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WHO WE ARE

We are advocates, political operatives, and mobilizers.

We are learners who make mistakes, but we never stop trying.

We exist to serve social movements, NGOs, foundations, governments, and the politically engaged.

We are global, with our feet firmly rooted in Africa.

We were born in 2008 and educated in over 40 countries across four continents.

We are unapologetic about who we are and the choices we make.

We are a female and African owned international private consultancy practice.

OUR WORK

ADVOCACY

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CAMPAIGNS

SPECIAL INITIATIVES

OUR PORTFOLIO

OUR TEAM

Valerie Traoré

Founder and Executive Director of Niyel

Valerie has over 19 years of professional experience in campaigning and advocacy on a wide range of issues, including human rights and rights-based programming, development, human security and conflict, politics, and international relations. Valerie is obsessed with elephants and loves watching animated children's movies and cartoons.

Abdou Salam Thiam

Director of Advocacy and Campaigns

Salam is the lead on our advocacy, political campaigns, and public affairs work, as well as Niyel’s relationships with governmental and intergovernmental organizations. He loves listening to religious messages and thinking about their relevance to our daily life. Salam is the only one on the Niyel team who can't dance.

Betsy Rakola

BOARD MEMBER

Betsy Rakola leads a division of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program. Betsy serves on the Niyel board in her personal, unofficial capacity, and her service is not affiliated with the US government.