French former professional soccer player & FIFA World Cup winner
We are thrilled to introduce our official ambassador, Marcel Desailly, a 1998 World Cup Champion and FIFA Ambassador.
Marcel, with his extraordinary athletic accomplishments and impactful legacy, serves as an exemplary role model for children, exemplified by his profound dedication to education and children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Ghana since 2008.
Marcel’s commitment to making the world a better place makes him an inspiring figure for the NoMi Kids Foundation, embodying the values of kindness and positive change that we hold dear.
French former professional soccer player & FIFA World Cup winner
We are thrilled to introduce our official ambassador, Marcel Desailly, a 1998 World Cup Champion and FIFA Ambassador.
Marcel, with his extraordinary athletic accomplishments and impactful legacy, serves as an exemplary role model for children, exemplified by his profound dedication to education and children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Ghana since 2008.
Marcel’s commitment to making the world a better place makes him an inspiring figure for the NoMi Kids Foundation, embodying the values of kindness and positive change that we hold dear.
Every act of kindness creates a ripple effect and make a world of difference.
WE NEED YOU to champion transformative after-school programs and impactful mentorship that focus in soccer, reading proficiency, financial literacy, and art.
WE NEED YOU to equip underserved children with skills for life.
WE NEED YOU to empower them as compassionate leaders, resilient learners, and creative thinkers.
Inquire . Connect . Engage . Stay in the know .
NoMi Kids Foundation (NKF) is a Miami-based 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting underserved children and their families.
NoMi Kids offers free aftercare programs that focus on education, health, and social well-being.
At the core of our mission is the belief in the transformative power of sports and literacy. Through a seamless integration of these elements, we strive to inspire and educate children, nurturing their physical, mental, and creative development.
Marcel Desailly, is the Ambassador for the NoMi Kids Foundation. A football legend and World Cup winner, Desailly extends his impactful legacy beyond the field through a profound commitment to education and children. Renowned for his illustrious football career, including captaining the French national team, Desailly’s dedication to philanthropy shines in his initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for children. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he actively champions educational projects, emphasizing their transformative power in shaping the future. Desailly’s enduring legacy lies not only in his achievements on the pitch but also in his unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact on the lives of children, fostering a legacy of education and empowerment.
Sophie Rolati, a dedicated mother of two and esteemed Supervisor of the Protocol Support Lab at the Miami Cancer Institute, also serves as a board member for the NoMi Kids foundation, showcasing her impactful contributions for children’s well-being. With a Master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology, she has made substantial contributions to various scientific publications and actively supports the Clinical trials operations and MCI Biorepository Program, embodying steadfast commitment to MCI’s mission over the past five years. Sophie’s leadership at MCI is marked by integrity, fairness and unwavering dedication, making her a valuable and respected team member, qualities she extends to her role in the NoMi Kids Foundation. Sophie fights for causes she believes in and approaches every projects she is a part of, with a contagious passion.
Cory Finot, a visionary French-American restaurateur, has significantly transformed Miami’s culinary landscape since 1999, evolving from his role as Wish’s general manager to the establishment of Buena Vista Deli, Café Crème, and the groundbreaking Dior Café in 2019, solidifying his status as an industry innovator. His success extends beyond gastronomy, as exemplified by his 2023 creation of the NoMi Kids Foundation. Cory’s unwavering passion and entrepreneurial spirit not only showcase his influence on Miami’s hospitality industry but also underscore the profound impact he seeks to make by uplifting the community, particularly its underprivileged children through this philanthropic endeavor.
Marjorie Weber, President of Primed 2 Grow Inc., specializes in counseling small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential tools needed to access capital. She has over 30 years of real estate investment banking experience, having provided financing for many major real estate developments and surging businesses. She also leads financial literacy workshops in conjunction with other not for profit organizations through Financial 4 Biz, a 501C3. Former chair of Miami Dade SCORE and a financial advisor for SBDC/FIU, Marjorie contributed to the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and the SBA Emerging Leaders Program. She is member of the Board of Directors of Latin Business Today, an online publication, and Starting Now, a 501C3 that offers credit counseling to individuals. She has published many articles as an advisor to small businesses. In her role as treasurer and advisor for NoMi Kids Foundation, Marjorie Weber brings her expertise to advance the organization’s mission of uplifting underserved children and families.
Ellen van Duijn is a seasoned Franco-Dutch financial and entrepreneurial expert with a notable presence in Monaco, France, the Netherlands, and the USA. Beyond her distinguished financial career, Ellen showcased her passion for soccer by playing a vital role in team logistics for the World Cup 1998 Dutch team in France. Committed to social causes, she has been a dedicated volunteer for Un Regard Un Enfant in France. Presently, Ellen spearheads fundraising and sponsorship initiatives for the NoMi Kids Foundation, leveraging her wealth of experience and philanthropic spirit to uplift underprivileged children.
Astre_74, a native of Paris, France, is a recognized artist based in Miami, where he has immersed himself in the city’s vibrant artistic scene for the past decade. Growing up in Paris, surrounded by the dynamic fashion world, he discovered his innate desire for expression and creativity, fueled by a passion for the written word. In 1988, Astre_74’s exploration of self-expression led him to painting, and by 1994, he found his niche in letters. Beyond his artistry, Astre_74 is dedicated to inspiring the next generation. Recognizing the power of letters to shape narratives, Astre_74 passionately teaches the alphabet through graffiti, offering children a unique and engaging pathway to reading proficiency. This commitment to creative education aligns with his broader mission of making art accessible to all, empowering young minds to express themselves uniquely. Additionally, Astre_74, as an avid soccer fan, attends matches whenever possible, adding a dynamic layer to his multifaceted artistic pursuits.
Renowned for her captivating photography, Lea Grandvalet is a seasoned professional who breathes life into people’s stories. Having traveled the globe and lived in different countries for her work, she intimately understands and embraces various cultures and languages, being trilingual. Beyond her thriving career, Lea is ardently dedicated to sharing the art of photography with others, guiding them through the journey from image capture to print. Her commitment extends to the NoMi Kids Foundation, where she passionately inspires children, teaching them to express themselves uniquely through the lens and capture the vibrant essence of life, their life, in every frame.
Kyllene Carter’s soccer journey began with the Sting’s Under-19 team, establishing her as a key figure in women’s soccer before the U.S. national team’s inception. Her pivotal role in the Sting’s historic victory at the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1984 showcased her skills against formidable opponents like Italy and Australia. Carter’s time at Barry University was marked by notable achievements, including two-time All-American honors, the 1990 National Player of the Year title (NCAA), and finalist status for the prestigious Honda-Broderick Award. As a standout defender, she exceeded expectations with eight goals and nine crucial assists, transitioning seamlessly into coaching. Carter achieved championships at Barry University and led Miami Country Day School to a 2014 Florida High School State Association championship as the state finalist runner-up. Beyond soccer, her 25-year legacy as an esteemed educator at The Cushman School underscores her passion for education, solidifying her influential role in the community.
Sophie Prin Lombardo always had a love for books and an eager, curious mind. Her passion for literature and learning led her to pursue a degree in Publishing, complementing her background in Art and History. Beginning her journey by creating educational material for children in France, she seamlessly shifted to managing an art gallery upon moving to the United States, her keen eye for detail and ability to forge personal connections becoming her hallmarks. Beyond gallery walls, she has passionately advocated for access to art and literacy education in underserved communities with the RAW Project among other. Now, as the Director of the NoMi Kids Foundation, she draws upon her diverse experiences to ensure every child has access to enriching learning experiences, infusing her work with boundless enthusiasm, genuine passion, and a contagious excitement.
Embarking on his soccer journey at age 4, French-American soccer devotee Mike Athea founded Midtown Soccer in Wynwood, Miami, in 2007 and later Urban Indoor Futbol in 2017. Beyond providing inclusive spaces, Mike is on a mission to ensure everyone enjoys a delightful soccer experience, regardless of skill level. Renowned as a team player and devoted family man, he places special emphasis on children, actively imparting the sport’s values to young minds, reflecting a holistic commitment to creating a positive environment. Serving as NoMi Kids Foundation’s ambassador, Mike passionately mentors children, extending his commitment to nurturing growth, resilience, and community. His multifaceted approach showcases a deep dedication to empowering the next generation both on and off the soccer pitch.
