About NEGES Foundation
Nest for Educational Growth and Environmental Safety
Founded in February 1997, NEGES Foundation was established by two dedicated Ayitian-American educators based in New York: Marie Yoleine Gateau-Esposito, a retired guidance counselor from Brooklyn, and Dr. James E. Philemy, a retired school principal from Queens.
For more than two decades before formally launching the organization, the founders traveled regularly to Ayiti, providing financial assistance, educational support, and community outreach to underserved families. During one of these visits, they reflected on a simple but transformative question:
“Why can’t we do in Ayiti what we do for children in Brooklyn?”
From that moment, the vision for NEGES was born — a vision rooted in the belief that Ayitian children deserve the same opportunities for education, guidance, safety, and community support as children anywhere in the world.
NEGES was created as a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and promoting environmental stewardship through education and sustainable community development.
For the founders, education and environmental awareness have always gone hand in hand.
Today, NEGES continues its mission in Léogâne, Ayiti, working closely with local residents and families in Dampus, a rural area made up of three small communities. Through collaboration, educational support, women’s literacy programs, and small business development initiatives, the organization continues to nurture hope, resilience, and lasting community impact.
As a Ayitian-American–led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NEGES remains committed to creating opportunities for children and families while helping communities build a safer, stronger, and more sustainable future.
About The Founders
Marie Yoleine Gateau-Esposito
Co-Founder & President
Marie Yoleine Gateau-Esposito is an accomplished educator, cultural leader, mentor, and community advocate whose life’s work has been dedicated to empowering children, families, and underserved communities through education and service. As Co-Founder and President of NEGES Foundation, she has spent decades building bridges between Ayitian communities in the United States and Ayiti, with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for youth and strengthening community resilience.
With advanced degrees in Education, Counseling, and Administration, Marie Yoleine Gateau-Esposito brings extensive leadership experience shaped by her career as a guidance counselor, educator, and advocate for youth development. Her work reflects a lifelong dedication to cultural pride, educational empowerment, and community engagement.
Under her leadership, NEGES has continued to grow as a Ayitian-American–led nonprofit organization serving the community of Léogâne, Ayiti, particularly the rural area of Dampus. Through initiatives focused on youth empowerment, women’s literacy, environmental awareness, and community development, she continues to inspire hope and help create pathways toward a stronger and more sustainable future for the next generation.
Dr. James E. Philemy
Co-Founder & Executive Advisor
Dr. James E. Philemy is a retired school principal, lifelong educator, and respected community leader whose dedication to academic excellence and youth development has left a lasting impact on generations of students and families. As Co-Founder of NEGES Foundation, he played a vital role in shaping the organization’s vision of empowering Ayitian communities through education, leadership, and sustainable community support.
With decades of experience within the New York City educational system, Dr. Philemy devoted his career to creating structured learning environments that encouraged discipline, opportunity, and personal growth for young people. His passion for education extended beyond the classroom, rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to guidance, encouragement, and the tools necessary to succeed.
Dr. Philemy’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment continue to serve as a guiding force behind the mission and values of NEGES. His legacy is reflected in the organization’s ongoing work to create opportunities, inspire hope, and help build stronger futures for children and families in Léogâne, Ayiti.
Mission Statement
At NEGES Foundation — Nest for Educational Growth and Environmental Safety, our mission is to empower children, families, and communities in Léogâne, Ayiti through education, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community development.
We are committed to creating safe and nurturing spaces where young people can learn, grow, and realize their full potential while fostering a deep respect for the environment and the well-being of their communities. Through educational support, women’s literacy initiatives, leadership development, and community partnerships, we strive to build opportunities that inspire resilience, dignity, self-sufficiency, and lasting positive change for future generations.
Vision Statement
NEGES Foundation envisions a future where every child and family in Ayiti has access to educational opportunities, a healthy environment, and the support needed to thrive.
We believe in communities where education empowers individuals, where environmental responsibility is embraced as part of daily life, and where women, youth, and families are equipped to become active leaders in shaping a stronger and more sustainable future.
Through collaboration, cultural pride, and community-driven action, NEGES seeks to nurture hope, strengthen resilience, and help build generations of empowered citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of Ayiti.