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)

AYANA was founded to equip young people to transform their communities for the better through educational offerings and project funding. Our program curriculum has reached over 500 young people and funded youth-led projects have impacted thousands of their community members.