ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Born in the DRC, Noella Coursaris Musunka lost her father at five years old. Without resources to raise her infant daughter, Noella's mother sent her to live with relatives in Europe. Noella completed her education attending business school in Switzerland.

She then moved to London, embarking on a career in the challenging field of international modeling. Success in this field has led her from Europe to New York where she continues to set new standards - including a zealous pursuit of causes for the D.R. Congo and Africa.

After a 13-year separation Noella returned to the D.R. Congo to see her mother. The contrasts she found served to underline her gratitude for her education and experiences in Europe, but also her empathy for her counterparts back home. Noella is especially conscious of the difficult choices and sacrifice that her mother had to make to ensure she received an education that was available to few in Africa. What Noella found on returning to the D.R. Congo ignited her true passion: helping young girls in Africa through the Georges Malaika Foundation.

Bursting with optimism and energy, Noella is fiercely proud of her African heritage. Her reflections from her own experience and growth continue to inspire and motivate her to assist the next generation of fellow countrywomen. Her early success and acclaim in her profession has allowed her to follow her passion in helping those in need in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Noella is active in the African non-for-profit scene and has raised visibility for many of the New York City events designed to help young girls.

A large part of this effort has included gathering a team of experienced professionals and entrepreneurs that place GMF in a position to achieve its goals. Noella's great desire is that her success on the international stage will provide the resources, inspiration and focus for girls of the D.R. Congo and elsewhere in Africa who deserve a brighter future.