We were lucky to catch up with Singo Facery Maniga recently and have shared our conversation below.

Singo Facery, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Ensemble Washington wasn’t a sudden lightning bolt — it was a slow burn, sparked by shared frustration and a deep desire to see our community thrive.

In late 2021, Klaus, Steven (my fellow co-founders), and I — all first-generation college students from immigrant families — were having ongoing conversations. We followed the traditional path: study hard, get top grades, and chase the so-called golden ticket to success. But as graduation approached, we realized those “great jobs” we imagined weren’t just waiting for us.

What we discovered was the unspoken truth — that success often hinges on access to networks, internships, and mentorships. These weren’t readily available in our communities. We saw talented friends and classmates settling for roles far beneath their potential, not due to a lack of ability, but a lack of access. It was frustrating and personal. These were our people.

We started small, organizing mentorship workshops and networking events at local community centers. The response was immediate and powerful. Students showed up eager, hopeful, and ready to grow. They weren’t just looking for advice — they were seeking belonging and opportunity.

That’s when we knew Ensemble Washington was worth building.

We weren’t solving a theoretical problem — this was real. And while some resources existed, few took a holistic, community-rooted approach. We focused not only on academic support, but also on economic empowerment, cultural inclusion, and community care because we know that thriving is multifaceted.

What excited us most wasn’t just helping people land jobs. It was about creating a space where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered. A place that builds bridges to opportunity and reflects the full richness of our community.

Were we solving a problem no one else was solving entirely? Perhaps not in its individual components. But our unique approach lay in the integration of these essential elements under a single, community-led umbrella. We weren’t just offering a workshop here or a donation drive there; we were building a comprehensive ecosystem of support tailored to the specific needs we understood so intimately. That holistic vision, born from our own experiences and the needs of our community, is what fueled our passion and conviction that Ensemble Washington was not just worthwhile, but absolutely necessary.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey started in Côte d’Ivoire where I was born in the western region called Man to two loving parents, Singo Maniga Sr. and Mawa Maniga. I’m from the Malinke tribe, known to be strong warriors and extremely hard working. I am also the descendant of Sundiata Keita. My family always wanted the best for me so in 2015 I started my college education in the United States where I got my BA in Finance from Central Washington University and my Masters in IT at Seattle University. I took an interest in entrepreneurship and started to develop B2C business both back home in the Ivory Coast and locally here in Seattle with my non-profit business started with my two friends called Ensemble Washington

As a co-founder of Ensemble Washington, my journey into community empowerment stemmed from a personal recognition of untapped potential within underserved communities, particularly regarding access to essential networks and resources.
As an organization, Ensemble Washington actively invests in this potential by providing strategic support – mentorship, funding, and resource access to small businesses, artists, and students, ultimately building stronger, more vibrant communities.
What sets us apart is our holistic, community-rooted approach that addresses interconnected needs, fostering sustainable growth. I’m most proud of the tangible impact we’ve witnessed – the businesses scaling, the artists flourishing, the students thriving. We have come to truly believe that ordinary people can also be an extraordinary resource to the community.
To learn more about our work, see these success stories, and explore how you can get involved.

Please visit our website at https://www.ensemblewashington.org/ and follow us on our social media platforms
Instagram – @ensemble.wa
YouTube – @EnsembleWashington
Facebook – @EnsembleWashington
Twitter – @EnsembleWashin1
LinkedIn – @EnsembleWashington

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Two years ago (2022). Zero funding. Just belief and a whole lot of late nights fueled by coffee and a shared vision. There were countless moments we questioned if we could keep going, if we were making a difference. But then we’d get a heartfelt thank you, see a small win for someone we were helping, and that spark would reignite. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught us grit and resilience.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Steven and I go way back – think dorm room debates that somehow morphed into ‘let’s do something about this.’ Klaus joined a bit later, drawn by the same frustration we felt about the lack of opportunities. It wasn’t a formal ‘business meeting’ that brought us together; it was a shared sense of purpose and a few too many ‘what if’ conversations that finally turned into ‘let’s make things happen, let’s be the change in our community, especially for those coming behind us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ensemblewashington.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ensemble.wa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ensemble.WA
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ensemble-washington