Hieroglyphics), Rhythms of Nature, 2000 Seasons, and others. While at Ile Omode he has authored several books addressing critical social studies lessons, including: "Africans in Americas", "Black Power Movement", "Kemet: The First Civilization", and "Africans Fight Against Slavery" (see excerpts of some of the books).

Jahi believes that his life has prepared him for this unique position, and he says that Ile Omode is “my life’s work, and my calling”.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Middle school humanities (English)
  • Middle school science
  • Upper grade math, including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
  • Computer Technology
  • Various middle school electives, including Journalism, Drafting, and Critical Thinking

Middle School Staff

Baba Jahi

Baba Abubakar Omari

Social Studies:
Baba Abubakar Omari

Send Email 

Abubakar Adisa Omari, began teaching over twenty years ago, beginning at Ile Omode in 1996. Serving as a middle school teacher and coordinator, Baba Abubakar teaches several subjects including social studies and boy's health. He teaches 6th grade Ancient Civilization, 7th grade Medieval Period, and 8th grade United States History.

Growing up in Oakland, Baba Abubakar spent several years training in martial arts, eventually earning a Black Belt in 1988. Additionally, Baba Abubakar created and currently operates three businesses ranging from martial arts training to professional massage.

As a father of ten children, Baba Abubakar hopes to serve as a pivotal element in the lives of our children. Baba Abubakar strives to be a positive example for young men, making them productive members and leaders of a strong Black nation.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Middle school social studies
  • Middle school boy's health class
  • Upper elementary mathematics
  • Afterschool program

Baba Monte

Baba Monte Lawson

Instructional Support:
Baba Monte Lawson

Send Email 

Baba Monte grew up in Oakland, California. Most of his elementary education was in private school, including attending high school at Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley, before graduating from Morehouse College. It was at Morehouse that he became interested in mentoring youth.

His passion for working with youth grew and took greater focus as he stepped into education. He started substitute teaching in the Oakland Unified School District. In his role as a teacher he began to develop creative approaches to teaching language, and in the process he gain experience working with students from preschool to high school.

He also has a master’s degree in urban education, and along with education, Baba Monte has experience with construction and installations, from flooring, solar panels, fiber optic cables and satellite dishes. Ultimately, he’d like to see more students exposed to growing more of their own resources.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Middle school language
  • Middle school math class
  • Afterschool program

Elementary School Staff

Baba Ajamu

Baba Ajamu.

Primary Grade Teacher:
Baba Ajamu Stewart

Send Email 

Dr. Ajamu Stewart graduated from San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Microbiology. While still an undergraduate at SFSU, Baba Ajamu founded the Black Children’s Learning Laboratory (BCLL), an educational enrichment program that provided activities in Science, Math, and African American History and Culture. The goal of BCLL was to encourage African American students to pursue careers in science and engineering tempered with a commitment to the betterment of their community. When Baba Ajamu joined Wo’se Community Church in 1982, BCLL became the first children’s educational enrichment program provided by the church.

Baba Ajamu held positions as Disease Control Investigator and Environmental Health Specialist while working for the City and County of San Francisco for twenty five years (1983-2009). During the same period (1990-2003), he also worked as Group Counselor at Alameda County Juvenile Hall for thirteen years. He earned a Master of Public Administration Degree from California State University, East Bay in 1990.

In preparation for a second career, Baba Ajamu earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of San Francisco in 2008. He began his teaching career as a Science teacher at Lafayette Elementary School in Oakland California. He has also taught Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Science at Oakland Technical High School.

Baba Ajamu has two daughters, and his youngest daughter, Ayoka, is one of the first students to graduate from Ile Omode. Having previously taught science at Ile Omode as a volunteer, Baba Ajamu returned to Ile Omode to teach 4th and 5th grade in 2014. He considers Ile Omode home and loves working with his students.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for 4th/5th grade
  • Pre-Algebra instruction
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Tyanne

Mama Tyanne.

Primary Grade Teacher:
Mama Tyanne Moore

Send Email 

Mama Tyanne hails from Los Angeles ; she is the product of a loving family of five. She attended and graduated from the University of California at San Diego , where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Political Science.

Mama Tyanne began teaching at Ile Omode in 2007; initially as a teacher's assistant for 3rd grade history and math, and continued teaching primary elementary grades. She is an enthusiatic arts and crafts hobbyist and she brings her love of crafts to her classroom as well as the greater Ile Omode community.

Mama Tyanne is particularly famous for her contributions to Ile Omode Family Nights (generally on Friday's and during school session breaks) where the children and their families come to play various games -- Wii and assorted board games -- and enjoy, music, movies and, of course, food; and where students can experience positive interaction between their teachers, family members and friends.

Mama Tyanne believes the success of Ile Omode grows out of its committment to family and culture. She resides in Oakland with her husband Baba Jeffery -- a longtime member of Wose -- and her son Nkosi, an Ile Omode student.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for 3rd grade
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Kara

Mama Kara.

Primary Grade Teacher:
Mama Bonisile Ikemba

Send Email 

Mama Bonisile was born and raised in the Bay Area. She is the daughter of two loving parents and the youngest of her siblings. She is a learning practicitioner of Isese, the traditional spiritual tradition of the Yoruba people. She attended Bishop O Dowd High school and went on to graduate from the historic Howard University.

During her time at Howard, she was the co-founder and co-president of the Howard University's Community Development Association as well as the Undergraduate Lab supervisor in the archaeology research laboratory. She presented at symposiums and conferences such as the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilization (ASCAC) and worked on three archeological collections, one of which was the Buffalo Soliders project where she participated in an excavation in the Gila National Forest. Her most important time during college was under the direction of Howard's Africana Studies professors and her relationship with Washington D.C.'s greater African-centered community. She learned to read and write MDW NTR (hieroglyphics) and traveled to Ghana and Nigeria.

She was blessed with the intellectual and political foundation that equipped her to seek out institutions who were committed to African liberation. In the summer of 2013, Bonisile volunteered at Ile Omode, assisting Baba Abubakar with the summer program. She had found her calling and was committed to joining the Ile Omode family as a teacher upon her graduation.

Today, Mama Bonisile is the primary 2nd grade teacher and is committed to the work that needs to be done to activiate the Ase of our children and maximize their power so that they can continue on the mission to liberate our people.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for 2nd grade
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Imani

Mama Imani

Primary Grade Teacher:
Mama Imani Todd

Send Email 

Mama Imani Todd isa graduate of University of California in Riverside, where she earned a B.A. in Creative riting. She enjoys spoken word and dance. She was he lead creative writer for "Ambience", an open mic night series, and the playwright for "WAKE UP: Our Untold Story.











TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for 2nd grade
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Darnisha

Mama Chrystal.

Primary Grade Teacher:
Mama Chrystal Moore

Send Email 

Mama Chrystal Moore was born and raised in Oakland, California, and is the youngest of three girls, who were all raised by a single mother. She attended Skyline Senior High in Oakland, where she excelled academically, and was an honors student and year-round athlete. As a teen she competed in basketball, track and field, and cross country, and had a strong, passionate love for dance.

She became the first in her family to attend college, and was accepted to Boise State University on a full academic scholarship, where she competed with the Boise State Track and Field/Cross Country team. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Development with the intention of teaching elementary and middle school students.

While attending Boise State, she worked part-time with TRiO Upward Bound Pre-College Program for low-income, first-generation students to gain experience in educational. In her role she had responsibility for coordinating and developing the program. After earning her degree she traveled, but eventually returned to California where she immediately obtained an educational position in special education.

Mama Chrystal was employed as an instructional aide at Spectrum Center Schools where she worked with students with disabilities and behavioral challenges. She worked within teams to develop and implement classroom activities. Chrystal also worked as a paraeducator in the Fairfield/Suisun School District where she designed classroom lessons and other activities.

Mama Chrystal believes in cultivating strong, intelligent, and empowered youth. She for them to be able to build a better future for the generations to follow, by having the intention to impact and serve positively, respectfully, and graciously.

Mama Chrystal serves as the Malcolm X first grade teacher and brings a wealth of energy and enthusiasm to the position.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for 1st grade
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Kimberly

Mama Kimberly.

Primary Grade Teacher:
Mama Kimberly Coleman

Send Email 

Mama Kimberley is the Marcus Garvey kindergarten teacher. She joyfully returned to Ile Omode, when she previously was a parent of two elementary age boys who attended the school. At the time she also served as the school's administrator.

She is a graduate of UC Irvine, where she studied Biology. She has had a weatlh of experience, and served in a host of capacities.

Mama Kimberly has 4 children, and lives in the South Bay with three, and her youngest presently attends Ile Omode. She is an avid "football mom", and in the fall can be seen jeering her sons in a high school or college football game.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for Kindergarten
  • Afterschool instructor

Mama Rachael

Mama Rachael.

Curriculum Specialist:
Mama Rachael Durham

Send Email 

Rachael Durham is a native of Oakland, California, and has been working as an educator in the Bay Area for over a decade. She attended San Francisco State University and received a Bachelors degree in sociology in 2008.

While attending SFSU, she worked as an assistant director to an after school program in San Francisco. This position helped her to realize her passion for quality education and opened doors for her to work as a tutor, reading coach, and substitute teacher in various schools throughout Oakland and San Francisco.

In 2012, she began a master's degree program at the University of San Francisco and earned her masters degree in teaching in 2014.

In 2013, Rachael came into the Ile Omode community as a student teacher, working on her degree. In 2014, she became the lead kindergarten teacher at Ile Omode. This school year, she works as the curriculum specialist for the kindergarten and first grade. She is a mother of two and her oldest son is a proud Ile Omode preschooler.

Rachael is a mother of one and loves traveling, visiting beaches and spending time with loved ones and family.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Support teacher for Kindergarten
  • Support teacher for 1st Grade

Mama Sydnei

Mama Sydnei

Teaching Assistant:
Mama Sydnei Taylor

Send Email 

Mama Sydnei Taylor is a enthusiastic, multi- talented young woman from the Bay Area, California! Although she was born in Washington, DC, she spent the majority of her adolescence growing up in the small town of East Palo Alto, where her Grandfather settled nearly 40 years prior to her birth! Sydnei readily credits her love of knowledge and scholarship to him, as he was more than instrumental in growing her appreciation for the sciences and inquisitive nature. As an attendee of EPACS, a local charter school, she benefited exponentially from the quaint, community atmosphere, winning multiple science fairs, debate tournaments and even running a 5K all before the age of 10! Despite having always embodied a carefree, fun loving demeanor, Taylor displayed an affinity for intellectual stimulation early in life, foregoing summer activities for vigorous bridge programs and educational enrichment academies throughout her elementary education. Her family moved between E.P.A. and the greater Fremont/ Hayward area before relocating to East Oakland in her 8th grade year.

Mama Sydnei continued her stint in California public schools, transitioning to San leandro HS. Here she indulged in soccer, earning a place on the Varsity squad while simultaneously holding the captain’s spot on JV. After transfering to Skyline HS in her junior year, she attempted to play on their team as well but was denied the opportunity due to stringent interdistrict bylaws. As a result, she played in a local adult league under the guise of her eldest sister, Ashlei, but was eventually found out and released. Taylor participated in a multitude of extracurricular activities to diversify her interest and serve the community. Such programs include Juma Ventures, College Track, Girl Scouts, Y-PLAN, Black Young Democrats, etc. All of which allowed her to better discern the state of the Black experience, and begin to explore the many ways she could improve not only herself, but our people and their consequent surroundings as well. In the summer after her senior year, Taylor was granted an opportunity to travel to Nicaragua with Foundation for Sustainable Development! This adventure sparked what would later be described as “her insatiable desire to travel the world.”

Upon finishing at Skyline in ‘13 she migrated back to the greater DC metropolitan area in pursuance of a bachelor's degree at Howard University, studying Chemistry while minoring in African Studies, as Anthropology was no longer offered as a field of study. While in school, Sydnei yearned to see Black- African history and culture in real time. She soon found herself backpacking across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean in search of Black culture in a more indigenous frame of reference. Her overarching goal was to show her community the Black faces of the world, prior to colonialism and outside interference. Taylor has been fortunate enough to follow the migration patterns of the Arawaks, studying their customs and comparing them to those of our ancestors in Africa, see prized relics of the Maroons, and even live amongst the Nahoas and Xiu-Sutiava people in their rural communities! During her travels she also formed an interest in agriculture and environmental sustainability, ultimately leading her to re-evaluate her purpose in life, become vegan, and seek enlightenment outside of the paradigm of western education. She left Howard after three years, working between various modalities of outreach within her South East, DC neighborhood and surrounding garden community. In the summer of 2017 Mama Sydnei was then granted an internship with USDA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Services! She moved back to California to reside on a Native American reservation in Orleans! Spending the summer amongst the Kuruk and Yuruk peoples, while helping to coordinate a forestry program with an emphasis in cultural education and conservation! Upon returning, she visited Ile Omode to visit her niece and nephew and the rest is history!

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Elementary teaching assistant
  • After school support
Mama Jasiri Preschool Staff

Mama Lisa

Mama Lisa.

Preschool Lead Teacher:
Mama Lisa Smith

Send Email 

Mama Lisa, a California native, was raised in Oakland and graduated from Oakland Technical High School. She worked for the County of Alameda in the Personnel Department and then in the Mental Health Department for a total of seven years. She then worked at a bank in San Francisco for twelve years, but as the twelve years came to a close, she felt her job becoming more and more unfulfilling.

For years Mama Lisa organized craft projects for her nieces and nephews to complete at family holiday dinners. These fulfilling family experiences led her to consider a career in child care. Her family and friends thought she would make a wonderful teacher so she quit her job and went to school full time at Merritt College, earning her AA in Child Development.

Mama Lisa's first job after graduating was as a substitute caregiver for infants. Admittedly, her first thought was, "you've got to be kidding me. I'm ready to work with toddlers and preschoolers. The last baby I took care of was my fifteen year old nephew". On her first day working with the infants, she channeled her mother. She sang plenty of songs and had many conversations about nothing, just the kinds of conversations babies like most.

While Lisa was working as a substitute teacher, she learned about an open preschool teaching position at Ile Omode. Once she learned that the school was African centered and closely related to the Wose Community Church, Mama Lisa became interested. When Lisa found the job posting, confirming that Ile Omode was a school dedicated to African American children in Oakland, she was more than excited and eager to become a part of the community.

Mama Lisa is still amazed that she works at Ile Omode. She is extremely thankful that she has experienced the fruits of the parable, "ask and you shall receive". Working at a school where the children are "family" and the staff members are supportive is exactly the kind of career Mama Lisa was looking for. She calls the children her "little people" and they are expected to act as people, not babies. Ile Omode expects the best of their children, and Mama Lisa wants to give her little people the foundation they need to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the teachers at Ile Omode.'

-(written by Zenzile Riddick, class of 2011)

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for preschool

Mama Aisha

Mama Lisa.

Preschool Teacher:
Mama Aisha Stephens

Send Email 

Mama Aisha Tiye Stephens is the daughter of Mama Pamela Williams, the business manager at Ile Omode. She was raised in Oakland and graduated from St. Joseph High school in Alameda. While working at Ile Omode she also attended the University of Phoenix where she graduated in July with a bachelor's degree in science and business.

Mama Aisha attended the summer programs at Ile Omode in 1990 and had an exciting and extraordinary experience, from that point on she has remained connected to the Ile Omode community. She was motivated to pursue studies in early childhood education to support a nephew who has some developmental delays. Her involvement with early childhood education encouraged her to return to Ile Omode and utilize her skills at the school which lead her to teaching preschool.

Mama Aisha says her experience working at Ile Omode has been great and a lot of impressive changes have happened to Ile Omode over the years. She finds it great to be apart of this change and enjoys seeing the use of technology, advance placement, and leadership evolve at the institution. Mama Aisha would like her students and the children of Ile Omode to learn from her academic and social confidence and learn critical solving skills.

-(written by Zenzile Riddick, class of 2011)

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Primary teacher for preschool

Mama Karla

Mama Karla.

Preschool Teacher:
Mama Karla Jones

Send Email 

Karla Jones was born and raised in Oakland, California. She was raised by wonderful parents in a fairly large family - she has 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She attended high school at St. Elizabeth High School but grew weary of the school's restrictions, and eventually transferred and graduated from San Leandro High School.

Karla worked in accounts and customer service for Waste Management for many years before leaving to devote more time to her growing family. She is a wife and mother of 4 children; 2 boys and 2 girls. Her oldest boy attends Cal Eastbay, and her two girls both received athletic scholarships in track and field. Her oldest attends Sacramento State and competes on the college's track team, and her third child, who graduated from Ile Omode in 2014, has signed to attend Texas A&M .

Not surprisingly, Karla has served as a volunteer coach for C.A. Track Club, a non-profit, youth track and field team for nearly a decade. She has coached a number of Ile Omode students over the years. She is also an assistant coach of track and field and cross country at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland. She has helped the school win several league and regional titles in recent years, and provides counsel to many student-athletes as she works to ensure they maintain a focus on their studies. In this capacity she has been instrumental in preparing students to compete in college.

When her two youngest children began attending Ile Omode in 2009 it wasn't long before her earlier coursework in childhood development from University of Phoenix and her love for children prompted her to volunteer at the school. She assisted in the kitchen, served breakfast, and assisted with several grades including the preschool and pre-kindergarten classes.

Her joy in teaching eventually led to her accepting a position to join the Mama Jasiri Preschool staff, and her love for the young students is evident in her daily interactions. Karla finds children to be amazing, and she enjoys "seeing their development over the years from preschool through 8th grade", while wanting our young people to achieve their best. Watching children learn is rewarding and she loves their "energy, their inquistiveness, and their enthusiam for learning".

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Assistant teacher for preschool

School Wide

Baba Neemly

Baba Neemly.

Traditional African Dance and Drums:
Baba Neemly Napla

Baba Neemly is the former director of the Liberian national dance company.
















TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Dance and drumming for middle school
  • Dance and drumming for upper elementary

Staff

Mama Rose

One of the finest chefs in the SF-Bay Area.

Cafeteria Manager:
Mama Mildred Rose

Born in New Iberia, Louisiana, the southern transplant has called Oakland her home since 1963. Her first job cooking was in Oakland at the Pacific Bowl, a bowling alley long since closed located at 73rd and East 14th Street (now International Boulevard). Everything was going well until the owner Ester, also from New Iberia, had to leave town and needed Mildred to cover the morning cook shift. There was one problem; this southern Black woman didn’t know her way around the kitchen. The moment of truth came when one of the frequent customers came in and said he wanted his usual steak, eggs, and hash browns. She said, “I know what you want, I just don’t know how to cook it.” She uncertainly placed the steak on the grill and with determination, acumen, and a little help from the customer she prepared a delicious meal. When the steak began sizzling on the grill this began her work in food service.

Since that time she has developed herself into one of the finest cooks not featured on a cable show, and has developed a unique combination of healthy southern cuisine. Over the years her repertoire has broadened considerably, although she is still known for a making a mean pot of gumbo. Along the way she earned two degrees from Laney College, in business and nutrition, finding a thrust for learning; and starting a very successful catering business.

She has worked as a cook and chef at a number of restaurants throughout Oakland, eventually retiring from Alta Bates Hospital, as a manager in the cafeteria. She was a member of the union at the hospital and took responsibility for promoting Kwanzaa at the hospital’s cafeteria, and later became a member of Wo’se Community.

She is a mother of two, and was a frequent PTA supporter. Her role as a grandmother has shown no let down, and she is frequently seen in attendance at dance performance, track meets, as well as football and soccer games. Her spirit resonates in the meals she prepares at the school, and she is truly a godsend to Ile Omode’s community.


Mama Pam

Joined Ile Omode in 2010.

Business Manager:
Mama Pamela Williams

Send Email 

As a team member of Ile Omode Mama Pam's responsibilities include working with parents to become current in tuition, planning and developing an Ile Omode Mama and Baba Organization (PTA) and Financial Development of Ile Omode program for Fundraising and Grant procurement.

Mama Pam has been in the Financial Banking Industry for more than 30 years. Her career choices have afforded her the opportunity to be in various aspects of banking to include but not limited to a Quality Control Manager for Irwin Home Equity, for more the 10 years, an Assistant Vice President for San Francisco Federal 10 years, and a Loan Servicing Manager for Provident Funding 2 years.

Mama Pam's background experience includes analyzing data, interpreting diverse and complex information making recommendations to enhance various areas by process improvements in Real Estate Loan Servicing and Asset Resolution business. She provided written evaluations of business units performance within their procedural guidelines to ensure the work flow supported all entities affected by their processes.

She also served as the coordinator for Sisters of Tomorrow, a rites of passage program, for over 14 years working with young girl’s ages 6 to 21. Mama Pam has been a member of Wo'se Community for over 20 years and is a member of its Council of Elders.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Middle School girl's health class

Mama Kelly

Mama Kelly

Office Manager:
Mama Kelly Kouyate

Send Email 

Kelly Kouyate is the Office Manager at Ile Omode. She is the proud mother of two beautiful children and wife of Senegalese entertainer Ousseynou Kouyate.

Mama Kelly began working with children while in high school and completed her Early Childhood Education units at Merritt College. From there she has taught preschool at Aspire, Adventure Time in Berkeley and Ile Omode School. Her undergraduate degree is in Business Management with an emphasis on Human Resources from the University of Phoenix, and she’s worked within Oakland and Berkeley Unified School Districts.

Mama Kelly has danced professionally with Diamano Coura West African Dance Company since the age of 19 years old. Performing throughout California, New York, Washington DC and Senegal West Africa, and continues to dance weekly with her husband and children.

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Serves as administrative preschool director

Mama Carlynn

Mama Carlynn

Fundraising Coordinator:
Mama Carlynn Wooten-Scott

Send Email 

Mama Carlynn Wooten Scott is a wife and mother of four children, three of whom are students of Ile Omode School.

She is an advocate for culturally centered education and works with various groups advancing quality education for black youth, including the State of Black Oakland (SOBO) Education Work Group. She is the owner of SupportED, an organization dedicated to providing academic support and mentorship for students and families with the goal of building self/academic esteem and helping families navigate through high school and higher education.

Mama Carlynn has over fifteen years experience working with non profits and community based organizations in capacity building, grant writing, and resource development. She holds the belief that the one of the greatest challenges for black organizations is access to equitable resources. As a result, as the funding coordinator she is dedicated to supporting the growth and sustainability of Ile Omode School, as it is a vital resource for our community. Her work is centered on achieving sustainability through building organizational capacity and strategic resource development.

She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and holds a bachelors and Masters degree in political science. She also teaches communicative arts through the use of hip hop and is the coach of the Elementary boys (grades 3-5) basketball team. Go Panthers!

TEACHING DUTIES:

  • Spoken word in elementary and middle school