The Forgotten Children is a registered non-profit foundation which serves orphaned, impoverished and homeless children in M'bour Senegal, West Africa. Our mission established a boarding school that would provide safe housing, nourishment and education for these children in dire need.
BOARD MEMBERS
Elhadj Ndoye (Executive Director)
Elhadj was born and raised in Senegal, West Africa. Back in 1995, he relocated to the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a degree in Operations Management from the University of Arizona. He has served as a volunteer at Casas De Los Ninos, a not-for-profit shelter for children in abusive households. He also volunteered at Big Brothers and Sisters. He is very active in his community and currently has affiliations with the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce as Past Chairman. In 2010 Elhadj created The Forgotten Children, a non-profit geared towards helping the street children in Senegal by achieving goals of self-sufficiency.
Adja Thiouf
Originally from Senegal, west Africa Adja received her undergraduate degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona. As a certified laboratory medical technologist, she worked for many years in clinical laboratories before getting her masters in Public Health with emphasis on Community Health from Walden University.
Adja spent many years working with developing countries in Africa and Central Asia helping them build capacity of their clinical laboratories through the Implementation of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS). She has assisted laboratories in demonstrating measurable progress toward compliance and eventual achievement of accreditation by providing consulting and training expertise geared toward improving the quality and sustainability of laboratory systems.
Adja is fluent in English, French and other African dialects. She has a great passion for mission work and makes time to participate in medical mission trips and volunteers for organizations with initiatives that advocate for the welfare of women and children.
Maricela Perez (Treasurer)
Maricela was born in San Manuel, Arizona then at the age of 10; her family relocated to Tucson where she grew up and graduated from Tucson High Magnet School. She has been working in banking for 25 years and is currently a Commercial/Consumer Loan Processor at Western Alliance Bank. In 2010 while working at National Bank of Arizona with Elhadj, she learned about The Forgotten Children and has been an active supporter ever since. Maricela is a firm believer in community outreach and participates in many benefit events filling in different roles. From 2003 to 2016 she volunteered for Danza Cultura Mexicana (DCM), a nonprofit organization that helps to support and keep Mexican Folklorico traditions alive in Arizona. While with DCM she served on the board in various roles such as President, Vice-President and Treasurer. Maricela also volunteers her time with the Devereux Foundation, a nonprofit behavioral health organization that works with children and adults. She is also a board member of The Esperanza Dance Project, a nonprofit arts service organization that is raising awareness about childhood sexual violence. Most recently Maricela was the Producer of 2019 Stand-up for Humanity, a benefit event that helped raise money for The Esperanza Dance Project and The Forgotten Children. She believes in helping those in need, spreading love and is grateful to have the opportunity to do so through these great organizations.
Kathleen Benyak (Secretary)
Graduating with an Architect’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University, Kathleen has enjoyed a 25-year career in commercial interior architecture, planning and design. Notable projects include Mobil Oil MACS HQ, Revlon’s Corporate HQ and Chemical Bank NJ’s HQ. Kathleen also served in Campus Planning & Design at The College of New Jersey for 14 years. She was responsible for all phases of interior planning and design on new construction including Theatre and Concert Halls, Classroom and Academic buildings, Residence Halls, Offices, and an award winning 135,000 SF Library. Since relocating full time to AZ in 2006, she has focused on philanthropic work and volunteering for organizations that include the Tucson VA Hospital, The Friends of the Bisbee Animal Shelter, Tucson Wildlife Center and The Chiricahua Apache Nation. Kathleen currently resides in Cochise County and pursues her interests in painting, wildlife preservation and promoting her Heartworks Gallery, a commission-free gallery for community involved artists. She is honored to support The Forgotten Children organization.
Suzie Agrillo
Suzie Agrillo practiced law in Arizona for 35 years. She was employed as a prosecutor for the City of Tucson and Pima County as well as the Town Magistrate for Oro Valley. She received numerous awards for her work, including the State Bar of Arizona Award of Special Merit, as well as the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Prosecutor of the Year Award.
In addition to her legal work, Suzie is the founder of Comedy for Charity (CFC), a nonprofit which uses comedy shows to raise money to prevent violence, to assist victims of violence, and to raise awareness about violence. Over the last 12 years, CFC has raised funds for Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse; Youth on Their Own (YOTO); Our Family Services; Gospel Rescue Mission; La Frontera-Rally Point; Dancing in the Streets AZ; YWCA of Southern Arizona; Ben’s Bells; Esperanza Dance Project; and many other local nonprofits. In 2020, at the height of COVID, NBC’s The Funny Dance Show awarded CFC $10,000 to fund its mission.
In 2022 Suzie attended The Forgotten Children’s annual fundraiser, and she was inspired by Elijah’s commitment to provide aid to needy children in Senegal. She was heartened to see a small organization making such a big impact on the lives of children halfway around the world. When he asked her to be a Board member, she said “yes”-- because she knew she wanted to make The Forgotten Children a part of her legacy.
Suzie’s favorite quote is by Ghandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Alexander Folk
Alexander was born in Los Angeles, California in May of 1946, he is an Actor / Author he was bitten by the Acting Bug after receiving a standing ovation following his performance in a play at the age of tender age of 12. He went on to study Drama at Fremont High School in Los Angeles, where he was inducted into The High School Hall of Fame. He then went on to studied Theatre Arts at Los Angeles City College, (Clint Eastwood’s alma mater) and at various Acting Workshops. He has been seen in over 150 films, TV Commercials and television Shows. He was Jennifer Hudson’s Father in her Oscar Winning Role in the film Dreamgirls. He was also the Chief Swat Officer at the end of the film, Nation Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, who had the famous line, “That’s Pretty Low Mister, If I had a Rubber Hose I Would Beat You…” Now that line, along with his picture is on T-Shirts, Caps, Mugs, Aprons, Bed Spreads, Shower Curtains, Etc. Etc. on-line. He also wrote two short Books, “Go Home - A Guide To Achieving Your Goals While Dealing With Life’s Inconveniences” and “Women - God’s Second Greatest Gift to Humanity” which are also on-lone. He was been in a number Television Commercials, like “Chic-Film-A, MacDonalds, Discover Card, Target, Mazda, Imodium AD, Coca Cola, T-Mobil, Campbell Soup, Dodge, US Postal Service and United Airlines, just to name a few. In addition to the above, I have been to over 40 countries in the world and God willing, I’m not finished yet. But I have to say I believe the Biggest highlight of my life is to be a part Elijah’s vision to provide children the shelter, the food and the guidance they need to become productive citizens of this world until GOD moves them and all of us on to the next adventure He has in store for us.
Dr. Akin Akinbile
Name: Mufutau Akin Akinbile
Married with 2 children
Profession: pediatric critical care physician
Works at Tucson Medical Center
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria though consider myself a global citizen, enjoys traveling, sports, politics and a philanthropist. Leadership roles in many social and medical organizations.
Philosophy: The truth and a given heart are the most powerful weapons against most socioeconomic problems. We are the world and we are out of many one people. We must all be accountable to humanity.
ADVISORY
Modu Seye
International Fitness Trainer Modu Seye inspires and nurtures clients teaching fitness as a way of life, spreading his passion through rigorous boot camp programs and personal training. A competitive athlete throughout his life, Modu founded MODUVATED to guide clients through the maze of diet and exercise fads and onto a lifestyle that produces magnificent, healthy bodies. It takes more than a physical workout, more than good nutrition, more than an hour at the gym. It takes a mind-set that brings success whether you are trying to lose weight, build muscle or get sculpted.
With a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, his intention was to climb the corporate ladder, but his need to help people pulled him into the fitness industry and the science of physical alteration through hard work. With his decision made, he obtained his certifications NASM(National Academy of Sport Medicine) and NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association).
- Modu started his fitness career at 24hr Fitness until 2009, Modu broke out on his own and founded ModuVated, his vision of fitness and healthy living, not as a business, but more so a LIFESTYLE. The ModuVated brand quickly spread through LA, then south as far as the coastline could stretch, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he and his team lead daily beach bootcamps along with personal training sessions to both residents and vacationers. The ModuVated training program, which focuses primarily on functional training, has helped to re sculpt young and old bodies alike.
Richard Noel
Richard Noel was born and grew up in the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago. He and his family relocated to the United States in the year 1998 to further his aeronautical engineering career. He later established a job at Evergreen Air Center as an Aircraft Structural Manager, where he oversaw major, commercial, private and governmental projects including N.A.S.A.. In the year 2003, Richard and his wife assisted with children in crisis in the foster care system. During that time he started a non-profit organization called One Kingdom Image that entails community enrichment projects with other organizations such as Up With People and Parks and Recreation. Richard’s musical ability has given him the opportunity to be featured in events such as: “The Joy of Music 2004,” hosted by the Tucson Symphony Women’s Association, Tucson Meet Yourself, Family Arts Festival, stage manager at Martin Luther King event 2008 and also held an exclusive part in the opening act at the 2008 Rose Bowl Parade along with the performing arts group “Up With People". Richard is presently a director with the Cultural Exchange Council (CEC), an organization that promotes cultural diversity by promoting events such as Tucson Meet Yourself, Family Arts Festival, Fiesta De San Agustin and the Waila Festival.
Katie Reynolds
My name is Katie Reynolds. I am a long-time resident of Tucson and spent my formative years living abroad in Argentina, Germany, and Switzerland. I have 2 beautiful daughters, as well as a very energetic granddaughter. I spent 20 years in nursing, specifically in physical rehab. I worked five years in preventative medicine at canyon ranch resort. I retired from nursing to caretake two sick family members, and to focus on family. My passion now is intuitive painting and teaching workshops. I discovered and fell in love with this Art form, as it has brought so much joy to my life and others. Another passion of mine is nonprofit work. I am involved with SalvavisionAz. This is a nonprofit that helps immigrants attain asylum. I have also volunteered for Keep Tucson together, helping asylum seekers in the detention centers write their stories. It would be an honor and privilege to be on the board of forgotten children. I have great compassion for those less privileged, and I have so been moved by Forgotten Children and the passion behind the story.
Omer Kreso
Omer Kreso is a graduate from Canyon Del Oro High school in Oro Valley Arizona and has a bachelors degree in political science and history from The University of Arizona. Omer has been working with refugees for several years and hiring many of the refugees to work with him at his photography business. His web site is www.omerkreso.com
Simon Brown
Simon was born in Changi, Singapore and grow up around the world on many military bases, before moving back to the U.K to finish up his education. He emigrated to the U.S in 2000 where he lived in UP State NY working for Citizens Bank. In 2009 Simon was sworn in as a U.S Citizen at the State Capital in Albany NY. In 2010 Simon moved to Tucson where he began working for National Bank of Arizona and where he met Elhadj. Since 2014 Simon has been a constant Volunteer at all Forgotten Children Events. Over the last 3 – 4 years Helping Elhadj run the Afri-Can Event. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Tucson and with Junior Achievement of Arizona. He is currently back in school doing an online degree in Business Management.
Rene Valdez
Rene Valdez is a true born and raised Tucsonan who loves all things U of A. He’s a retired public servant, but for fun he’s a semi-pro football player and a stand-up comic. When he found out about the diligent efforts The Forgotten Children do on a daily basis to better the lives of youth, he was inspired to help them. He created and put on the Stand-up for Humanity showcase as a way to contribute to their cause as well as give his favorite city a night of fun and entertainment. He is very excited to be apart of the board and be an active advocate of The Forgotten Children.
Board Member - Andi Smith