Mamie is a 14-year-old student at Northeast Middle School. Originally from the Congo, she moved to the United States in December of 2015.

Moving to Kansas City was difficult, she said, but she has found a home here and is thriving. 

Speaking five languages, she learned English in a year and also speaks Swahili, Kinyuamulenge, Kinyarwanda, and Rundi. 

At Northeast Middle, she runs cross country, plays basketball, runs track and field, and is on the swim team. 

Understanding the challenges she had to overcome, Mamie said she is happy to help other students.

“I want to help other students who are struggling because I was there once, too, and I know how it is, so any chance I get to help other students, I’ll help them,” she said.

Mamie’s goals for her future are not limited. Academically, school leaders describe her as a “star student.” 

She said she is unsure what direction she is going to take, but she is interested in becoming a businesswoman, a doctor, working in fashion, or in music. 

What she loves about her school, she said, is the diversity. 

“I like that this school welcomes everybody because if it didn’t welcome certain people, not every student in Kansas City would be able to learn.” 

Mamie is running for student council president and said she hopes to one day have Mayor Quinton Lucas visit her school and speak to her and her peers.