About Us

Empowering Children, Lifting Every Voice,
Building Bridges for Youth, Families, Schools, and Community

Africans on the Eastside (AOE) actively addresses the sources and affects of institutional racism and racial inequity on education and access to human resources, particularly for families on the east side of Seattle.

We strive to reinforce the TRUTH that English Language Learners, Immigrants and others who identify as African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American (ALAANA) are welcomed and valued partners in our communities and schools and need to be included in this work of building an inclusive, anti-racist society. The absence of these voices is a loss to the entire community.

AOE’s mission is to serve students’ diverse needs and their families as a unit through outreach and engagement, education, advocacy training, leadership opportunities and development.

We strive to cultivate greater respect for the language and culture of every member in our communities.

A few words from our Executive Director, Adam Dibba.
Fashion Show 2024, Kirkland WA

Meet the Team

Unveiling the Minds Behind Our Success

Discover the individuals who fuel our innovation and drive. Get a glimpse into the personalities shaping our journey

Executive Director

Adam Dibba

Africans on the Eastside is led by Adam Dibba, a Bellevue School District parent of three daughters (BSD alumnae), community organizer, advocate and lifelong volunteer.

Adam’s story began like many of yours. She grew up in Gambia and immigrated to the United States over 25 years ago. Adam did not know anyone in Bellevue and was very far away from her family. The culture was different, the food was different. She was an English language learner and there were few people around to help her learn to live in this new city. It was a struggle.

During this time, Adam reached out to her father for advice. Her wise father told her not to worry and encouraged her to serve others in the community, to help others with her compassion, love and respect for others. This work is her passion and what she continues to do with Africans on the Eastside.

Director of Operations

Karen Smith Fraser

Karen is a native Washingtonian (the other Washington (DC), and moved to Bellevue in 2008. She's a wife, and mom of two sons, one of whom graduated from Bellevue School District. (BSD).

Karen comes from a family of ten who were active in serving others. She grew up understanding that each person, regardless of credential, can help, support and encourage another person. Upon arrival to Bellevue, she was invited to serve on the Parent Action and Advisory Council, a diverse parent group charged with advocating for all students in BSD, especially those deemed most vulnerable, which includes immigrant youth, ELL, those with special needs, and *ALAANA youth and families. Karen has advocated for youth and families especially during her16 years working in schools in Maryland, Renton, Seattle and Bellevue. She is privileged to continue this important work with Africans on the Eastside.

*ALAANA -stands for African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American