Collaboration
We work in partnership with other organizations to improve the well-being of our community.
Who we are
About the Francophone Africans Alliance
A community-led nonprofit serving African immigrants in and around Montgomery County, Maryland — with a special focus on families from French-speaking African countries.
Vision & mission
Where we're headed, and how we get there
Our vision
That all African immigrants in and around Montgomery County thrive and are fully integrated into American society.
“Francophone Africans Alliance strives to help African immigrants in and around Montgomery County thrive and become fully integrated into American society — through English literacy, information and referral, and support accessing the services they need.”
Since 2021, the FAA has supported more than 2,985 people in our community — helping neighbors learn English, access health and housing resources, find work, and feel at home in their new country.
Our values
What guides us
Compassion
We provide help with the utmost regard for every person.
Innovation
We embrace new practices that improve the way we deliver our services.
Integrity
We act with honesty toward the organization and everyone we serve.
Respect
We serve our community members with the highest esteem.
Who we serve
Our community
We serve African immigrants in and around Montgomery County, Maryland — with a special focus on families from French-speaking African countries — and we welcome anyone who needs our support.
- Newly arrived families settling into life in the United States
- Adults who want to learn or improve their English
- Parents and youth looking for education and career opportunities
- Anyone in the community who needs information or a helping hand
Where we work
Our office is in Silver Spring, in Montgomery County, Maryland, and our programs reach families across the greater Washington, DC area.
- Maryland
- Washington, DC
- Virginia
Our team
The people behind the FAA
A dedicated team of community leaders, educators, and professionals — bringing decades of experience to the families we serve.
Agar Mbianda
Board Chair
Holds a master's degree in psychology and brings over 14 years of international experience in public health, project management, and community development. A certified PMP, she previously managed public health initiatives with GIZ in Cameroon and now advances food security and nutrition programs. She provides strategic leadership to FAA's mission, governance, and long-term growth. Fluent in French and English, with working knowledge of German.
Jose Medrano
Board Member
Holds a B.A. in Spanish with a concentration in business from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in School Counseling from Trinity Washington University. He began his career in education as a preschool teacher at the Rosemount Center in Washington, D.C., where his success in encouraging fathers to take part in their children's education led to a role as Bilingual Outreach Specialist with Arlington Public Schools. As an Academic Coach with the ACES program at Montgomery College, he spent five years at Montgomery Blair High School — the largest high school in Maryland — where he helped more than 300 students earn over $25 million in scholarships. He now serves as Counseling Faculty at Maryland's largest community college, guiding students through the transition from two-year to four-year institutions and helping them find scholarship opportunities.
Sey Anica Ackah, LL.M.
Interim Executive Director
Leads the programs that help French-speaking African immigrants integrate into life in the United States. With a background in law and nonprofit leadership, she has expanded FAA's English-language programs, strengthened community partnerships, and developed the FAA Integration Pathway. She holds an LL.M. in International Legal Studies from American University and is fluent in English and French.
Aïsha Saran Sidibé
Director of Programs & Operations
Brings more than 15 years of experience in education, arts administration, and nonprofit leadership. At FAA she supports strategic initiatives, builds partnerships, and develops programs that address community needs. She also serves as Senior Director of Learning at Shakespeare Theatre Company, holds an MFA in Creative Writing, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in African Diasporic Literature. She speaks English, French, and Haitian Creole.
Gladys Baaba Arhin
Secretary & Governance Officer
An executive administration and operations professional with more than 10 years supporting senior leaders and programs across nonprofit, research, and corporate settings. At FAA she supports governance, accountability, and organizational continuity — maintaining official records, tracking leadership decisions, and strengthening administrative processes. Certified Executive Assistant Specialist; she speaks English and Twi.
Ngebe Marculine
Adult ESOL Program Manager
A bilingual educator and education leader originally from Cameroon, she oversees FAA's English language programs, supports ESOL instructors, and ensures program quality, grant compliance, and learner success. She brings more than 15 years of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, and program management across the United States and several African countries, and currently teaches English Language Arts in Prince George's County Public Schools. She holds master's degrees in educational psychology and cybersecurity management.
Edith Ngonwie Chang, M.A.Ed.
Adult ESOL Instructor
Edith Ngonwie Chang, M.A.Ed., is a licensed ESOL educator with more than 32 years of teaching experience. She currently serves as an ESOL (ELD) teacher with Prince George's County Public Schools. Prior to moving to the United States, she served as the Regional Pedagogic Inspector responsible for promoting bilingualism in Cameroon's Littoral Region. Edith is passionate about education and empowering learners through language. At FAA, she is dedicated to helping newly arrived adult immigrants develop the English skills they need to communicate confidently, build meaningful relationships, and thrive in their new communities. She is also an ordained pastor and is committed to supporting both educational and personal growth. Her favorite Bible verse is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Outside the classroom, she enjoys playing lawn tennis and following UFC, with Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou among her favorite fighters.
Fondjo T. Biondokin
Community Integration Specialist
Originally from Cameroon, he holds a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration and is passionate about helping newly arrived Francophone African families adjust to life in the United States. At FAA he guides newcomers through housing, banking, schools, employment, transportation, and other essential services — a compassionate approach that helps families feel welcomed and more confident. Fondjo believes that no one succeeds alone: everyone needs support at some point, and helping others builds a more connected community. Fluent in English and French, he is also an accomplished drummer who enjoys using music to bring people together and celebrate African culture.
Want to be part of the story?
Volunteer, partner with us, or support our programs — there is a place for you here.