AI
Alysa Iyana
Chair
Leads the Board and keeps governance aligned with mission and long-term direction.
About TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION
Education structured for access, service, and lasting impact.
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION is a mission-driven nonprofit educational organization creating structured pathways through international examinations, applied learning, workforce development, and community-centered global projects.
We bring together learners, educators, professionals, local leaders, and institutional partners to expand access while protecting academic integrity, responsible stewardship, and long-term community value.
Who We Are
We build educational systems that help people move forward—and structures that help meaningful work endure.
Founded in 2013, TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION has supported more than 3,100 learners across more than 20 countries.
Our work connects internationally recognized academic pathways with applied experience and community-centered development. We serve learners and partners through educational access, structured fellowship and internship experiences, and projects developed in collaboration with people who understand the communities involved.
Our international identity is not based only on where our programs operate. It is reflected in the lived experiences, professional disciplines, cultures, languages, and regions represented throughout our leadership and program structure.
2013
Founded
3,100+
Learners supported
20+
Countries represented
Mission, Vision and Values
What guides our work.
Mission
To expand access to rigorous education, internationally aligned qualifications, applied professional development, and community-centered opportunities that help individuals and institutions build lasting capacity.
Vision
A future in which geography, circumstance, and institutional barriers do not prevent learners or communities from accessing credible educational and professional pathways.
Academic Integrity
We protect standards, responsible documentation, and the credibility of every learning pathway.
Access With Structure
Access must be supported by systems that allow people to participate, progress, and complete.
Responsible Stewardship
Resources, relationships, and opportunities must be managed with transparency and care.
Global Collaboration
We value cross-cultural learning while respecting local knowledge, leadership, and context.
Measurable Progress
We document outcomes, evaluate what is working, and make thoughtful adjustments.
Long-Term Capacity
We invest in structures that can continue creating value beyond a single activity or funding period.
Our Work
What We Do
Our work is organized through four connected areas that move learners and communities from access to application and long-term development.
AI
Meet the Founder
Alysa Iyana
Founder and Chief Executive Officer · Chair, Board of Directors
Alysa Iyana founded TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION to expand access to internationally recognized qualifications and to connect that access with applied experience and community-centered development.
“Access should never depend on where a learner happens to be born.”
Governance
Board of Directors
The Board provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and long-term institutional direction. Board term: 2025–2028.
NS
Dr. Naresh Seetharam
Vice Chair
Supports governance and contributes insight on assessment and global partnerships.
AM
Abdelrahman Mohamed
Treasurer
Leads financial oversight and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
SC
Seanny Canning
Secretary
Maintains Board records, procedural integrity, and governance compliance.
JN
John Nwoke
Director, Healthcare and Accessibility
Advises on accessibility, wellness, and inclusive support for learners.
SG
Shaunna Gilmore
Director, Stakeholder Relations
Helps ensure governance decisions reflect accountability and stakeholder trust.
JT
Javian Trotman
Director, Digital Strategy
Advises on technology, information systems, and long-term digital resilience.
Our People
The People Behind the Work
A focused, internationally connected team responsible for leadership, examinations, administration, and program coordination.
AI
Alysa Iyana
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Leads institutional direction, program development, and partnership strategy.
Also serves on the Board of Directors.
NS
Dr. Naresh Seetharam
Chief Assessment & Examinations Officer
Leads assessment standards and the responsible delivery of examinations.
Also serves on the Board of Directors.
Examination ServicesIR
Irma Rodriguez
Director of Administration
Oversees administrative systems, records, and day-to-day organizational continuity.
SG
Shaunna Gilmore
Examinations Administration Manager
Manages candidate registration, documentation, and examination-series coordination.
Also serves on the Board of Directors.
Examination ServicesMN
Mike Noori
Program Coordinator, Global Development Fellowship
Coordinates the fellow experience, track activities, and program communications.
Global Development FellowshipVM
Viridiana Mendoza
Program Coordinator, Internships
Coordinates intern onboarding, schedules, supervision, and participant support.
InternshipsLocal Implementation
Country Project Coordinators
Country Project Coordinators are our primary connection to project activity within each country — local knowledge, trusted relationships, responsible implementation.
Seanny Ray Canning
Country Project Coordinator
PlayForward | Costa Rica
Connects TBE with local partners and community needs across PlayForward in Costa Rica.
Explore PlayForward
Country Project Coordinator
Speak to the World | Afghanistan
Appointment Information Coming Soon
Will connect TBE with local implementation partners for Speak to the World.
Explore Speak to the WorldLooking ahead
Country Coordination Expanding in December 2026
Education Unbroken | Sudan
Country Project Coordinator appointment expected December 2026
Skilled Hands | India
Country Project Coordinator appointment expected December 2026
Advisory Model
Our Global Advisory Structure
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION uses a structured advisory model to bring specialized, regional, and cross-disciplinary insight into the Global Development Fellowship and its related projects.
Each GDF track is supported by a dedicated Track Advisory Committee. These committees contribute professional knowledge, lived experience, regional understanding, research insight, and responsible recommendations related to their areas of focus.
IG&FO
International Governance & Financial Oversight
Advise on governance frameworks, financial planning, stakeholder accountability, and long-term project sustainability.
Areas of expertise sought
- Nonprofit and international governance
- Financial oversight and budgeting
- Policy and compliance
2026–2027 applications open
CROI
Crisis Risk & Operational Intelligence
Advise on humanitarian conditions, operating environments, logistics, organizational risk, and implementation considerations.
Areas of expertise sought
- Humanitarian and crisis response
- Risk assessment and safeguarding
- Field logistics and continuity planning
2026–2027 applications open
MSTD
Mechanical Systems & Technical Development
Advise on technical research, design concepts, infrastructure planning, and appropriate-technology approaches.
Areas of expertise sought
- Engineering and mechanical systems
- Architecture and infrastructure planning
- Environmental and water systems
2026–2027 applications open
RSI
Research & Strategic Intelligence
Advise on research design, evidence standards, stakeholder analysis, and translation of findings into strategy.
Areas of expertise sought
- Applied and academic research
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning
- Data analysis and documentation
2026–2027 applications open
One Council. Four Track Perspectives.
One representative from each GDF Track Advisory Committee is appointed to serve concurrently on the Global Strategy Council.
The Council brings the perspectives of all four tracks together, identifies shared priorities, considers emerging global conditions, and provides coordinated strategic recommendations to TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION’s organizational leadership and Board of Directors.
The Global Strategy Council does not replace the authority of the Board of Directors. It strengthens institutional foresight through informed, cross-disciplinary recommendations.
IG&FO
CROI
MSTD
RSI
Track Advisory Committees — advise
Global Strategy Council
Coordinates cross-track recommendations
Board of Directors
Governs
Now Accepting Applications
Help Inform the Next Direction of Our Global Work
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION is accepting applications for its 2026–2027 GDF Track Advisory Committees.
We welcome professionals, researchers, practitioners, educators, emerging leaders, and individuals whose lived experience can contribute meaningfully to one or more GDF tracks.
Committee members serve a one-year appointed term. Previous members may be invited to apply or return for an additional term; however, reappointment is not automatic.
Appointment Process
01
Attend one virtual interest meeting
02
Submit a committee application
03
TBE completes an initial application review
04
Selected applicants are invited to interview
05
Final appointments are made by the Board of Directors
Following the application and interview process, appointments are made by the TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION Board of Directors.
Selections are based on the current needs of each GDF track, the collective composition of the committees, professional and lived experience, regional insight, availability, demonstrated alignment, and the strategic direction of the organization.
This is an appointment process rather than a public or membership election. Submission of an application or participation in an interview does not guarantee appointment.
All appointments are made in the best interests of TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION, its programs, and the communities the organization serves.
Attend a Virtual Interest Meeting
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one virtual interest meeting to learn about the committees, expectations, appointment process, and 2026–2027 priorities.
August 31, 2026
Virtual Interest Meeting
Zoom • Time to be announced
Registration Opening Soon
September 8, 2026
Virtual Interest Meeting
Zoom • Time to be announced
Registration Opening Soon
September 10, 2026
Virtual Interest Meeting
Zoom • Time to be announced
Registration Opening Soon
Transparency
Our Organizational Relationships
Transparency includes explaining how the organizations carrying the TOMA BAṜRE name relate to one another.
Nonprofit Organization
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION is the nonprofit organization responsible for its charitable educational programs, examination access, workforce development initiatives, fellowship and internship programs, and community-centered global projects.
Affiliated Educational Initiative
TOMA BAṜRE International School
TOMA BAṜRE International School, also known as TBIS, is an affiliated educational initiative providing virtual academic programming through its own defined educational model.
Separate Contracted Service Provider
TOMA BAṜRE Consultancy Group
TOMA BAṜRE Consultancy Group, also known as TBCG, is a separate for-profit service provider that may provide contracted administrative, operational, financial, communications, sales, or technical support.
Relationships involving affiliated or related entities are documented and subject to appropriate financial oversight and conflict-of-interest procedures. Restricted charitable funding remains dedicated to the approved nonprofit purpose for which it was provided.
Collaboration
Our Work Is Strengthened Through Collaboration
Academic and Examination Relationships
Authorized examination delivery.
- Pearson Edexcel
Program and Project Collaborators
Collaboration on program or project delivery.
- To Be Announced
Technology and Capacity-Building Relationships
Technology access, tools, or capacity support.
- Apple
- Verizon Wireless
- JPMorgan Chase
- Zoom
- monday.com
Community and Local Implementation Relationships
Local coordination and community implementation.
- To Be Announced
Listings describe the nature of each relationship only. They do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, accreditation, or an active funding relationship.
Accountability
Governance and Accountability
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for organizational oversight, mission alignment, financial stewardship, and long-term institutional direction.
The Board’s governance responsibilities remain separate from the advisory work of the GDF Track Advisory Committees and Global Strategy Council.
Board Governance
The Board retains fiduciary and organizational authority.
Financial Oversight
Financial decisions and resources are reviewed through established oversight and documentation practices.
Program Accountability
Programs and projects use defined roles, milestones, reporting, and responsible implementation structures.
Conflicts of Interest
Board members, advisors, committee members, and organizational decision-makers are expected to disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.
Board Directory Coming SoonPublic Documents Coming Soon
Nonprofit Status
- Legal organization name
- TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION
- EIN
- 81-1255850
- State of incorporation
- To Be Provided
- Federal tax status
- Federal tax-exempt recognition or reinstatement documentation is being updated. Current documentation is available to institutional reviewers upon request.
- Headquarters
- To Be Provided
- Mission-delivery office
- To Be Provided
- Institutional contact
- hello@tomabarre.org
Foundation and Institutional Partners
Build What Lasts With Us
TOMA BAṜRE EDUCATION welcomes foundations, corporate partners, educational institutions, community organizations, and mission-aligned funders interested in expanding educational access, strengthening workforce pathways, and supporting responsibly developed international projects.
Our work is already in motion. Partnership helps reinforce the systems, people, oversight, and infrastructure required for that work to endure.