Simon Fidlin –
Grant Coordinator
Hello, My name is Simon Fidlin! I am a 2023 graduate of Brandeis University (BS in Biology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy), and I am on track to graduate from Boston University Henry M. School of Dental Medicine in 2028 (DMD). My position within Elikya is “Grant Coordinator,” and my interests/motivations lie within developing health care and education through the Elikya Project. In my spare time, I am a music producer and focus on a wide array of genres, and I am also a huge football (soccer) fan. I hope my team, Southampton, does better in the next season because the 2024/25 season has not been great for us.
Lesedi Lerato –
Grant Coordinator
Hi, I’m Lesedi. I’m an artist and community organizer from Brooklyn New York. I’m currently studying theatre at the City College of New York. I’m passionate about the arts, working with children, storytelling, and building community. I work as a grant coordinator for Elikya.
Calvin Garcia –
Grant Coordinator
“My name is Calvin, and I am delighted to be one of your grant coordinators. I have experience working with federal and state legislators, with my most recent legislative experience being working with the former Speaker of the California Assembly. I look forward to continue to help Elikya achieve its goals and develop public and private partnerships.”
Michée Kikobo –
Founder & President
My name is Michée Kikobo, and I was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, but I grew up in Maine, USA. I graduated from Brandeis University with a degree in French and Francophone Studies and Politics. I’ve always had a deep passion for social justice, which led me to work as a community organizer with the Maine People’s Alliance, advocating for underserved communities.
Growing up in Kinshasa, I know what it’s like to try to learn on an empty stomach, and I never want another child to go through that struggle. That’s why I founded the Elikya Project—to ensure that every child has access to free, nutritious meals at school. Through sustainable farming and our farm-to-school meal program, we’re working to create a long-term solution to food insecurity in the DRC.
When I’m not working on Elikya, I love watching and playing football (soccer) and staying connected with my community.
Vaibhav Bagepalli –
Co-founder & Vice President
Hi! My name is Vaibhav Bagepalli and I am the Vice-President of the Eilkya Foundation. I am from Boston, Massachusetts, but originally my family is from Bangalore, in India.
I attended Brandeis University in pursuit of a Philosophy degree, where I met Michée. Since then, he has become one of my best friends. When he approached me with this project, it was a no-brainer. He’s the type of person who only thinks about other people, so I knew that I wanted to make it my mission to help in any way that I could.
Every child deserves the best opportunity to succeed. With the Elikya Project, our goal is to ensure that children do not have to worry about food or think about anything other than their education during school.
Crispe Kamundala –
Event Coordinator
My name is Crispe Kamundala. I am originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reside in Maine. I attended the University of Maine, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with double minors in legal studies and foreign affairs. During my time in college, I was a Division I track and field athlete and actively participated in various extracurricular activities, including boxing. A fun fact about me is that I have lived in 20 countries. I currently serve as an Event Coordinator for Elikya.
Tré Warner –
Event Coordinator
My name is Tré, and I am the Event Coordinator for the Elikya Project. I organize fundraising events directly supporting the Elikya project in Kinshasa, Congo. With a background in event planning, I focus on creating meaningful events that generate the financial support needed to provide children with education, nutrition, and medical care. Through careful planning and execution, I hope to ensure that each event contributes to the ongoing success of the Elikya Project’s mission.
A. Levic –
Secretary
Hello, my name is Levic, and I am originally from Angola. I have a deep passion for the mission of Elikya, as I understand firsthand the struggles that many children in Africa face when it comes to education. I believe Elikya will change lives by providing opportunities for a better future. I love action movies, and I used to be a musician, though I’ve taken a break. I’m excited to be part of this project and look forward to helping share its impact with the world.
