The I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, a New York-based non-profit organization, was established in 2005 as an unincorporated entity by the children of the late H.E. Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, a distinguished British-trained lawyer, civil servant, and diplomat.
H.E. Taylor-Kamara served as a Senior Minister in Sierra Leone's first cabinet, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, President of the UN Security Council (1971), and High Commissioner to Canada.
The Foundation aims to address key challenges in Sierra Leone by focusing on three strategic pillars: enhancing access to quality education, promoting youth empowerment, and advancing gender equity. Each of these initiatives is designed to create measurable impact by 2030, aligning with global efforts to foster sustainable development.
H.E. Taylor-Kamara's legacy of service to both family and country continues to inspire and guide the Foundation's commitment to creating opportunities for lasting social change.
The mission of the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation is to empower people and communities by providing access to quality education, skill-building opportunities, and resources that promote self-sufficiency.
Inspired by the legacy of the late H.E. Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara, we imagine a future in which global communities are empowered to innovate, thrive, and contribute to an inclusive, equitable, just, and sustainable world for all.
The mission of the IBTK Foundation is to empower people and communities by providing access to quality education, skill-building opportunities, and resources that promote self-sufficiency. We are committed to nurturing local talents and initiatives, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable solutions to socio-economic challenges. Our focus is on creating lasting impact through collaboration, inclusivity, and a deep respect for the diverse needs and strengths of the communities we serve.
Our vision is to create a world where every individual and community has the power and resources to shape their future. We strive to catalyze change, focusing on youth and gender equity, we foster environments where education, skills development, and sustainable practices increase opportunities, equality, and resilience. We imagine a future in which global communities are empowered to innovate, thrive, and contribute to an inclusive, equitable, just, and sustainable world for all.
The IBTK Foundation’s programs focus on empowering communities through education, youth leadership, and gender equity. We provide scholarships, fund research, and offer skills training to support intellectual growth and self-sufficiency. Our initiatives promote youth and women’s participation in decision-making and governance, while supporting community-led projects that address local challenges with sustainable solutions for the global community.
Achieving an inclusive and equitable society is a collective effort that requires strong leadership and collaboration. The IBTK Foundation’s Board works closely with a wide network of professionals from partner organizations and communities to guide our initiatives, align shared goals, and maximize our impact. By fostering learning and innovation, the Board plays a pivotal role in empowering communities and advancing our mission to create lasting, positive change.
Lois Sarah Taylor-Kamara, founder of The IBTK Foundation, is known for her work with Project Sierra, aiding war orphans and young mothers in Sierra Leone. She has also been a key advocate for women's rights in post-conflict areas, influencing global policy on sexual violence in conflict.
Hawa Taylor-Kamara Diallo, Chief of the Civil Society Unit at the UN, has over 30 years of experience in public outreach and partnerships, focusing on youth and women. She has contributed to UN Peacekeeping and UN-Habitat, and holds dual nationality from Sierra Leone and the United States.
Ishmael Byne Taylor-Kamara Jr. is a Co-Founder and Director of the IBTK Foundation, dedicated to advancing education, youth empowerment, and gender equity in Sierra Leone. He continues his late father's legacy by supporting initiatives that strengthen human capacity and promote social progress in the country.
Margo LaZaro, President of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, connects global stakeholders to the UN's SDGs, co-founded the Habitat Civil Society Working Group, and advocates for inclusive dialogue. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden.
Dr. Bowa George Tucker is a Senior Analyst at the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, focusing on refugee support and program evaluation. He has also taught political science and education at Merrimack College and UMass Lowell.
Cairo Eubanks, Founder of Bringing the Globe, is a globally recognized Keynote Speaker and UN Civil Society Youth Representative. She bridges civil society with intergovernmental organizations and chairs the UN DGC Youth Representatives Steering Committee.
HRH Dr. Andrise Bass is a Global Peace Ambassador with 29 years of experience in empowering youth through policy and diplomacy training. As President of the Humanitarian Focus Foundation, she mentors worldwide, advocating for education, human rights, and peacebuilding.
Creating an inclusive and equitable society requires collective effort and collaboration. The IBTK Foundation’s dedicated team works closely with a network of professionals from partner organizations and communities to drive meaningful change. By aligning common goals, mobilizing resources, and fostering innovation, our staff plays a crucial role in empowering communities and enhancing the impact of our initiatives. Together, we are committed to learning, sharing knowledge, and working hand in hand to achieve our vision of a more just and sustainable world.
Abdoul, a PhD candidate in Security Studies, focuses on contemporary security challenges and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). His expertise includes R2P, African regional security, and sustainable development. He is dedicated to promoting global peace, security, and justice.
Christabell Omondi, Founder of Mindscope Event Planners in Kenya, is an experienced Event Curator with a background in Program Management at UN-HABITAT and Gender Studies. Currently pursuing Counseling and Psychology, she excels in creating impactful events that elevate youth visibility and foster meaningful connections.
Rosleny Ubiñas, Youth Representative of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. to the UN, works on issues like racial inequality and women's advancement. With a B.A. in Psychology and Africana Studies, she has experience in counseling, development, and strategic planning. She has held her current role since 2017.
Aishwarya Narasimhadevara is the youth representative at the Centre for Public Health and an advocate for education in international development. She holds a master’s from the University of Kent and is pursuing a Ph.D. at Chulalongkorn University. Involved in various NGOs, her interests include traveling, photography, and karate.
Introducing the next generation of leaders at the IBTK Foundation, who are pivotal to our mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable society. These young leaders collaborate closely with a broad network of seasoned professionals from partner organizations and communities. Through their fresh perspectives, they help align our common goals, mobilize resources, and drive innovative solutions. Our youth team is essential in empowering communities and amplifying the impact of our initiatives. United in their commitment to learning and sharing knowledge, they work diligently alongside our experienced staff to shape a just and sustainable world for all.
Cheik Oumar Diallo, an Emerging Leader at the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, excels in business strategy and data analysis, contributing to UN conferences on sustainable development. He's a second-year business student at Temple University, holding leadership roles in the Society of Minorities in Sport and the Fox African American Busine
Cheik Oumar Diallo, an Emerging Leader at the I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, excels in business strategy and data analysis, contributing to UN conferences on sustainable development. He's a second-year business student at Temple University, holding leadership roles in the Society of Minorities in Sport and the Fox African American Business Association, while sharing insights on leadership through LinkedIn.
Junisa Sallu Kallon is the African Tourism Board Ambassador for Sierra Leone and CEO of Juninnho Investments. He founded the Youth Association of Sierra Leone and represents the country in global forums, including the World Business Angels Investment Forum and Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club. He holds a Master’s in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science.
Lyzianah Emakoua is a dynamic advocate for marginalized women and girls impacted by climate change and gender-based violence in humanitarian settings. She has spoken at high-profile meetings such as UNGA78 and the High-Level Political Forum, and plays a key role in integrating gender perspectives into environmental legislation and strategies.
Mary (Umi) Forsythe, Co-Founder of Bringing the Globe and owner of Forsythe XR Building Company, specializes in precise architecture. Her dedication to community development ensures that our programs surpass industry standards and expectations.
With your help, we can continue to provide vital resources to those in need. Please consider making a donation today to support our mission.
The I.B. Taylor-Kamara Foundation, Inc.
New York, New York, United States
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