Board of Directors 2025-2026

Paul Bilaal Douglas II is the Founder and Executive Director of Empower My Education (EME), where he leads the organization's global strategy to expand educational access and improve child well-being in underserved communities. His work focuses on building sustainable partnerships, strengthening literacy systems, and integrating health, hygiene, nutrition, and education into community-based programming.

Bilaal earned a Master of Education in Developmental Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto and has dedicated his career to advancing equitable educational opportunities for children worldwide. Under his leadership, EME has developed partnerships across Africa to support volunteer-led literacy initiatives, capacity building, and evidence-based program evaluation. His vision is to empower local communities to create lasting educational change through collaboration, accountability, and culturally responsive solutions.

Crendal Blackwell is a cybersecurity and risk management executive with extensive experience helping organizations strengthen operational resilience, governance, and strategic planning. Throughout his career, he has advised businesses on cybersecurity, compliance, enterprise risk management, and organizational growth.

As President of the Board of Directors for Empower My Education, Crendal provides leadership in organizational governance, strategic planning, and operational oversight. His expertise in risk management and executive leadership helps ensure the organization builds sustainable systems capable of supporting long-term educational initiatives while maintaining strong accountability and transparency.

Breanna Liaki is a mental health researcher and clinical psychologist-in-training committed to improving psychological well-being and educational outcomes for underserved populations. She holds a Master of Education and has experience conducting research on child development, mental health, and equitable access to educational and behavioral health services.

As Secretary of the Board of Directors for Empower My Education, Breanna supports organizational governance, policy development, and strategic planning while contributing expertise in program evaluation and child development. Her work helps ensure that EME's literacy and wellness initiatives are informed by evidence-based practices that promote both academic success and holistic child development.

Ismahan Mohamed serves as the Volunteer Program Liaison – Somalia for Empower My Education Inc. (E.M.E.), where she coordinates the organization's volunteer pilot program and supports the implementation of literacy, health, and hygiene initiatives in Mogadishu and surrounding communities.

A graduate of SIMAD University in Mogadishu, Ismahan is passionate about expanding educational opportunities for children and strengthening community-led development initiatives. She works closely with local volunteers, schools, families, and community leaders to build sustainable partnerships that support E.M.E.'s mission.

As Volunteer Program Liaison, Ismahan assists with volunteer recruitment and coordination, community outreach, partnership development, program reporting, and communication between the Somalia program and E.M.E.'s Executive Director. She is leading the organization's pilot phase in Somalia and will play a key role in establishing long-term program operations.

Upon the successful completion of the pilot program and the establishment of E.M.E.'s legal incorporation and funded operations in Somalia, she is expected to transition into the role of Program Manager – Somalia.

Joshua Simba Onyancha is an accomplished business development and project management executive with more than 16 years of experience leading strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and operational excellence across East Africa. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered high-value projects, cultivated long-term client relationships, and established strategic partnerships that have expanded market presence and strengthened organizational impact in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Known for his results-oriented leadership, Joshua has extensive experience navigating complex business environments, leading cross-functional teams, and translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes. His disciplined approach to project execution, operational management, and stakeholder engagement has consistently generated sustainable value for the organizations he has served.

As a volunteer with Empower My Education (EME), Joshua contributes his expertise in business development, project leadership, and organizational strategy to support the organization's mission of expanding access to quality education and child wellness programs throughout underserved communities. He is passionate about empowering organizations and communities to achieve lasting, sustainable growth through collaboration, innovation, and effective leadership.

Joshua Simba Onyancha is an accomplished business development and project management executive with more than 16 years of experience leading strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and operational excellence across East Africa. Throughout his career, he has successfully delivered high-value projects, cultivated long-term client relationships, and established strategic partnerships that have expanded market presence and strengthened organizational impact in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Known for his results-oriented leadership, Joshua has extensive experience navigating complex business environments, leading cross-functional teams, and translating strategic objectives into measurable outcomes. His disciplined approach to project execution, operational management, and stakeholder engagement has consistently generated sustainable value for the organizations he has served.

As a volunteer with Empower My Education (EME), Joshua contributes his expertise in business development, project leadership, and organizational strategy to support the organization's mission of expanding access to quality education and child wellness programs throughout underserved communities. He is passionate about empowering organizations and communities to achieve lasting, sustainable growth through collaboration, innovation, and effective leadership.

Naima Omar Mukhta holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy. Passionate about community development and child welfare, she is committed to creating opportunities that improve the lives of vulnerable children and families, with a particular focus on supporting orphaned children through education and community-based initiatives.

As a volunteer with Empower My Education (EME), Naima contributes her organizational, financial, and administrative skills to strengthen program implementation and support sustainable community partnerships. She is dedicated to advancing EME's mission of expanding access to literacy, health, and educational opportunities for children in underserved communities across Tanzania.

Eddy Kalisa Nyarwaya is a Rwandan educator, peace-building advocate, and social entrepreneur dedicated to advancing education and youth development across Africa. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, combining expertise in leadership, education, and community engagement to create lasting social impact.

As the Founder of Life School Rwanda and Impacta Children Africa, Eddy has led initiatives that promote quality education, leadership development, peacebuilding, and opportunities for young people to reach their full potential. Through his work with Empower My Education (EME), he supports the organization's efforts to expand access to literacy and educational programming while fostering collaboration with local communities and strategic partners throughout Rwanda.

Byouz Abdeljalil is a Moroccan entrepreneur with extensive experience in international business, cultural entrepreneurship, and community engagement. He is the owner of Dune Galerie in Marrakech, a business specializing in authentic Berber carpets, Moroccan handicrafts, and traditional artisan furniture that celebrates Morocco's rich cultural heritage.

Prior to returning to Morocco, Byouz successfully operated an import business in Canada, gaining valuable international business experience and cross-cultural expertise. His entrepreneurial interests also extend to tourism and real estate development, where he is committed to promoting sustainable economic growth and local investment. As a volunteer with Empower My Education (EME), Byouz supports the organization's mission by fostering partnerships and expanding educational opportunities that empower children and strengthen communities throughout Morocco.