Meet the Team
Meet the Team
If you could link that to the template you already have for the coaches, (scrolling down from the main page) to get to “Coaching Staff Guided by the Best in the Game” It will be good to click on the image and see some writing about the person ( Brief bios of coaches, and key staff, and why they’re passionate about the mission.)
Our Leadership and Team
Building Stronger Communities in Philadelphia and Beyond
Our leadership, team, staff, and advisors bring together decades of expertise in Philadelphia nonprofit organizations, youth education, public health programs, and cultural diplomacy. Guided by our mission, they work tirelessly to expand opportunities for immigrants, vulnerable youth, and underserved families in Philadelphia while strengthening global connections.
Executive Leadership
Jean Marie GB Kouassi – Founder & Executive Director
Jean Marie Kouassi is a visionary leader dedicated to creating inclusive, sustainable opportunities for immigrant youth and underserved communities in Philadelphia. As the Founder and Executive Director of Palm Solutions, he spearheads initiatives in economic development, health equity, and education support that empower vulnerable populations.
With international leadership experience at USAID, the World Bank, and the Rockefeller Foundation, Jean Marie has championed women’s empowerment, youth education, and cultural exchange programs in Africa and the U.S. He has advised organizations such as the Philadelphia School District, the Global Health Catalyst Summit at Harvard Medical School, and the German Institute for Cultural Diplomacy.
In 2024, he earned an Executive Diploma in Cultural Diplomacy, International Relations, and Global Governance from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), further strengthening his ability to advance global peace and cultural diplomacy initiatives.
Currently, Jean Marie also serves as Director of Academic & Community Partnerships for the Freshman Exposure to Research in Biological Sciences (FERBS) program at the University of Pennsylvania, bridging academia and underserved communities. A graduate of the Wharton School of Business and the Penn Nonprofit Leadership Program, he continues to lead programs that promote community engagement, youth mentorship, and immigrant services in Philadelphia’s 19139 area.
Our Staff
Kristi Bezhani
Program Coordinator
Kristi is an educator and researcher committed to bridging cultural and racial divides. With a degree in Global Studies from Temple University and a certificate in Mental Health First Aid, she mentors Philadelphia youth and advocates for equity in education. Her interdisciplinary teaching and volunteer work across cultures have strengthened Palm Solutions' youth mentorship and educational support programs.
Ahema Asare MBA
Grants Manager
Ahema brings extensive experience in grants and program management, currently serving as Director of Grants Management at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She has previously directed programs for the Sickle Cell Disease Association and consulted with Deloitte. At Palm Solutions, she ensures that our nonprofit health initiatives in Philadelphia are funded and sustainable.
Beth Pittman
Public Relations Director
Beth leverages her experience as Risk & Underwriting Manager at Cigna Global Health Benefits to strengthen Palm Solutions' public presence. She develops strategic partnerships with nonprofits, academic institutions, and local service agencies to advance Philadelphia cultural programs and community-driven initiatives.
Scott Winfree
Housing Development Coordinator
With over 15 years of experience in real estate and housing, Scott specializes in foreclosure prevention, first-time homeownership counseling, and community housing solutions. His work supports West Philadelphia education programs by ensuring stable housing, which serves as a foundation for family success.
Joshua Kouassi
National Student Coordinator
Joshua is a Political Science major at Penn State, passionate about addressing socioeconomic and environmental disparities in low-income Philadelphia communities. He supports Palm Solutions' student-led initiatives in youth mentorship and advocacy.
Katherina Bezhani
Executive Assistant, Sports Coordinator
Katherina is a dedicated sports-based youth development coach and the founder of Kat Academy. With international experience in over 13 countries, she leads sports programs for youth in Philadelphia at Palm Solutions, mentoring children in soccer, tennis, and leadership development.
Our Board of Directors
Dr. Carol McLaughlin, MD, MPH
Physician, HIV/Infectious Diseases Clinic, Philadelphia VA; advisor in global public health and faculty at the University of Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Frances Walker
Women's activist and advisor in public health and community engagement.
Renee McBride-Williams
General Manager of West Philadelphia's WPEB 88.1 FM; recipient of the Dorothy I. Height Award for community service.
Dr. Dendridge Collins, PhD
Psychologist specializing in trauma healing and resilience.
Thomas Henry Massaro
Former Deputy Mayor of Economic Development for Philadelphia; long-time advocate for civic engagement.
Gabriel Sembo
Account Manager at Habitat for Humanity; dedicated to sustainable housing and community building.
Alvaro J. Madrid, Esq
Attorney specializing in immigration, family, and criminal law; long-time resident and community advocate in West Philadelphia.
Our Advisory Board
George Ayittey, PhD
Distinguished Economist, American University; renowned scholar and author on African governance and development.
Dr. Mecky Pohlschroder, PhD
Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania, leads STEM outreach for underserved Philadelphia youth.
Youma Ba
Entrepreneur and President of Echoes of Africa; cultural leader bridging newly arrived African immigrants and African Americans in Philadelphia.
Our Wise Council
Palm Solutions’ Wise Council consists of seven respected African community leaders representing diverse regions and voices. They embody wisdom, loyalty, and stability, providing trusted guidance for Philadelphia immigrant services and diaspora engagement.
