Meet the Team
Sayydah Garrett
Founder and President
Sayydah was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She has a lifelong passion for helping others.
Sayydah Garrett was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Since childhood she has seen her parents (Ukrainian mother and African-American father) set the good example of helping less fortunate people in their community. This instilled the lifelong passion Sayydah has for helping others, whether it’s watching over elderly neighbors in her town, contributing to her favorite charities or doing community service. Her personal mission statement is, “Tell me what you want and I’ll help you get it.”
While on safari in Kenya in August, 2012 Sayydah visited Namayiana Village in Samburu County and learned about harmful centuries-old practices from a Samburu warrior (PCF’s Co-founder) who is fighting for girls’ rights to education. Sayydah promised to help and Pastoralist Child Foundation was founded on the very day of her visit to the village.
Sayydah is fluent in English, French and Russian, and speaks conversational Spanish. She enjoys learning languages and meeting people from all over the world, especially when they share food with her! She has traveled to 25+ countries.
Sayydah is a certified ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor and Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor. She also teaches French at a local adult night school. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Russian Language & Literature from Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sayydah’s pastimes include spending time with family and friends, doing aqua fitness, and baking. She also enjoys doing community service as the Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ridge and on the music committee at the Women’s Club of Glen Ridge. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, GRAMMY Award winning and NEA Jazz Masters 2023 Honoree saxophonist and composer, Kenny Garrett.
Samuel Siriria Leadismo
Co-founder & Director
I’m a pastoralist from the Samburu tribe, Black Cattle clan in Samburu, Kenya.
The Samburu tribe is nomadic – moving from one place to another with their livestock searching for greener pastures.
When I was 25 years old my mother developed throat cancer. I cared for her during the last year of her life. During this period we shared many things. She told me about growing up poor, herding goats as a child, and an early marriage. I knew her to be a deeply caring person and a strong, positive presence for not only her own children, but for all the children in the village. I learned from our conversations how much she wished she could have gone to school and to pursue a path of education so that she could have done more with her life and for others. During her last year, she shared her dream with me. She asked me to guide my younger sisters, to educate them, and to fight for the rights of all girls to enjoy the opportunities and life she didn’t have. I’m honored to fulfill my mother’s wishes through the work I do at Pastoralist Child Foundation.
It is not easy for a warrior to learn this lesson and fight for the rights of girls. I am proud of myself, our community, and of the work we are able to do through Pastoralist Child Foundation.
I’m a role model, advisor, and counselor in our villages, always encouraging my fellow youth to continue their education. I advocate against child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) by actively promoting childhood and adult education in my community. I attained a higher Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Zetech University. I’m the proud dad of 3 daughters and 1 son. My daughters will not undergo FGM. My favorite thing about being a father is that I can work hard every day to leave this world a better place for my daughters, my son, and my community. Being a dad softens my heart and makes me instantly more accountable and responsible to the world around me.
Halima Garrett
Board Secretary
Halima Garrett has a caring heart for children and enjoys watching them thrive.
Volunteering with PCF gives her the opportunity to help girls achieve their goals and become empowered to attain better life outcomes. Halima holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from the University of Maryland (College Park). She holds a passion for nutrition and health education, resulting in greater awareness of the advantages of healthy eating.
Halima previously worked as the Nutrition Data Specialist at Weight Watchers International in New York City. She currently owns Threads of Habit – selling vintage clothing and designing one-of-a kind garments from sustainable materials and vintage fabrics. Halima enjoys listening to music, sewing, thrift shop bargains, and creating recipes for delicious healthy food.
Mark O'Sullivan
Board of Directors
Mark O’Sullivan is a Managing Director at Blue Owl, a New York-based investment management firm with over $235 Billion in assets.
In his role, he focuses on underwriting equity and financing transactions and manages various ongoing external relationships. Before joining Blue Owl, Mark spent over 20 years in the financial services industry, both in New York and London, with an emphasis on investing in and advising corporations around the world. Mark received his MS in Financial Management from Nyenrode University and holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Technical College Delft, both in The Netherlands. Mark currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, Caryn and their two daughters, Elyse and Hannah.
Tara Schmitt
Board of Directors
Growing up in New York City, Tara Schmitt has been fortunate to have had many opportunities to explore her interests.
Her interests include Science and Technology, in her studies at Brooklyn Tech and later at the University of Massachusetts where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Computer Information Systems, graduating Summa Cum Laude; Music, in her semi-professional pursuit as a guitarist opening up for international acts such as Bo Diddley; and Animal Welfare, homing and providing life-saving resources to numerous abandoned animals and volunteering to ban greyhound racing in Massachusetts (which was successful!). As a federal bank regulator for two decades, Tara ensures financial institutions work to safeguard personal financial information for the customers they serve. She is also an avid traveler, having visited over 36+ countries and territories around the world across four continents.
Tara currently lives in Delaware with her husband, Mike Cronin, and their cats, Starsky and Bugsy.
Caryn O'Sullivan
Board of Directors
Caryn O’Sullivan is a Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist with an MS Nutrition & Integrative Health.
She is also a Certified Integrative Health Coach, and the founder of Appetites for Life. She has 15+ years of experience in holistic nutrition, health coaching, functional nutrition, and preventative health. Drawing on these skills and knowledge, she helps clients make diet and lifestyle changes through personalized nutrition coaching. Caryn resides in New Jersey with her husband Mark, their two daughters, and their energetic dog, Ace.
Simone Sloan
Board of Directors
Simone Sloan, Positive Disruptor Rph, MBA, Founder and CEO of Your Choice Coach.
Simone is an accomplished business strategist, executive coach, and DEI consultant. She has held senior roles at Fortune 500 companies across marketing, communications, medical affairs, sales, and global business strategy. Her tenure includes successfully launching and leading products and services, implementing programs for key stakeholders across the globe, and developing and training sales, medical, and technical teams.
Simone’s mantra is “Voice, Power, Confidence.” As an emotional intelligence executive coach, she changes the way leaders and their businesses engage their employees and clients. Simone emphasizes the human element with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Simone is a keynote speaker and has been featured as a thought leader in articles for Huffington Post, Forbes, and Pharmacy Times.
She is an active member of the Tri-State Diversity Council and advocate for women, LGBTQI, BIPOC, people with disabilities, and cross-generations. Simone holds a BS in Pharmacy and an MBA from Howard University. She is co-author of the books: Achieving Results, 30 Days to Courage, and Leadership without Borders, and is certified in DISC, Emotional Intelligence (EQI) 2.0, IDI, Cultural Competence, Cultural Intelligence (CQI), Culture-Values, Block Chain, Behavior Design, and is also accredited through the International Coaching Federation.
Kenya Staff
Elizabeth Lemoyog
Community Mobilizer & FGM Expert
I’m a passionate advocate dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of women and children.
With a deep commitment to the well-being of vulnerable communities, I work to raise awareness and drive action against harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
I focus on advocating for change, supporting survivors, and educating communities on the dangers and long-term effects of these harmful practices. I am deeply driven by the belief that every girl and woman deserves to live free from violence and have access to a future of opportunity.
I believe that grassroots efforts are vital for lasting change, and I am committed to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and tools to improve their health and well-being.
My goal is to continue amplifying the voices of those who are too often silenced and to contribute to a future where every woman and child can live free from harm.
Jackline Kamene Nzioki
Scholarship Program Director
Jackline is a dedicated professional serving as the Scholarship Program Director.
With a passion for empowering youth, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that scholarships reach those in need. Known for my honesty, responsibility, and unwavering perseverance, I’m committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the next generation.
I manage the scholarship application process, work closely with applicants, and ensure that all candidates are provided with the resources they need to apply successfully and receive scholarships.
I enjoy traveling, mentoring, or reading about educational policy. I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for social change, and I’m deeply committed to making it accessible to as many people as possible.
Alfred Lepalo
Assistant Programme Officer
Alfred is a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the well-being of young people, particularly in pastoralist communities.
As the Assistant Programme Officer at Pastoralist Child Foundation, he plays a key role in implementing initiatives that empower youth through education, advocacy, and community development.
With a strong commitment to social change, Alfred works closely with communities to address critical issues affecting young people, ensuring they have access to opportunities for a brighter future. His leadership and dedication to youth empowerment continue to inspire positive transformation within the pastoralist society.
I enjoy volunteering, learning about social innovation, or spending time in nature. I believe in the power of community and collective action, and I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and strength of those I work with.
Asha Leeresh
Gender, Youth and Inclusion Officer
I was born and raised in Samburu and am a passionate advocate for community development and gender equality.
I am a proud beneficiary of Pastoralist Child Foundation (PCF), which fully funded my education from high school to university and provided psycho-social support that helped me thrive. Now serving as the Gender, Youth and Inclusion Officer, I’m dedicated to giving back to my community, empowering girls and women, and creating positive change.
I am dedicated to advancing the understanding and recognition of diverse identities, working to eliminate systemic barriers, and creating a space where every individual feels empowered to thrive.
With a background in community health, I specialize in delivering health education programs and connecting individuals to essential health services.
Wilma Redenta
Journalist, Photographer & Communications Specialist
Wilma Redenta is a dedicated journalist and communications professional passionate about storytelling and advocacy.
As the Communications Officer at Pastoralist Child Foundation, she manages the organization’s social media presence, using digital platforms to amplify impactful stories and drive engagement.
Beyond her role in communications, Wilma is a skilled photographer who finds joy in capturing powerful moments—whether it’s the beauty of everyday life or images that speak volumes about resilience and change. She believes in the power of visual storytelling to inspire action and create awareness.
Wilma is also a committed advocate against harmful practices such as gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriage. Through her work, she strives to shed light on critical issues affecting communities, using journalism and photography as tools for change.
