Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Fatimata Gakou is a skilled Community Engagement Specialist at Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, focusing on supporting refugee and immigrant families through volunteer recruitment and training. Experience includes serving as a Cross-Cultural Communication Lecturer at Thelma Business School, where course syllabi were revamped and virtual classes were led in French and English. Prior roles at Hostelling International USA encompassed Community Affairs Manager, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Volunteer & Activities Coordinator, where significant contributions were made to promote cultural diversity and community outreach. Fatimata holds an M.B.A. in Human Resource Management and a B.S. in International Business from Strayer University and an International Baccalaureate in Social Sciences & Economics from Lycee Francais Theodore Monod in Mauritania.
This person is not in any offices
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
Since 1917, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), a human services and immigration relief and refugee welcome agency, has accompanied those in need throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. metro area to foster resiliency, self-sufficiency, and access to opportunities by creating, connecting with, and engaging welcoming communities. Motivated daily by our belief in the inherent dignity of all, LSSNCA’s innovative participant-informed programs serve refugees, forced migrants, immigrants, children and youth, and underserved communities by filling in the gaps. Piloting initiatives like the area’s first camp for kids impacted by the HIV/AIDS crisis, originating local pro se asylum workshops for Afghan Allies, launching a Resource Center to serve as a community hub for all recently arrived program participants, and backing an array of ongoing mental health support services, alongside community partners, LSSNCA strives to create an inclusive community of well-being where people thrive.