Leadership

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet the leadership team driving AYCADO’s vision to empower Africa’s young people through career development, practical skills, professional experience, leadership and meaningful opportunities.

Our leadership

Committed to practical pathways for Africa’s young people.

AYCADO is led by a dedicated team committed to creating practical pathways for young people and young adults to develop the knowledge, skills, experience and confidence needed to thrive academically, professionally and entrepreneurially.

Founder & CEO

James Ruzii Gonwokay

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

James Ruzii Gonwokay founded AYCADO in March 2024 to help young people across Africa turn learning into practical, professional capability.

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DCEO

Wilnet Zola Gaye

Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Wilnet Zola Gaye supports executive leadership and helps coordinate AYCADO’s departments, programs and strategic initiatives toward shared institutional objectives.

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Marcus L Sasha

Executive Director

Marcus L Sasha leads the day-to-day functioning of AYCADO and helps translate strategic priorities into coordinated operational activities.

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CPO

Josiah Varney Sando

Chief Programs Officer

Josiah Varney Sando provides senior leadership for the design, coordination, implementation and evaluation of AYCADO’s youth development programs.

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Governance

Board of Directors.

AYCADO is an emerging organization. The board roles below define the governance structure the organization is building toward. Appointments are in progress and each member will be named here once confirmed.

Board Chair: Leads the board, guides institutional direction and ensures that governance remains focused on AYCADO's purpose, participants and long term responsibility.
Vice Chair: Supports the Chair, provides continuity of governance and takes responsibility for assigned areas of oversight.
Board Secretary: Maintains board records, documents decisions and supports adherence to the organization's governing obligations.
Board Treasurer: Oversees financial stewardship, ensuring resources are documented, applied to their intended purpose and reported honestly.
Programs and Learning Member: Provides governance attention to programme quality, learning standards and participant outcomes.
Partnerships and Development Member: Advises on partnerships, resource development and relationships that widen opportunity for young people.
Safeguarding and Ethics Member: Holds the organization accountable for safeguarding, professional conduct and the dignity of every participant.
Youth Representation Member: Ensures the experience and perspective of young people inform governance decisions rather than sitting outside them.