OUR TEAM
CURRICULUM + STRATEGY TEAM
The following people played a crucial role in developing AYANA's programs and planning since the original conception of the YIL.
MAHIKA HALEPETE
FUMIKA HASEGAWA
MARISA BALADES
VANESSA TURYATANGA
I started AYANA when I was 14 years old, with a goal of activating the innate potential of young people to solve big problems in their communities. I enjoy making art and music, traveling, and working on projects that enable us all to thrive in every dimension.
I am currently a high school senior from Edison, New Jersey and enjoy drawing and playing volleyball in my free time. I desire to to bring awareness to the potential of the youth around the world, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with an inspiring team of individuals here at AYANA.
Service and volunteer work are very important parts of my life. During my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and being outdoors!
I am proudly Ugandan, passionate about educating and empowering the youth, and currently undertaking a Master's in Religious Studies in hopes of continuing on to teach, and fulfill that passion.
LOCAL LEADERS
AYANA's work would not be possible without our community partners. The following people have invested their time and energy into bringing our programming to life in their communities and have an incredible commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders. They have also been crucial thought partners as we work to refine our programs to work for local and cultural contexts.
THADEI MSUMANJE
Moshi, Tanzania
Tanzania Rural
Empowerment Organization
(2017-2019)
VICTOR ODHIAMBO
Nairobi/Kibera, Kenya
Garden of Hope
Foundation (2018-2019)
VINCENT
NDEBWANIMANA
Muhanga, Rwanda
Rwanda Youth Solutions
(2018-2020)
DENIS OUMA
Obunga Settlement, Kenya
Mission of Love Community-Based Organization (2020)
GEORVI SIMALUNGANA
& BRILLIANT NYAMBI
Cape Town, South Africa
Africa Unite (2017)
OMAR NDIZEYE & JOSEPH NKURUNZIZA
Kigali, Rwanda
Never Again Rwanda (2018)
EPAMBA COMFORT
& TOUFIC OLABI
Kumba and Buea, Cameroon
CLISSD
(2018)
ARNOLD OTIENO
Kisumu, Kenya
Nyanza Initiative for Girls' Education & Empowerment (2018)