About Us
F A Cole Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable not-for-profit established in 2020. Since then, we have worked tirelessly towards fulfilling our core mission - restoring the dignity of women and girls who were subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence. We believe every woman has the right to enjoy sexual intimacy as designed by God. One of our main focuses is raising funds for survivors of FGM who desire clitoral restorative surgery.
In partnership with other not-for-profit organizations, we tirelessly work to stop various harmful practices that robs women and girls of their basic human rights.
Meet our Board of Directors
F A Cole Foundation is led by a board of directors from various walks of life who volunteer their time.
F.A. Cole
A survivor of gender-based violence, and a mentor to survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Cole’s advocacy is not limited to eradicating FGM. Cole is a spokesperson for clitoral restorative surgery and continues to share her experience with national and international audience. Cole started a sanitary napkin drive in 2017 to help adolescent girls from financially challenged communities in Sierra Leone, West Africa remain in school during their menstrual cycle. Known for her tenacity and not shying from issues considered controversial by most, Cole’s passion and empathetic nature are some of her strengths that set her apart. In November 2022, Cole introduced “Project Read a Book a Month.” Reading is not popular amongst children in Sierra Leone therefore, Cole and her team are working on building libraries in communities to introduce the importance of, and encourage the art of reading. Widows and orphans are dear to Cole, which is why she has embarked on a project of building her first orphanage in Freetown in collaboration with the F A Cole Foundation, a registered, USA based 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization. Working with legislators in the United States on FGM as well training law enforcement and school administrators (in collaboration with Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation) are a few of the many hats Cole enjoys wearing.Cole has been awarded (Women in History 2013) for her work by Northwest High School. Awarded by FestAfricaUSA for her outstanding presence in her community and memorable change in the African community and beyond; and was also awarded a Humanitarian Award for her work on FGM and message of hope to survivors of sexual violence and FGM by the Los Angeles Nollywood Film Association. Cole has been recognized by Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation and A Smile for a Child for building a community of Support, Love, and Sisterhood for survivors of FGM and other forms of sexual violence.
Mariama Sahid
Mariama Sahid graduated with honors in Mass Communication from The Fourah Bay College - University of Sierra Leone. A philanthropist, Mariama is a believer of “Education for the Girl Child is not a privilege but a right.” Her sense of helping the needy is an altruistic feeling for a better space for all. She is a mentor to young women as well as a few young men. Mariama is a passionate activist with a clear focus to combat inequality. Mariama currently serves as the Country Representative for the International Youth Diplomacy Conference in Ghana. The International Youth Diplomacy Conference (IYDC-ACCRA, 2023) is an innovation of the Model United Nations Conference that brings together young women and young men from countries within the African Continent to discuss issues of global interest. It is a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly, Security Council and other agencies under the United Nations. Mariama is also a Multimedia Journalist. She serves as a presenter and announcer at Hands of Hope Radio FM 100.5 Freetown, Sierra Leone. Her zest to present daily happenings with a clear sense of accuracy and credibility has catapulted her to the current height she has acquired in news reporting and presentation. Mariama firmly believes that coming together with people is a beginning, keeping together is a progress and working together is success. A team player mentality.
Haja Bilkisu Conteh
Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother´s womb.”
One quirky fact about Bilkisu: She could eat rice every single day and not get tired ofit! Bilkisu is a Job Placement Officer with the advisory task specifically for refugees and migrants at the Federal Employment Agency in Hamburg, Germany. She has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology (University Heidelberg) and a MSc in Social Development Practice from University College, London. Bilkisu believes that God does not make mistakes. He created each and every one of us with good intentions! God has an eye for detail and His creative genius is reflected in the most random facts about us: “Did you know that the name Bilkisu is of Arabic origin and means powerful queen? Now, I do not want to sound arrogant, on the contrary! God chose me, a girl born to a Muslim family, in a developing country (Sierra Leone, West Africa) during a civil war. I have experienced horrific things, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).” Bilkisu’s faith in God is unquestionable. She strongly believes she is the woman she is today because of God’s grace, love, and mercy. “God is healing my emotional and physical wounds caused by FGM. He is preparing me for my calling to eradicate FGM worldwide and is connecting me with other powerful Christians who have the same background and story.”
