Our Team | African Women's RISE

COLLABORATION

MEET OUR BOARD

We are proud of the incredibly talented individuals who make up our board of collaborators. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, we are grateful for their contributions to our organization. Get to know our team members by reading their biographical profiles below.

Fatima Babih, EdD

Founder/CEO & Principal Researcher

Dr. Babih is an accomplished researcher, author, dedicated educator, and visionary founder of the African Women's Research Initiative for Social Empowerment (African Women's R.I.S.E.). She brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering passion for empowering girls, communities, and organizations. With over a decade of combined experience at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and several years in the legal field, Dr. Babih has honed her expertise in development and social justice issues. Her dedication to breaking down barriers and fostering positive change for the next generation of African women drives her extensive research, impactful writings, and committed educational initiatives. Dr. Babih holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Queens College, City University of New York; a master's in professional studies, gender, and women from Towson University; a master's in legal and ethical studies from the University of Baltimore; and a doctoral degree in education and community college leadership from Morgan Stae University. Dr. Babih's extensive knowledge of the difficulties faced by girls in Africa shapes her unique perspective. Having grown up in Sierra Leone, where she witnessed the impact of harmful societal norms such as early marriage and lack of access to education on countless girls in her community, she leverages this firsthand knowledge, integrating it with her educational background, research, writing, and technology skills, along with her adeptness in building effective interpersonal connections. This powerful combination of insights and abilities positions Dr. Babih to drive meaningful change and craft impactful solutions, advancing girls' well-being and women's empowerment across Africa.

Glinda A. Powell, M.D./ABD

Board Member & Art Therapist

Glinda A. Powell is a passionate and dedicated advocate for social justice. She specializes in the transformative power of art therapy and social work to combat the injustices affecting young girls in Africa. Holding dual Master's degrees in Museum Studies and Social Work, Glinda brings a unique blend of expertise in cultural preservation and therapeutic practices to her work. She is in the final stage of her doctoral degree in social work at Morgan State University and eagerly anticipates her graduation in May 2025. As a key board member of African Women’s RISE, Glinda is deeply committed to using art as a powerful medium for healing and empowerment. Her vision is to develop and implement innovative programs that leverage art therapy to address the psychological and emotional challenges young girls in Africa face. Glinda’s academic and professional journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for creating sustainable change and fostering resilience through creative and therapeutic interventions. Her work uplifts individuals and strengthens communities, making her an invaluable asset to African Women’s RISE and other organizations dedicated to social justice.

Fatimata Sy, M.Ed.

Board Member & Community Development Specialist

Madam Fatimata K. Sy is a dynamic and strategic development professional who strives to foster positive change in underserved African communities. With over two decades of experience, she has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to support sustainable development projects, promote social justice, and facilitate cross-cultural collaborations. Her extensive background spans multiple African countries, including Gabon, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and many others, underscoring her broad international experience and commitment to global development. Madam Sy's multilingual proficiency in French, English, Pulhar, and Wolof allows her to effectively interact and communicate with various stakeholders. Her career includes pivotal roles in key institutions, including the Senegal Ministry of Justice. She also served over two decades at the World Bank, excelling in program management, strategic planning, and community development. Madam Sy holds a Master's degree in elementary reading and literacy from Walden University and a Certificate in Community Development from Colorado State University. She also earned a B.A. in English Literature & American Civilization from Université Cheikh Anta Diop and pursued postgraduate studies in American Literature at Université de la Sorbonne Nouvelle. Madam Sy has led initiatives on community development, education, environmental sustainability, youth and women's empowerment, and healthcare support; she has been instrumental in empowering rural women, girls, and youth throughout West Africa. Madam Sy's profound commitment to social justice and development and extensive professional and academic background make her a valued collaborator and key African Women's RISE board member. Her work continues to inspire and drive impactful change across Africa.

Iman Marghoob M.S.,R.D.

Board Member and Community Health and Nutrition Advocate

Mrs. Iman Marghoob is a registered dietitian with a rich background in community health and sustainable food practices. From 2010 to 2015, she served as the Community Gardens Coordinator at Stony Brook University's Department of Family Medicine, where she oversaw the university's rooftop farm. She has been instrumental in developing ten community gardens in low-income communities. Her efforts have significantly streamlined the process of establishing community gardens, making it more accessible for underserved populations to grow their food. Ms. Marghoob holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from New York University. Her academic training and practical experience have equipped her with the skills to address food insecurity and promote community health through sustainable agriculture initiatives. In addition to her role at Stony Brook, Ms. Marghoob served in the Suffolk County Food Policy Council. She collaborates with various local organizations to enhance food access and nutrition education. Her passion for empowering communities to improve their health outcomes through better dietary practices and sustainable food systems fuels her work at Integrative and Functional Nutrition, a private practice she established in 2016, where she is focused on food as medicine. Ms. Marghoob's commitment to community health and innovative approaches to urban agriculture make her an invaluable asset to African Women's RISE. Her nutrition and sustainable gardening expertise align perfectly with the organization's mission to empower African girls and women through education and community development initiatives.