Culture, DEI, External Affairs & Family Engagement

 

Mariam KanteMariame Kante

Director of  Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion & Family Engagement

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.

 

 

 

 

Kayla MejiaKayla Mejia

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSGenesis Ramos

Culture Intern

Ms. Ramos is a recent graduate of MESA Charter High School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSNelly Soto

Manager of Culture & Family Engagement

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.