Kaska Yawo

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Kaska came to the United States as a refugee from Liberia in 1998. Before his arrival, Kaska earned his Bachelor’s degree in French and Linguistics from the University of Abidjan in Côte d′Ivoire. He has earned various certifications and taught programs in global health, immigration, and nonprofit management at universities, including UMass Medical School, Boston University and Harvard University. He is also an accredited immigration representative by the State Department of Justice with a focus on family-based immigration. A pioneer in the field, Kaska has been chosen to speak about immigration reform on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on three different occasions. In 2006, Kaska founded African Community Education with Olga Valdman. He currently serves as a consultant to four Worcester universities - Clark University, Becker College, Assumption College, and Worcester State University. Kaska has received numerous awards for his work, including the Social Innovation Leadership Award and a Key to the City of Worcester.

Ayman Abdelgadir

Volunteer & Mentor Coordinator

Ayman was born in Khartoum, Sudan and grew up in Worcester, MA. He volunteered with ACE as a tutor in the Saturday Program during high school. He graduated from Clark University in 2015 with a degree in International Development and then worked in Sudan for a year as an English teacher and as a volunteer for an international NGO. As an African himself, Ayman takes pride in working with ACE toward building a bright future for our youth who have had a difficult past. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, writing poetry, cooking, and photography.

Amy Corneliussen

Outreach Services Facilitator

Amy earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire and a law degree from Boston University School of Law. She worked as a print journalist in Massachusetts, Washington, and Oregon, and then was a full-time parent to two children for many fun years. She first learned about ACE through a newspaper article in 2008 and joined ACE in 2008 as a volunteer. She was inspired by ACE's work and stayed to help with tutoring and grant writing for several years. A love for children and learning kept ACE close to her heart, and Amy joined ACE as a staff member in 2012 and served as the Grants Manager until 2022. When she's not at ACE, Amy loves spending time with her family and their puppy, Winnie.

Saint Cyr Dimanche

Career Development Coordinator

Saint Cyr is a former ACE student and was born and raised in the Central African Republic. He immigrated to the U.S. alone at the age of 17 as an Unaccompanied Refugee Minor. After graduating from Claremont Academy, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree at Brandeis University where he is finishing his master's degree in Sustainable International Development. Saint Cyr worked two years of summer internships with Ascentria Care Alliance. After college, he interned with the USCIS Lawrence, MA Office and has worked for the Department of Public Health for Massachusetts. Saint Cyr witnessed, experienced, and lived the life of refugees back in Africa and this country. Saint Cyr sees what refugees' families can offer, especially when there is an opportunity for education to demonstrate their talent. He believes in the ACE mission and what the program is doing for refugee children like himself.

Timon Dhego

Family Education Program Coordinator

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Timon and his family came to the United States as refugees from Uganda in 2018. While a refugee in Uganda, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the International Health Sciences University in Kampala, Uganda and earned experience working for the Jubilee Dental Clinic. He first specialized in nursing, then pursued studies in oral healthcare at the Evangelical Medical Center Dental school in Nyankunde, DRC. Timon also taught dental techniques at the Medical Technical Institutes and trained nurses in basic oral healthcare in North-Eastern Congo. Upon arrival to the U.S., Timon joined ACE as a volunteer in the Saturday program. Soon after, he started teaching part-time in the Saturday Program. Timon loves that ACE empowers and celebrates the African community, including his own family. Outside of ACE, Timon continues his studies in healthcare, obtaining several certificates including the medical interpreter certificate from the Center for Health Impact. Timon also serves as a board member of the Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry (WARM), sings gospel music, and plays guitar.

Winnie Doe

Worcester Public Schools Liaison

Winnie was born in Monrovia, Liberia and grew up in Worcester, MA. She has a passion for helping young people strive in their education and in reaching to achieve their life goals. Winnie joined ACE in February 2020 and serves as the Worcester Public Schools Liaison. In this role, she ensures ACE students have an extended support system by connecting ACE staff and volunteers, school teachers and staff, and ACE families. Winnie is planning to continue her education by earning her Master’s degree in youth counseling.

Sly Dwyer

After School Program Coordinator

Sly was born and raised in Worcester, graduating from Burncoat High School and College of the Holy Cross. Sly first encountered ACE through friends in college who volunteered in the After School Program. Already, Sly can see the strong sense of community that ACE fosters and is excited to be a part of it! Prior to working at ACE, Sly ran a summer program for elementary students in Worcester and worked in a pharmaceutical lab. Sly is currently studying for the MCAT and hopes to work in a community health clinic. In his free time, Sly loves learning about the different cultures in Worcester, trying new foods, going to Red Sox games, and seeing live music.

Regina Engel

Director of Finance & Operations

Gina spent the early part of her career in corporate financial management after graduating with a BS in accounting from the University of Connecticut and her MBA from Sacred Heart University. She became interested in ACE’s work after adopting her own son from Ethiopia and recognizing the same struggles he faced in the students at ACE. Gina serves as a mentor for one of our students and is consistently blown away by how smart, resilient, and happy ACE’s students are. Outside of ACE, Gina teaches yoga and is a proud graduate of Clown School.

Sean Engel

IT Specialist

Sean attended Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical and lives in Gardner, MA. Sean discovered ACE through family connections. After attending ACE's Gala and other events, Sean fell in love with ACE's work. Now, Sean loves being a part of an organization like ACE that is genuinely dedicated to helping people. Prior to joining ACE, Sean worked as an electrician. Sean also ran and operated his own shoes and clothing resale business. Sean's hobbies include watching movies, hiking, playing video games, and traveling.

Benjamin Kagigi

Outreach Manager

Benjamin was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spent time in Kenya and Rwanda before coming to the United States in 2014 with his family. Having experience assisting refugees with interpretation and gaining access to education in Kenya, he joined ACE in 2015. As head of our Outreach Team, Benjamin enjoys using his own experiences to serve the families of ACE in building successful lives. He has his Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Kibungo in Rwanda and is currently pursuing his Master’s in International Development and Social Change from Clark University. Benjamin speaks six languages, including French and Swahili. He enjoys spending time with his wife and five children and is an avid viewer of local Worcester sports, especially soccer.

Melvin Kaska

Post-Secondary Education Liaison

Melvin Kaska was born in Ivory Coast and grew up in Worcester, MA. While living in Worcester, he attended The Nativity School of Worcester and Bancroft High School. In 2016, Melvin graduated from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a minor in Black studies. He used to volunteer at ACE on Saturday as a tutor during his middle school years. Melvin finds pleasure in working with young people and making an impact on their lives. Most of his free time is spent hanging out with his family, watching sports, playing basketball, and training and coaching kids basketball. Melvin joined ACE in March 2021 as our first-ever Post-Secondary Education Liaison.

Wivine Makoko

Outreach Worker

Wivine was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and grew up in Kisangani. Wivine speaks English, Swahili, French, Lingala, and Kikongo. Prior to coming to the U.S., Wivine earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in accounting from the Institut Supérieur de Commerce (ISC) - Gombe in the DRC. Wivine moved to the U.S. in 2016 and pursues a life helping people. Shortly after arriving in the U.S., she received training and became a Certified Nursing Assistant through The Fieldstone School in Worcester. She is continuing her education at Quinsigamond Community College to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and, later, a Registered Nurse. Wivine grew up playing basketball and now loves watching her son play soccer. Wivine enjoys being at ACE because she loves helping people, especially those who are building a new life in the U.S.

Tereza Ngendahoruri

Outreach Worker

Tereza was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and identifies as Burundian. Prior to living in the U.S., Tereza grew up in the Mtabila Refugee Camp in Tanzania. In 2008 at 12 years old, Tereza came to the U.S. and joined the ACE community as a student. After Tereza graduated from high school, she wanted to give back to the ACE community and joined as a part-time staff member and, later on, a full-time staff member. At ACE, Tereza loves encouraging students to never give up and offers direct logistical assistance to families, including interpreting and translating important forms, educational support, housing security, child care, and accompanying family members to appointments. In her free time, Tereza volunteers for the Worcester World Cup (WWC). Tereza is happiest when she is watching soccer games or romantic Christmas movies, playing with young kids, and helping low-income families during tax season.

Tim O'Neil

Marketing & Fundraising Manager

Tim received degrees in Management and Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. During his time at WPI, he was lucky enough to study abroad in Namibia, which inspired him to learn more about the incredibly rich and diverse cultures on the continent of Africa. He is passionate about the role of branding and storytelling in helping to spread ACE’s mission and advance the work we do. Outside of ACE, Tim maintains a roller coaster, love/hate relationship with distance running and a steady, love/love relationship with food.

JP Perkins

Program Director

Jp developed his love of African cultures and communities when he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia where he taught school in a large town and a small bush village. He has returned to Africa several times visiting almost all areas of the continent. After the Peace Corps, Jp taught public school for more than 30 years before retiring in 2010. On retirement, he started volunteering at ACE, marrying his two loves, Africa and education. He has degrees from UMass Amherst and Assumption College. An avid traveler, he always has his bag packed and his passport handy.

Rose Wine

Marketing & Development Coordinator

Rose grew up as a first-generation Japanese-American in rural Northern California. Rose came to Worcester and graduated with a bachelor's degree in English and International Development & Social Change (IDSC) and a master's degree in Public Administration from Clark University. Rose joined ACE during their first year of college as a volunteer tutor in the After School Program and as an English Language Learner's teacher in the Saturday Program. Passionate about supporting immigrant and refugee communities, Rose connected with ACE's commitment to service, empowerment, community, culture, and education. She fell in love with ACE and used their background in professional photography to show the world the amazing work done at ACE. Outside of ACE, Rose serves as a Stephen Minister and a board member for Legendary Legacies. Rose also loves eating, caring for plants, exercising, reading, and everything and anything that taps into creative thinking.

JOHN YORMIE, JR.

Saturday Program Coordinator

John Yormie, Jr. is originally from Liberia West Africa and worked as a University Lecturer at the African Methodist Episcopal University in Monrovia, Liberia. He worked with the Liberia Research and Development Networks (LRDN) as a team leader and served as a volunteer and adjudicator on the National High School Debate Championship of Liberia. He was involved with conducting book readings, book chats, and seminars to help improve the practices of research, writing, and publication in the Liberian Society. John is the author of the book Liberia in the Colorful World of Diplomacy, portions from the sales of which are used to procure essential school materials for kids in rural communities in Liberia. John earned a Master of Arts in Diplomacy Law and Business from the Jindal School of International Affairs, Jindal Global University, India and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the Cuttington University in Liberia. John values the coordination and effectiveness of ACE in addressing the significant areas of education, health, social inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. John likes to play soccer and has a passion for working with kids.

Biodun "Mr. B" Akande

Chairperson

Mr. B graduated with a double major in Marketing and International Business from the University of North London before earning his MBA and MS in Tax Accounting from Bentley College. Mr. B has years of experience in business management, spanning restaurant management, banking and finance, tax accounting, and real estate investment. Mr. B loves to mentor teenagers and young adults, especially those of minority background and has also provided volunteering opportunities to ACE students in a community program that he coordinates during tax season. Mr. B is very passionate about bringing dynamic change, growth, and sustenance to ACE. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and traveling.

Bob Bureau

Vice Chairperson

After many years in human services professional development, Bob Bureau works as a consultant, guest lecturer, and coach with his company, Resiliency Solutions. Bob was previously the Director of Online Graduate Studies for ten years at Assumption University in Worcester. He was also a faculty member in their Human Services Undergraduate Department and Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program. Bob earned his master's degree in Counseling and his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts. Bob and his wife Anne are the proud adoptive parents of a former ACE student who is a recent college graduate.

Abigail A. Mensah

Treasurer

Abigail A. Mensah (Thompson) was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. She serves as the Assistant Director of Admission for Multicultural Recruitment at Worcester Academy where she works to enhance the enrollment and retention of underrepresented students of color. Abigail is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University in Saint Louis, holds a Master of Education (Ed.M.), Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Coupled with her history of working in the higher education industry, Abigail has extensive administrative experience in nonprofit services and fundraising.

Joanne Gravell

Secretary

Joanne Gravell is a Program Director at Family Services of Central Massachusetts. She is an alumna of both UMass Amherst and Johns Hopkins University where she received a Masters degree. Her work focuses on the professional development of early childhood educators. Joanne directs the Summer Literacy Initiative funded by United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. She is a resident of Worcester with three grown children. She and her husband Chris are foster parents with the Ascentria Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program and she has two cats, Stefan and JoJo. Joanne loves singing, nature walks, yoga, theater, reading, and World Cup Worcester soccer and is passionate about community engagement and advocacy.

Olga Valdman

Board Member & Co-Founder

Olga Valdman is a family physician who works at the Family Health Center of Worcester. She obtained her BS degree from Barnard College and Medical degree from UMass Medical School. She is a co-founder and a long time board member of ACE and considers ACE the most impactful organization she has been involved with. As an immigrant herself, she sees education as a true vehicle for change, an equalizer, and a tool to break structural cycles of poverty. She loves seeing the amazing potential that ACE kids have and the incredible achievements they make with just a bit of support from our teachers, volunteers, and mentors. When not working or involved with ACE, Olga spends her time with her one-year-old baby who can’t wait to be a lifelong volunteer at ACE.

Isaac Mawuko Adusu

Isaac is a native of Ghana in West Africa. He founded the nonprofit organization called Mawuko Outreach which advocates for children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. He came to the United States to earn his master’s in Nonprofit Management at Worcester State University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Healthcare Administration at MCPHS. While a teaching assistant at the Urban Action Institute of Worcester State, he learned about ACE when students in the Leadership Class completed their practicum sessions by volunteering for and mentoring ACE students. Subsequently, he joined Seven Hills Foundation as the Adult Services Residential Support Coordinator Director and is also the Project Lead for Seven Hills Rhode Island and Northeastern University Experiential Learning. Outside of his regular work schedule, Isaac loves to spend time watching documentaries on Netflix as well as creating video documentaries on social and educational accomplishments of African immigrants in the U.S.

Elizabeth Ahmadi

Board Member

Liz is Senior Attorney at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Boston, where she represents unaccompanied immigrant children in immigration proceedings. She began her career in immigration law in 2012 at Ascentria Care Alliance’s Immigration Legal Assistance Program (ILAP), where she most recently served in the role of Managing Attorney. In working with her clients, Liz has seen first hand the educational disparities that many students from immigrant and refugee populations experience. She is inspired by and committed to ACE’s mission to close this achievement gap. Outside of her professional life, Liz is a yoga instructor and Reiki Level II practitioner.

Josiah Bote

Josiah Bote is a native of Zimbabwe and is a cardiology fellow at UMass Medical School/UMass Memorial Medical Center. He obtained his BS degree from UMass Lowell and his Medical Degree from UMass Medical School. Josiah served as the Board's Chairperson during a previous stint on the ACE Board of Directors. As an immigrant himself, he is passionate about ACE's success and supporting students and their families. Josiah is also passionate about health equity and enjoys playing music in his spare time.

Patience Noah

Patience Noah graduated with her bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She's the owner of Patience Noah Insurance LLC located in Framingham, MA providing auto, home, life, and business insurance. Patience loves mentoring young people and believes they represent our future. She is excited to serve on the ACE board because, like many ACE students, she migrated to the United States from Liberia in 2003 and struggled to adjust to the culture. She credits programs like ACE that helped her find her way through school and get her to where she is today.

Maryan Ryan

Maryan Ryan is a dedicated and passionate educator whose career has spanned 30 years and has included positions in elementary, middle school, and higher education. Her most recent role in middle school education has allowed her to lead the school's English department as department head. Her leadership extends outside the classroom in her role as the founder of an educational consulting practice. Maryan received her Master's degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State University and her Certified Advanced Graduate Studies degree from UMass Amherst in Family and Youth Studies. Maryan can often be found on Saturdays working with ACE students. Saturday soccer is a highlight of her week and she recently scored her first goal. Maryan is a mother of four children, including Tarsiah who joined Maryan's family in 2005 after immigrating to the US from Liberia.

LTJG Joshua Jackson Selly

Josh was born in Accra, Ghana and calls Worcester his home. At 15 years old, Josh moved to the U.S. to further his education, living with his aunt while he finished high school. Josh earned his master's in ministry from the Jubilee School of Ministry in Durham, North Carolina. Josh then attended MCPHS where he pursued his master's of science in nursing with a concentration in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Josh now serves as a Lieutenant with the U.S. Public Health Service and Nurse Ambassador for the U.S. Public Health Service Region 1. Josh is also a Christian education facilitator for his church. In his free time, Josh loves running, working out at the gym, helping people, reading motivational and inspirational books, and cooking.