OUR TEAM
Hamchetou Maiga-Ba - Chair / Founder:
Hamchetou Maiga-Ba is the President and Founder of the Hamchetou Maiga-Ba Foundation, and a former Olympian known for her leadership and teamwork. With a strong commitment to education, she earned an undergraduate degree in Information Technology and an MBA in Global Management while balancing her professional sports career.
Through the Hamchetou Maiga-Ba Foundation and as the founding chair of Special Olympics in Mali, Hamchetou champions for individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports. Her inspiring message emphasizes unity and inclusion for all, promoting a world where everyone can participate and thrive.
Myriah Annankra - VP of Programs - USA
Myriah Annankra is a dedicated coach and multifaceted professional currently serving as a Senior Logistics Management Analyst. A graduate of Old Dominion University, she excelled both academically and athletically, reaching the Elite Eight in college basketball.
Myriah's passion for the sport led her to play professionally in Iceland and Sweden, and since 2007, she has been coaching at the Michael Jordan Flight, helping young players develop their skills. In addition to her role at the Flight School, she also coaches at Hoover Middle School and the YMCA, making a positive impact in her community.
Felecia Allen - VP Human Resources
Felecia Allen is a school counselor for Fairfax County Public Schools.
As a former graduate of Old Dominion University, she served as team manager for the women’s basketball league at the university. Her years at Old Dominion University led to a decade-long friendship and sisterhood with Hamchetou, Lu, and Myriah.
She believes that the Hamchetou Maiga-Ba Foundation will help the children of Mali achieve their educational, personal, and athletic goals while preparing them to become global citizens of the world.
Felecia is a strong advocate for education and basketball. She believes that both offer an opportunity for success and when combined the potential can be limitless.
Aissata B Maiga - VP International Affairs & Programs
Head coach of the Djoliba AC women's senior team, where she inspires and develops talented athletes. In addition to her coaching role, she also teaches Physical Education at the American International School of Bamako, fostering a love for sports and fitness among her students.
Daughter of former athletes Boubacar Sekou Maiga and Aminata Fofana, embodies a deep-rooted passion for both sports and education. Growing up in Mali, she honed her skills at the Lycee Sportif Ben Omar Sy before joining the Mali women’s basketball senior National Team at just 17.
With an Associate in Liberal Arts from Gulf Coast State College and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Leadership Development from Troy University, Aissata is committed to empowering youth and engaging in humanitarian efforts. Her mission is clear: to leverage her skills to serve those in need and make a positive impact in the community.
Lucienne (Berthieu) Poiraud- VP of Marketing
Lucienne has a laundry list of titles under her belt, Champion of France with Valenciennes (2005), Spanish Champion with Valencia (2004), Winner of the Ronchetti Cup with Aix-en-Provence and MVP of the French Championship (2003).
Throughout her impressive sports career, she was a consistent for the French National Team, representing her country on multiple occasions. Lucienne's dedication and skill allowed her to compete at the highest levels in both Europe and the U.S., solidifying her legacy in world of basketball. Played in the WNBA for both the Cleveland Rockers and the Houston Comets.
She is proud to be a member of HMB Foundation serving those with intellectual disabilities via Special Olympics as well as the underprivileged and highly deserving young people of Mali.
Karlene Maharaj - Chief Operations Officer and Board Liaison
Karlene has worked in the development arena for almost 10 years. Her passion for fundraising began when she worked for an organization that served veterans and their families, a mission very close to her own story. Throughout her career, she has worked vigorously to connect donors to the stories of “why one gives” and to the messaging of an organization’s mission.
As both a wife and mother, Karlene pursued her academic goals online, attending the School of Professional Studies, CUNY in New York for her B.A. in Business Administration.
Karlene has also been a participating member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP).