Founder & CEO
James Ruzii Gonwokay
James Ruzii Gonwokay founded AYCADO in March 2024 to help young people across Africa turn learning into practical, professional capability.
- Position
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer
- Organization
- AYCADO
- Leadership
- Founder & CEO
Role overview
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer provides the overall leadership, strategic direction and institutional vision of AYCADO. The CEO is responsible for ensuring that the organization remains focused on its mission of supporting youth and young adults through career development, practical skills development, professional exposure, mentorship, leadership development and meaningful opportunities.
Leadership focus
Setting AYCADO’s long-term direction, aligning its programs and people, and building a professional and sustainable institution around its youth development mission.
Contribution to AYCADO
The Founder and CEO connects AYCADO’s institutional vision with program oversight, partnerships, resource mobilization, governance and responsible organizational growth.
Areas of responsibility
Executive responsibilities.
- 01
Organizational Strategy
The CEO establishes AYCADO’s strategic direction and long term priorities. This includes defining organizational goals, identifying emerging opportunities, establishing institutional priorities and ensuring that all departments work toward a common vision.
- 02
Programs and Projects
The CEO provides executive oversight of AYCADO’s programs and projects, ensuring that initiatives remain aligned with the organization’s mission, strategic objectives and the needs of young people and young adults.
- 03
Partnerships
The CEO leads high level institutional relationships with universities, educational institutions, companies, government institutions, nonprofit organizations, development partners, professional organizations and other strategic stakeholders.
- 04
Fundraising
The CEO provides leadership in resource mobilization, fundraising and donor engagement. This includes identifying funding opportunities, developing strategic relationships and supporting sustainable financial growth.
- 05
Institutional Development
The CEO oversees the development of AYCADO as a professional and sustainable organization. This includes strengthening organizational systems, policies, partnerships, programs, personnel and institutional capacity.
- 06
Organizational Growth
The CEO leads organizational expansion and development while maintaining AYCADO’s standards, identity and mission. This includes exploring new programs, geographic expansion and opportunities for greater youth impact.
- 07
Public Representation
The CEO serves as a principal public representative of AYCADO and may represent the organization at conferences, professional events, institutional meetings, media engagements and strategic forums.
- 08
Governance
The CEO works with the Board and senior leadership to promote effective governance, accountability, transparency, ethical leadership and responsible organizational management.
- 09
International Expansion
The CEO provides strategic leadership for AYCADO’s growth beyond its initial operational environment and supports the development of partnerships and structures capable of advancing AYCADO’s mission across Africa and internationally.
Direct contact
Write to James Ruzii Gonwokay.
jamesruzii@aycado.org
Leadership team
