Culture, DEI Team & External Affairs
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Ms. Kante holds her Masters of Social Work through the lens of advanced generalist practice and programming from Columbia University. Before Columbia, she spent years working within the social service fields such as mental health, women's rights, and international education. Mariame has held multiple titles within urban education: elementary school teacher, grade team leader, dean of students, and most recently, director of DEI. Mariame has a special place in her heart for urban students and has a special interest in creating access to world-class education and experiences for marginalized populations. Her core belief is that working within a social justice lens is the key to reshaping the narrative for marginalized populations. She has a deep belief in radical education and the power it brings to each student's story, ultimately creating an accepting space for them in society. Mariame earned a B.A. in Social Science with a Psychology concentration from Touro College in New York.
Director of External Affairs & Communications
Ms. Mejia is a native New Yorker that attended CUNY Hunter College and received her BA in Media Studies. She recently graduated from Fordham's Gabelli School of Business with her MS in Strategic Marketing & Communications. Ms. Mejia has worked in education for almost 5 years, starting as a teacher and working her way up to Director of Operations. She is so excited to join the MESA team & continue her journey working in education.
Ms. Ramos is a recent graduate of MESA Charter High School.
At age five George Scott wanted to be Batman. The cool car and the gadgets were the appeal, and “beating up bad guys” was the motivation. At age 10 he still wanted to be Batman, but now it was about saving the world. He began to see that not everyone was safe or happy, and were often times dealing with situations that made life unfair. By age 20 he realized he didn't have the fortune or the bulk to be Batman and began to reevaluate his plan to save the world. After graduating from Stony Brook University with a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Youth Development, George has spent the last 13 years working in Youth Development and Education. He has taught 3rd and 4th grade in the Bronx and Brooklyn respectively. He has also spent some time developing and directing Youth Development programs throughout the city. He has worked at MESA for the past 4 years as a Phys. Ed and Health teacher, but is now turning his talents towards improving Student and Staff Culture. He may not be Batman, but he still hopes to be a hero to the people he serves every day.
Lead Family and Culture Coordinator
Ms. Soto was born and raised in the Dominican Republic where she attended the University Autonoma of Santo Domingo and received a degree in cinematography. She later moved to the United States and is a resident of Bushwick. Ms. Soto is a fluent Spanish speaker and provides much of MESA’s translation services. She has two sons, Aaron and Steven, who are honorary MESA Warriors.