Honoring Priscilla’s legacy through support to her family

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Priscilla Ashamu Sampil on November 23, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Mohamed Dinah Sampil, and three children Aboubacar (12), Charlotte (10) and Youssouf (6).

Donations will support Priscilla’s family to honor her dreams for her children: she wanted them to be well-rounded, have the best formal education possible, and have access to a wide range of social, cultural and arts activities.

For Priscilla, being a mother, a wife, a sister, and a community gatherer, were the things she loved most about life. Known for her deep faith, unfailing kindness, joie de vivre, generosity, warm hospitality, acute intelligence, and sharp wit, Priscilla was beloved by many. She possessed a unique ability to make us feel seen and valued. She was an avid reader, student of history, patron of the arts and teller of tales. Priscilla had a fierce love for her children and a deep commitment to her family and friends. She was a leader and a friend, always ready to listen and push you to your best.

Born on April 5, 1978, in Providence, Rhode Island, Priscilla grew up in both Lagos, Nigeria and Charlottesville, Virginia. She attended her maternal-grandmother's alma mater, Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Following her graduation, Priscilla went to work in Guinea and made it her home for 16 years. Her distinguished career in international affairs spanned over two decades of service with the U.S. Department of State, Peace Corps, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. During this time, she lived and worked in Guinea, Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zimbabwe. Prior to her passing, Priscilla was serving as a Foreign Service Supervisory Executive Officer with USAID/Zimbabwe.

She pursued excellence in everything she did and inspired others to do the same in all their endeavors - she led by example. She thrived in mentoring and advising leaders and colleagues alike, generously sharing her knowledge and time.

Priscilla was an active community member, volunteering her time and serving on the board of the French School in Harare. Priscilla had a passion for culinary arts. She loved reading cookbooks, collecting recipes, and preparing large meals for her loved ones and friends. She never needed an excuse to cook a feast and was very proud to have won the Jollof Rice Cook-Off at the US Embassy in Zimbabwe. She was full of energy. You may remember her epic parties; she loved to dance and to have a great time. She enjoyed exploring nature with her family, practicing yoga, and playing tennis. She was a talented artist, who brought joy to friends through the paintings, quilts or crochet blankets she gifted them.