Madjalia Seynou

Executive Director

With a strong financial background and a passion for helping her community, Madjalia has over ten years of experience serving nonprofit organizations. Growing up in rural Burkina Faso, she witnessed the daily challenges faced by rural women farmers. This inspired her to create FarmSahel in 2019 to serve her community.

Madalia's commitment extends beyond FarmSahel; she founded Iram Web Services, a web design agency (iramwebservices.fr), and co-founded RabbitSkill (rabbitskill.com), a job board connecting Burkina Faso's youth with online job opportunities and career guidance.

Madjalia holds a Master's in Accounting from Saint John's University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. She is a recipient of the 2023 Women Creativity in Rural Life Award.

Cynthia Ouedraogo

Trustee

Cynthia is a PhD student in Administrative Sciences and Management at Laval University in Canada. Affiliated with the Centre d'expertise en gestion de la santé et de la sécurité de l'Université Laval, her research interests focus on the transfer of occupational health and safety knowledge, with a particular emphasis on identifying the factors contributing to the integration of new OHS knowledge in organizations. She is currently conducting a research on the role of managers in the adoption of new OHS practices.

Driven by a deep desire to be useful to society, her professional motivations have a human and social connotation.

Beyond the professional aspect, she offers her experience and expertise to support FarmSahel in its sustainable development projects.

Erin Fairbanks

Trustee

Erin, a dedicated Board member at FarmSahel and a Community Manager at CookUnity, is a passionate experience designer with a strong commitment to driving equity, sustainability, and happiness.

With over 15 years of experience spanning the realms of hospitality, technology, media, and nonprofits, she has successfully spearheaded numerous projects and pioneered the launch of multiple organizations.

Erin's unwavering focus on community-driven innovation continues to be a driving force in her journey towards positive change.

Bassirou Compaore

Trustee

Bassirou Compaoré, a dedicated Board member at FarmSahel, is not only a passionate teacher with 27 years of experience but also deeply committed to the well-being and development of his students.

Having called the south central region of Burkina Faso home for the past 22 years, he has consistently exhibited unwavering dedication to his local community, actively engaging in initiatives aimed at enhancing their lives.

Beyond the classroom, Bassirou generously volunteers his time for various community projects, a commitment that led him to become involved with FarmSahel. His love for reading and fervor for football further reflect his diverse interests and enthusiasm for life.

Curtis Springstead

Trustee

Curtis Springstead spent his 40-year career primarily as a consultant on Information Technology and process improvement in a variety of industries. Curt was also a trainer and professor part time for 30 years.

Volunteering has been a part of his life since college and today he is Co-Chair of the AARP NJ Speakers Bureau presenting on topics of interest to seniors. In addition he is a certified small business mentor with SCORE and a Leadership Coach with Braven helping first generation graduates and underserved college students prepare to get a meaningful first job.

Nancy Eiden

Trustee

For the past several years, Nancy has been dedicated to advancing economic empowerment for formerly incarcerated individuals. She is a seasoned financial services leader, with more than 30 years of experience driving business growth and strategic change initiatives. Passionate about financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, Nancy is also a Certified SCORE Mentor and Board member for the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research. She holds a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Advisory Council

Michael Glicksman

Michael Glicksman was a successful entrepreneur owning Viziflex Seels, Inc and Dynamic Display Solutions for over 34 years. Since retirement Mike has devoted to volunteering for a variety of causes. Michael volunteered with Eva’s Village Workforce Development Paterson NJ, the Salvation Army of Bergen County, Access Supports, Family Promise, and the RIdgewood Library ESL.  Mike is currently the Co Chair of the SCORE NE NJ with over 70 volunteers providing free mentors to existing businesses and startups.

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