Desautels African Business Initiative
Meet the D.A.B.I team!
Larissa Nseyep - Co-Founder & Executive Director
4th year, Major in general management, concentrations in Marketing, International Business & Strategic Management
I am originally from Cameroon but was born and raised in China until the age of 18. I graduated from the French International School of Beijing before coming to Canada.
I went back to Cameroon to work during the summer of 2012 and I was amazed at how much growth opportunites there was in the country, yet there are so many challenges that we face at the same time. That said, it is impossible to talk about business today and not include Africa in the conversation, especially for young entrepreneurs.
Something fun: I speak fluent Mandarin.
Aissata Sylla - Co-founder & VP External
3rd year, major in Finance
I was born in Ivory Coast, lived there until the age of 7 and I go back every chance I get. I then lived in Togo, Cameroon, and lasty South Africa for 5 years.
Living in different countries of Africa has allowed me to see the amount of potential that this continent contains. In my opinion, Africa's future is full of positive surprises, and being part of the generation that will unleash the continent's potential is truly exciting!
Something fun: I looooove singing even though I have a horrible voice!
Aissatou Cherif Diallo - Co-founder & VP Logistics
3rd year, major in International management, minor in International Development Studies & East Asian Languages
I was born in the United States, but my parents are originally from Guinea in West africa. In my childhood I travelled through many African countries including Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia. I am passoniate about international relations, international politics and geo-politics, as well as international management.
There are so many opportunities yet to be discovered in Africa. There is so much we can learn from that continent and so much today's international youth can bring to the continent's development process. I believe that after the boom in eastern and southern Asia, the next territory that has great prospects of future exponantial growth is Africa.
Something fun: Even though I am passionate about African culture, history, economy and politics, I am also a big fan of Korean culture. Ask me anything about the country and I probably know it!
Celia Baye - VP Logistics
3rd year, Joint Honours in Economics and Finance
I have French and Gabonese ancestry, and I've taken 12 years of ballet.
What interests me about business in Africa are the endless possibilities. So much is yet to be achieved!
Something fun: I am The only Gabonese student at McGill. Talk about special!
Lisa Ebert - VP Internal
3rd year, major in general management, concentrations in Finance & International Business, minor in Arabic
I was born and raised in Germany and first came to Canada on a high school exchange. After traveling the world, I decided to return to Montreal for my studies.
In 2012, I explored seven African countries as part of a six-week camping trip from Cape Town to Nairobi. Ever since, I have kept up to date on African business news. I would love to return to Cape Town as a professional one day. I am also currently learning the language of northern Africa.
Something fun: I once tried eating caterpillars in a Zambian restaurant. Though I must admit that I have not developed a taste for them. I love trying new things and most of the time they are fun and random, such as training polo horses in Australia, scuba diving for the first time ever in the Great Barrier Reef, swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, or watching a hippo relax on top of the Victoria Falls.
Asma Madina Diallo - VP Sponsorship
3rd year, major in general management, concentrations in Finance & Operation management, minor in East Asian Studies
I am half French and half Malian, have lived 7 years in Morocco, and just came back from an exchange in South Korea. One of my goals in life is to speak 8 different languages, and another is to travel to 90 countries.
I always had an interest for business, and having lived most my life in Africa, I've always thought about Africa as a land of opportunities. Coming to McGill, I was quite surprised that Africa's business potential was rarely mentioned, so when I was offered the chance to change that, I lept at the opportunity.
Something fun: I do not like cheese.
Ines Blondet - VP Sponsorship
3rd year, major in general management, concentrations in International Business & Marketing, minor in Hispanic Language Studies
I am French and was born in France, but I have moved nearly every two years since, and I consider myself to be a citizen of the world as I have lived in 8 different countries, including Canada. I want to continue living abroad, next country: Chile!
I love to travel and learn about different cultures, and for a long time Africa was a mystery to me, so I resolved to learn more about the continent and business within it. What interests me about business in Africa is how much we, as students and future managers, can learn and contribute to the growing businesses and industries on the continent.
Something fun: I love the show 'Friends' and I have watched the series so often that I nearly know all the characters' lines by heart!
Antoine Simon - VP Finance
3rd year, major in Finance, minor in Art history
Born in Paris, lived in Singapore, Australia, south of France, and now studying in Montreal. I am a fine art broker, investor and entrepreneur constantly tracking down new profitable business opportunities.
Africa is becoming an increasingly attractive hub for foreign investors in light of various economic, political and social reforms that are sweeping through the continent, resulting in a much improved business environment that is conducive to foreign direct investment. We need to be informed of these rising profitable business opportunities.
Something fun: My hair.
Evelyne To - VP Communications
2nd year, majors in Political Science and History
I'm from France and I have Chinese and Cambodian origins. I graduated from the Lycée Janson de Sailly in Paris before coming to Canada.
I’m intrigued by the increasing number of opportunities in Africa for young entrepreneurs and how the development of the continent as a whole presupposes a bright future for Africa!
Something fun: I cannot use chopsticks.
Mikhael Taye - VP Communications
5th year, major in Political Science, minors in Economics & Sociology
I am a Canadian with Italian and Ethiopian ancestry. I was born in Toronto, spent my childhood in Dubai, and returned to Canada for the rest of my schooling.
What interests me about business in Africa is the sheer potential of the continent. Many of its countries are in a rudimentary stage of economic development, and the prospect of playing a part in Africa's rise in the 21st century is a very exciting one for me.
Something fun: I love standup comedy and get a kick out of being melodramatic.