december 2021 active member spotlight

Meet ​Alizeta Diallo

Alizeta Diallo is a brand new member to JLOSH, only joining a few months ago.  She joined JLOSH in search of building friendships and learning more about the community in which she lives.  The JLOSH mission to help children in the Oranges and developing its women leaders was also a big factor in her choosing to become a member amongst other local non-profit organizations. Alizeta currently serves on our fundraising committee. 

What is your favorite thing you’ve done/learned/experienced with JLOSH?
As a new member, and having volunteered to only few events, I was amazed to experience the sense of community/family amongst members, kind of like once a member, always a member. At the November general membership meeting in Orange, NJ, It was refreshing/empowering to meet members who grew into leaders in their careers and/or pursuing their own passion like founding their own nonprofit (MEND & Warehouse).
Members lookout and support each others in several ways. Upon mentioning my desire to continue speaking French, one member introduce me to a group that meets to practice French.

Tell us about where you're from and your life outside of JLOSH.
I am a native of Burkina Faso, a West African French speaking country and moved to Montreal, Canada when I was a teenager.  I eventually made my way to Washington DC with a deep desire to learn English where I took intensive language classes and learned the language in 6 months!  I then went on to get a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Howard University.  I was hired on campus by a NYC Investment Banking firm and after looking for apartments in NYC & NJ, I fell in love with New Jersey. My 1st apartment was in Elizabeth, NJ. When I got married and decided to have a family, Maplewood was the right place to buy a house and raise a family.

Before the pandemic, I was in Guinea West Africa working with Peace Corps and was evacuated back to New Jersey in March 2020. Upon my return, I accepted a position as an Emergency Project Manager with FEMA. Outside my work hours, I volunteer for a nonprofit, HIP, where I am an active as well as a board member. I also volunteer for an association who tends to the needs of the Burkina be community (where I am originally from). As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), I also attend and volunteer (as needed) at my professional association:  Project Management Institute (PMI). Earlier this month, I volunteered for the NJ Center for Nonprofit annual conference which brings together over 500 individuals and nonprofits for the 2-days event filled with informational webinars on the Nonprofit world.

What is your favorite movie of all time?
Pretty Woman

What are your hobbies / what do you like to do for fun?
I like dancing/workout: Zumba; I also enjoy going to the movies with my family which was not possible last year.  

Tell us a little bit about your home life (family, pets, kids, etc)
I am married with 02 kids. My daughter is a Junior a Columbia High school where she is also a Cheerleader. My son is in 4th grade at Tuscan and loves playing soccer.