Directors and Advisers
Executive Director, Co-Founder
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” - Muhammad Ali
Mahamadou Hydara helped to found Neighborhood United in the Spring of 2020. He is the current Executive Director of the organization. Mahamadou is a physical education teacher at a local Bronx middle school school. He acquired a Master’s degree in Sports Management from Adelphi University. Originally from the Bronx, he loves coaching youth basketball to the kids in his community. He has a special mission in amplifying the voices and play of young girls in basketball, which is often overshadowed in the sports arena.
Mahamadou Hydara
Senior Adviser, Co-Founder
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
Husein Yatabarry helped to found Neighborhood United in the Spring of 2020. He is the current Executive Director of Muslim Community Network. Husein continues to contribute to NU as an adviser. He received his bachelor’s degree from The City College of New York located in Harlem. Originally from the Bronx, he loves effecting change in his community. He also enjoys running, traveling and spending time with his family.
Husein Yatabarry
Program Managers
Alhuseney Trawally
New York Fury Program Manager
Alhuseney Trawally, currently teaches physical education, in The South Bronx. His true passion is coaching basketball. He’s been coaching high school girls basketball, Middle school basketball, and AAU Basketball for about 6 years. He is the 2020 Junior Knicks Coach of the Year runner up. His mission is to provide a platform for young women of color to play basketball in a space that is primarily male dominated.
“To further creativity is to generate risk.” -William C. Maxwell
Cristina Acevedo helped to start the first art program for Neighborhood United in the Spring of 2020. She is currently one of the current Art Program managers. Cristina taught art at a local New York non-profit program. She recently acquired her MFA in Fine Arts from the City College of New York (CUNY) located in Harlem. She has an interdisciplinary practice both within her and her teaching.
Cristina Acevedo
Canvas Kids Program Manager
“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”
- Frida Kahlo
Luisa Calcaño helped to start the first Neighborhood United art program in the Spring of 2020. She is currently one of the current Art Program managers. Luisa is an elementary school art teacher at a local Bronx elementary school. She has a BFA in Art Education from the College of New Rochelle located in New York. She loves to teach art to children in the community and host art events for her families.
Luisa Calcaño
Canvas Kids Program Manager
Tech Academy Program Manager
“It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.”
–Frederick Douglass
Bubah is currently working as a professional software developer for a global software consultancy company. He has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and is currently enrolled in a M.S in Computer Science program at Syracuse University.
Why partner with Neighborhood United?
“Throughout my journey in life, I've been fortunate to meet individuals who have influenced me, supported me, and exposed me to resources I would not have had access to otherwise. I feel that it is an obligation for every individual to give back to the community that had a hand in their success. This is what motivates me every day to find ways to give back to my community.”
