Who are we?

We are a team of educators, coaches, global leaders and change makers, who are passionate about helping young girls access education and sports, reach their full potential and achieve in life.

Learn more about us

Team Q&A

Founder, Director

Malick Mbengue
Malick's Bio

I was born and raised in a small town in Senegal. After graduating from the University of Dakar, I came to the U.S. for graduate school. I have a Masters degree in Modern Languages (University of Louisville, KY) and completed coursework for a PhD in French and Francophone Studies (UW-Madison, WI).

I am a licensed USSF youth soccer coach and have been teaching and coaching at the high school level for the past 15 years. Having played soccer my whole life, I continue to be active in the sport, playing on multiple adult teams in every city I’ve lived in and coaching at the youth and high school levels.

I’ve always had an interest in coaching young girls. Having been brought up in an environment where girls didn’t play sports and didn’t have the same opportunity as boys, I find it to be an important mission to try to bridge the gap between boys and girls access to sports, particularly in the African continent.

My community involvement includes serving as volunteer coach and mentor for refugee youth with Soccer Without Borders in Baltimore.

It is a privilege for me to be able to give back to Africa and help create change through the sport I love.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
This project is a dream born out of two passions: Soccer and education. In my professional life as a classroom teacher and a soccer coach, I’ve been surrounded by girls and young women who kick butt in the classroom and on the soccer fields, empowered by the strong belief that girls can do anything, be anything, and be good at everything. I see Girls Kick playing a part in helping African girls cultivate that same belief and empower them to be whatever they want to be.
What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I see this organization becoming global; a platform for our common goal of bridging the gender gap in sport and education. I dream of this being a launch pad for authentic cultural connections that will serve communities here in the US and in Africa.
Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?

Play smart, dream big.

Don’t let anyone tell you that girls can’t!

Co-Founder
George Sipa
George's Bio
I was born in Cameroon and raised in France. As long as I can remember I have always been passionate about soccer.

I learned how to play soccer in the streets in Cameroon, Africa. After moving to France I played soccer at the highest youth level.

I earned my first youth coaching license, at 17 years old. My love for soccer led me to more studies at the University of Saint Denis France, where I earned my “Brevet d’Etat d’Entraineur de Sport” ( BEES), which is the second highest coaching license in France.

I moved to the US in early 2000, through the diversity visa program, and a few years later, I became an American citizen.

Having played and coached soccer my whole life, I continued to be active in the sport, playing at the college level (Pasadena City College) and coaching at the youth (Barcelona, La Verne Lazers, Santa Anita, Arsenal, Legend..) and high school level (South Pasadena High School, Arcadia high school, Glendora High school, San Lucy high school, Charter Oaks high school and Webb school).

I am currently the director of coaching of a youth club, Legend San Gabriel Valley, and I am also the head coach of three girl soccer teams. I have been coaching soccer since I was 17 years old. I have always had an interest in coaching young girls.

Unfortunately, in Africa there is a huge gap between boys and girls when it comes to soccer practice and opportunities. Therefore, it will be a privilege for me to be able to bridge that gap. And by the same token give back to the motherland of humanity

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
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What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
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Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
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  Senagalese Team

Seyni Ndir, Program Coordinator

  • Former professional soccer player.
  • Former captain of the first Senegalese women national team.
  • President of Lady’s Turn, a grassroots Senegalese organization that has created the first girls’ soccer leagues.
  • Executive member of Senegalese Soccer Federation, in charge of Women’s soccer.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
Girls Kick is an opportunity to grow the women’s game in Senegal and Africa.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I didn’t have the opportunity to play the game and get an education at the same time. As a former player, I have high hopes of seeing the next generation excelling in both (soccer and education).

Aliou Diouf, Academic Support

I was Born and brought up in a small town, Bambey, located a hundred kilometers away from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. I’ve been a high school English teacher for the past 15 years and currently the Vice-President of DUC, one of Senegal’s most recognizable and successful women’s basketball clubs. My passion for education and sports has led me to travel throughout the country and in the neighboring countries, experiencing first-hand the challenges young people face in their pursuit for a better future. In Sénégal, football (soccer) is the most popular sport and I continue to be both a player and fan of the sport. I am excited to be part of the Girls Kick vision to empower girls , thus improving and impacting their communities.

Samsidine Diatta, Logistics Support

  • Sports Manager
  • Vice-President,/GM of DUC (Dakar University Club)
  • CFO Senegalese Professional Soccer League
  • Executive Member of the Senegalese Soccer Federation, in charge of the organizational committee

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
We need organizations like Girls Kick to advance football in the continent. The women’s game has a lot of potential and this project is a great step towards positive change.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
Girls Kick will hopefully be a model for young girls and a launch pad for success in Africa and globally.

Georges Kassoka, Technical support/Coach

  • Educator (Lamine Gueye High School)
  • Sports Manager (Keur Don Bosco: Center for socio-education and Sports)
  • Head Coach (FC Ocean Girls)
  • Technical Director

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
After working on an innovative sporting project of an academy for girls, combining sport with studies, and following the opportunity to coach FC Ocean, it was my conviction that the future of girls soccer in Senegal was to create a serious academy, work at the grassroots level in order to make the most of the potential of the girls and at the same time keep them at school.
It’s my conviction that Senegalese girls are as talented as the boys and that with projects like Girls Kick, we can do better.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
My hope is that Girls Kick initiative will provide a safe space with women, by women and for women.

Executive Team

Jill Pardini
Jill Pardini

I am currently a full-time life coach to my toddler! I graduated (virtually) with my doctorate from the University of Vermont last May, and my concentration was in organizational leadership, systems change, and public policy.

I have my masters in public policy from Johns Hopkins University where my concentration was international, immigration, and education policy and specifically how those issues intersect. Additionally, I was a former soccer player at the University of Iowa, a TEFL (teaching English as a Foreign Language) Peace Corps Volunteer in The Kyrgyz Republic, and a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia where I researched the challenges of implementing a national education curriculum.

I moved to Vermont five years ago, after serving the City of Baltimore as the Assistant Deputy Mayor for Health, Human Services, Education, and Youth, during a particularly challenging time for the City in the wake of the police-involved killing of Freddie Gray.

Prior to that I was the founding executive director of Soccer Without Borders Maryland a non-profit that serves refugees, asylees, immigrants, and undocumented youth utilizing soccer as the hook to build a variety of other skills: English language, cultural awareness, advocacy, academic, etc.

I’m looking forward to working more with all of you, and helping Malick create and implement his beautiful and transformative vision!

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
At this moment in time our world faces challenges ranging from climate change to pandemics to armed conflict, all of which will require collaborative, cooperative, and collective action to restore and repair. I’m committed to engaging with the world in ways that actively work to undo the damage that has been brought about due to colonialism, racism, and misogyny, which is why I consider it a true honor and privilege to share my time and energy towards helping bring the beautiful vision of Girls Kick into being. Having witnessed first hand the power of sport to transform the lives of young people I’m excited about all the possibilities that will arise under the intentional, passionate, and expert leadership of Malick and the Girls Kick team!

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
My hopes and dreams for Girls Kick are to support and uphold space for the hopes and dreams of the Girls Kick leaders, as big and as expansive as they become!

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
All girls deserve an opportunity to kick, and when given that chance: Girls will kick butt!

Marina Lesse
I am an Angelino, growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles (Pasadena, CA). I come from a privileged background and cannot thank my parents enough for all the opportunities they gave me growing up. My fortunate upbringing included being introduced to multiple sports ultimately landing me in my love: soccer. I strive to pass on this privilege of soccer to all I meet.
I played soccer for both club and school, youth and collegiate levels. I have won multiple championships across my time as an athlete and appreciate the diversity of each team. After a few years playing at Pasadena City College, I enlisted in the US Navy where I served as a Electronics Technician in the Nuclear field. After returning to California, I moved to Monterey Bay, CA and earned my BS in Marine Science. During my time at CSUMB, I worked as a Restoration and Education Assistant for the Non-profit, Return of the Natives. RON is a community and school based environmental education program dedicated to involving students and the community in native habitat restoration in Monterey County. My passion for caring for the environment has led to many research opportunities including endangered steelhead trout monitoring and ocean acidification mitigation research. I now work as a Laboratory Coordinator for the Human Systems Integration Lab at the Naval Postgraduate School.
My passion for soccer (and multiple knee surgeries) has molded me from player to coach. Over the past decade, I have coached all levels and ages. I currently coach at Aptos High school and have previously coached at both private and public institutions. I coach to pass on and share the benefits of soccer to girls. I strive to be a positive mentor, especially for those students that may only have soccer practice to look forward to and be a haven for positivity and growth. In addition, I worked as a camps and clinics coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy, conducting soccer clinics in underserved areas LA.
Throughout my life, I have conducted many used soccer gear collections. I have partnered with the US Army, US Soccer Foundation, LA Galaxy, and multiple other non-profits to bring soccer to those who might not otherwise have the means to participate in soccer. Most recently, I partnered with the Houston Dynamo after Hurricane Harvey to provide the greater Houston community with gear they had lost in the destruction of the storm.

I am excited to be a part of this effort and cannot wait to kick-off!

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
This project is a dream born out of two passions: Soccer and education. In my professional life as a classroom teacher and a soccer coach, I’ve been surrounded by girls and young women who kick butt in the classroom and on the soccer fields, empowered by the strong belief that girls can do anything, be anything, and be good at everything. I see Girls Kick playing a part in helping African girls cultivate that same belief and empower them to be whatever they want to be.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I see this organization becoming global; a platform for our common goal of bridging the gender gap in sport and education. I dream of this being a launch pad for authentic cultural connections that will serve communities here in the US and in Africa.

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
Play smart, dream big.

Don’t let anyone tell you that girls can’t!

Mimi Sei

Aminata R. Sei (Mimi) is a writer and social justice advocate. She is currently working on a creative nonfiction account that will chronicle her lived experiences in Africa, America, and Asia. Mimi attended the University of New . She has showcased essays, as well as written for Huffington Post, and is a member of the critically acclaimed Stanford Alumni Writers’ Critique Group. She has recently penned several articles for Medium.

She is President of the Catlin Gabel School Parent/Faculty Association and Chair of the school’s Board Inclusion and Diversity Committee. She lived in China for four years and was President of the Parent/School Partnership at the Dalian American International School. She is passionate about Inclusion and Equity efforts, especially at educational institutions and is vested in creating safe and welcome spaces to facilitate insightful dialogue and exchange. Giving back to her native Sierra Leone is of keen interest, and she sits on the Board of Surge and Restore, a Portland-based, charitable organization that provides logistics and training for anesthesiology, plastic surgery, and burn-center medical personnel in Sierra Leone. She is also a Board Member of the Northwest Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Resonance Ensemble, and The Africa Sports Venture Group. Ever present in her mind is the significant disparity in standards of living between global north and south countries, and she is committed to bridging these gaps. She is an avid reader, a lover of music and all things African. Mimi lives in Portland, Oregon.
Mimi is a natural on the microphone and is most comfortable in front of an engaging and interactive audience. She is a wine enthusiast, and keeps a decent collection of “Cabs”, she also enjoys an occasional Macassar! She is always happy to engage fellow Sierra Leoneans in Temne, Krio, or Fula, and can dabble in Chinese, and French…at least enough to not get lost in Beijing or Paris.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
The mere mention of girls and soccer in the same sentence relating to any geographical location on the African continent piqued my interest. I am excited to be part of an organization that serves to empower young women by teaching the discipline and camaraderie that’s bound to emerge from Girls Kick. I’m drawn to the idea because it reaffirms that girls’ roles can be more than the stereotypical misfits they have been for years. Girls kick isn’t only about honing futbol skills, it is about capturing the essence and promoting the wellness of the whole girl child.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I am hoping that this program can create avenues for girls to access countless resources that will help sharpen their skills while instilling confidence and increasing their sense of agency.

Natalia Trotman

I was born in CT and have been fortunate enough to have lived in many parts of the world : Paris, London, Buenos Aires, Denver, and now Vancouver. I have played, coached, and reff’d soccer for a large part of my life. Thanks to my parents, I grew up with the mentality that soccer is the bridge that connects most cultures in the world. I participated in many soccer exchanges with teams from Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Sweden and those experiences changed my life.

Before becoming a teacher, I spent 6 years in Market Research working in France and London.

I currently teach French at a high school in Vancouver, BC and I coach the cross-country team. As a teacher, I have organized many trips for students to francophone countries.
I’m also raising my three young boys, coaching their youth soccer teams. I am also in the final stages of my Doctorate and should be presenting my dissertation in July which concerns language acquisition.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
Soccer, education, and youth empowerment are huge passions of mine. I want to use my passion to help girls discover and live out theirs. I want them to feel as empowered and supported as I felt growing up. Soccer provided me with a community, a support system, and a motivation to be successful in school. I want that for girls who wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity. There is so much drive, knowledge and heart on the Girl’s Kick team and I feel honored to learn from our members, and grow with the organization.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
As an organization, we will help girls feel a part of not only a local community, but a global one. I would love to set the goal to eventually expand to multiple parts of the world where girls are not provided the same opportunities as boys. Soccer is a wonderful way to bridge communities as well as provide a community for individuals. My hopes are that members of our program will be inspired to set high aspirations and reach out to our global community for guidance and support.

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
Let’s kick for the stars.

Gina Gabelia
MORE INFO COMING SOON
Elle Hancock

MORE INFO COMING SOON

Dutch Barhydt

I was born and raised in Connecticut, and while always participating and enjoying sports, have not excelled in any particular sport, although physical activity remains a key part of my daily life to this day. A common thread in my life has been a desire to experience and learn in different cultures different than the one I was born into. Beginning in my high school years, I traveled, lived in and participated in programs in North Wales, Nepal, India, Hong Kong and China. Often, I was the only (or one of a few) Americans in those environments and it gave me several lifelong perspectives that I remain grateful for. I learned, firsthand, about cultures very different than my own. I also learned what it is like to to be in the minority (in Hong Kong I was one of 4 Americans living in a hostel of several hundred Chinese students.) In no way do I claim any equivalency to the terrible and consequential hardships that so many in minority positions have suffered. My experiences were obviously much more benign but the lesson I learned in these situations was that my own perspective was far from the only one – indeed was the minority one, and that continues to help me try to see the world through the eyes of others. And it has shown me that the world is so much bigger than my own world, and that the needs of the world are much greater than my own.

The other thread in my life has been a personal and professional commitment to volunteer and work (through board service as well as professional roles) in the area of youth, education and experiential education. This coalesced when I started The Wilderness Skills Fund that to date, has provided 38 adolescents with scholarships to attend multi-week outdoor programs through Outward Bound and The Student Conservation Association (SCA.)

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
I was inspired by the idea of helping to create opportunities for adolescent African girls to grow academically, athletically and to live healthy lives. Having an impact in an area that I had not previously understood – but thanks to Malick am beginning to understand – is inspiring.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
My hope is that Girls Kick will not only impact each girl, but her family and her community and that as Girls Kick grows others will see the power of this model and support it.

Hilary Barhydt

I was born and raised in Connecticut where I attended high school and college. I have played sports my whole life and they help define me. In high school I played field hockey, basketball, softball and lacrosse. In college, I played field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. As an adult, I was a USFHA and USLA rated umpire for over 30 years in both field hockey and lacrosse. I also coached lacrosse and basketball in high school settings. I have worked at a girls summer camp in Maine where I ran the Intermediate program (ages 10-12) that encouraged young girls to participate in daily activities including all waterfront activities, tennis, high and low ropes, hiking and many others. I earned a master’s degree from Trinity College (CT) with a focus on sports literature. I have never played soccer, but enjoy watching it. As an adult, I enjoy playing golf, pickleball, hiking, and walking.

I have worked formally as an educator since the fall of 1998. I enjoy working with young people and watching them grow and explore their own capabilities. The most rewarding moments for me are when passion is ignited for an activity or sport, and appreciation for learning is recognized.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
I was inspired by you, Malick, to join in the effort to help adolescent African girls grow academically, athletically and to live healthy lives. I believe in a better education for all young women and am passionate about sports for girls.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
My hopes and dreams for Girls Kick are that it is so successful that it attracts supporters and sponsors who are excited to impact girls, their families, and their communities. I would also like there to be a reciprocal program in the United States composed of young women who play soccer who can influence the girls directly with friendship and support – a sort of pen pal program.

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
Get Them to The Field
Kick it Off with Hope

Sophie Neiman

I am a freelance reporter and photojournalist covering politics, conflict and human rights across east and central Africa. I have reported extensively from Rwanda and Uganda, and am currently based in the Washington, DC area. Notable stories include coverage of opposition leader Bobi Wine’s presidential campaign, investigations into companies backing natural gas development in a volatile region of Mozambique, and reporting on the enduring harm caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army in remote parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and The Central African Republic. I am so excited and honored to join this wonderful team. Sophie Neiman

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
I believe deeply in the necessity of girls’ education, the importance of using sports as a tool for connection and growth, and above all the ability of young women to make a difference in the world around them. I’m honored to be a part of this wonderful organization and advisory board!

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I hope Girls Kick will allow soccer players in both Senegal and the United States to meet and learn from each other, while providing athletes with the tools to succeed on and off the field.

Sandy Gregorich

I have a BS in Exercise Science and Masters degree in Exercise Science/Biomechanics both from Michigan State University. I have been a coach and educator all of my life in a variety of areas. The term Jack of all Trades would be a good descriptor as I have worked with a wide range of age groups in multiple disciplines and can’t even begin to list it all. I started with summer camps working in outdoor education. But in the main, I have coached Gymnastics (30+years), soccer (mostly rec 10 yrs.), and Cross Country/track and field (6+years). Currently I have returned to my roots as an outdoor educator at Cornell University in Ithaca NY where I teach outdoor classes and work as a facilitator in team building on the Challenge course with High and low elements. As an athlete I have been a competitive runner most of my life, still hanging in there in national age group events. I also played Rugby for Michigan State. Playing soccer and coaching came later in life to me when I had kids interested in the sport. I have long been involved with youth sports and trying to help influence fair access to all.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
I was inspired by the dedication that Malick has shown to making the world a better place with his dream to help girls and young women. I really believe that raising any society to a higher standard of living means helping to empower girls through opportunities for education (mental development) and to play sports (physical development) and to have a supportive peer group (social development). Through those opportunities they may be able to build confidence in their own abilities. and improve their economic circumstances with better jobs in their future. If they choose to have children of their own they may have more means to care for and educate those children.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
It is my hope and belief that Girl Kick can help girls grow into young women with a chance for success. I am honored to serve in any way I can to help make a difference for them.

Binta Diallo

Binta Kane Diallo is a 1st generation Senegalese and Gambian woman from Chicago, a singer, writer, event curator, co-founder of Eye Meets Soul and the Arts and Culture Manager for IMAN. Binta has a Master’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism management and is the recipient of a 2020 Independent Artist Grant from the city of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Binta’s first single, “Bogu Ma Dem” feat. Massamba Diop (Black Panther film Tama player) is out now and her album, Rooted, will be released in 2021.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
As a first generation Senegalese and Gambian woman, I have a strong affinity and deep love for the SeneGambian community. I am inspired by Girls Kicks mission to aid girls through instilling key values in girls at an early age. In turn, this will ultimately lead to a deepened sense of self love, empowerment, and community development.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
My dream for Girls Kick is that it becomes an institution that thrives by creating a welcoming environment that creates leaders and alumni that strive and look forward toward giving back to their communities.

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
We are here on purpose for a purpose. Onward and forward always.

Sophie DeFries

Thrilled to be a part of Girls Kick, Sophie has recognized the importance soccer and early education has on shaping a young woman. Sophie comes from Baltimore and now lives in London working in global health with a focus on increasing access to vaccines in LMICs. She loves to travel, cook, and keep active.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
The vision and heart behind Girls Kick has inspired me to join this group of passionate people wanting to empower young women and affect change. As a (once) young woman playing soccer in school, I understand how this opportunity should be accessible to young women wherever they grow up. I am excited to support in bringing Girls Kick’s mission to fruition!

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
To have a long lasting impact in shaping young women’s lives, transforming the way girls are seen in sport and education, and inspiring a new generation of women believing they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
Scoring goals for young women in Senegal.

Enabling young women to score goals for life.

Vik Chhabra

MORE INFO COMING SOON

Cle Koiman

I am a truly fortunate man to be able to travel the world while playing the sport that I loved. I am a 17 year soccer professional and I was lucky enough to play for the USA Mens Full national and world cup team in 94. I captained Cruz Azul premier team in Mexico and I am fluent in Spanish and finished my career in the US by playing for Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion.
I have been coaching for over 35 years and I am now giving back to the sport that changed my life

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
Being able to Work with amazing peers who are involved in the sport as well as the opportunity to give back to the soccer community and the people who need love and support

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
To grow and touch as many people as we possibly can

Can you think of a motto/mantra that would embody Girls Kick’s mission?
Through this glorious sport “Girls kick” it in life

Mariam Thiam

Mariam Thiam is a Senegalese American based in the midwest who is an active creative producer of public programming currently serving as the Program Director of Performing Arts for the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Mariam Thiam has held previous roles as the Community Arts Engagement Manager at The University of Chicago Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, Manager of Curricular Enhancements for the Academy for Urban School Leadership, Program Manager of Arts in Sacred Places program for Partners for Sacred Places, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Luna Negra Dance Theatre, Program Coordinator with Chicago Cares and has led two non profits as Executive Director, Blessed Sacrament Youth Center and the Hyde Park School of Dance. Mariam Thiam is a graduate of the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and minor in African American Studies, completed a Masters of Science in NonProfit Management with a focus on Human Services Administration from Spertus College in Chicago and holds a Certificate in Digital Marketing and Integrated Communications from The University of Chicago.

What inspired you to want to be part of Girls Kick?
I am passionate about Senegal and developing opportunities for the youth within the country.

What are your hopes and dreams for Girls Kick?
I hope that Girls Kick develops a sustainable programming model which will be authentic, responsive and develops long lasting engagement and opportunities for the youth participating in the programs.

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