Our People

Meet the YAN Team

A diverse, passionate team of young Africans from across the continent — united by one purpose: Building the Future, Together.

Leadership Core

Founding Leadership

The founding team providing strategic direction, oversight and institutional continuity for YAN.

Emmanuel Ikumilu Mwori - Founder & Executive Director, Young Africans Network
Mr. Emmanuel Ikumilu Mwori
Founder & Executive Director
📍 Kenya
emmanuelmwori540@gmail.com

Key Duties

  • Provides vision, strategic direction and final oversight
  • Approves major commitments and key decisions
  • Signs all official certificates and documents
Merlene Kamanda - Co-Founder, Young Africans Network
Ms. Merlene Kamanda
Co-Founder
📍 Kenya
merlenekamanda@gmail.com

Key Duties

  • Supports strategy, mentorship and institutional continuity
  • Deputy strategic and operational leader
Regan Ayiecho - Co-Founder, Young Africans Network
Mr. Regan Ayiecho
Co-Founder
📍 Kenya
odhiamboregan6440@gmail.com

Key Duties

  • Supports strategy, mentorship and institutional continuity
  • Deputy strategic and operational leader
8 Departments

Department Coordinators

Eight volunteer-driven departments each led by passionate young Africans from across the continent.

💻
Programs & Training Department
Mr. Manga Manga Samuel
Department Lead
📍 Cameroon | samuelmanga178@gmail.com | +237 658 043 266

Key Duties

  • Organize IT and Digital Skills Training
  • Conduct Leadership and 21st Century Skills sessions
  • Coordinate facilitators and trainers
  • Develop structured training programs
🏆
Scholarships & Global Opportunities
Mr. Sapih Defo Fodjou Chris
Department Lead
📍 Cameroon | sdfchrisscience@gmail.com | +237 678 319 331
Miss Nformi Jizzy
Member
📍 Rwanda | j.nformi2@alustudent.com | +250 792 891 208
Mr. Benjamin Odiwuor
Member
📍 Kenya | benjaminotienooduor@gmail.com | +254 713 101 120

Key Duties

  • Research and verify global opportunities
  • Share scholarships, internships and fellowships
  • Support application processes
  • Track success stories and beneficiaries
🎤
Career Development & Public Speaking
Mr. Dinizio Danis Zangazee Elias
Department Lead
📍 South Sudan | deniszangazeedinizio@gmail.com | +211 920 842 273
Miss Ayamba Precious
Member
📍 Cameroon | ayambaebobprecious@gmail.com | +237 680 551 894

Key Duties

  • Deliver CV, interview and employability training
  • Conduct public speaking and confidence sessions
  • Provide mentorship and career guidance
  • Organise coaching and mock interviews
🌍
Community Impact & Volunteer Engagement
Miss Debra Chepkorir
Department Lead
📍 Kenya | csdebra977@gmail.com | +254 762 109 001
Miss Abdul Rahman
Member
📍 Ghana | e.abdulrahm@alustudent.com | +233 593 589 261
Miss Grace Idoko
Member
📍 Nigeria | g.idoko@alustudent.com | +234 9012 290 692
Mr. Shami Blaise
Member
📍 Rwanda | shabrami007@gmail.com | +250 793 677 778

Key Duties

  • Plan outreach and community service activities
  • Mobilize and manage volunteers
  • Partner with local organisations
  • Document impact and outcomes
💚
Mental Health & Wellbeing Department
Miss Bella Dushime
Department Lead
📍 Rwanda | b.dushime@alustudent.com | +250 791 531 854
Mr. Ronny Ochieng
Member
📍 Kenya | ochiengronny022@gmail.com | +254 741 739 788

Key Duties

  • Promote mental health awareness
  • Provide peer support programs
  • Integrate wellbeing into all YAN activities
  • Conduct resilience and wellness sessions
📢
Communications & Media Department
Miss Diligence Joso Matute
Department Lead
📍 Cameroon | diligencematute@gmail.com | +237 672 289 714

Key Duties

  • Manage branding and visibility
  • Handle social media platforms
  • Design posters and content
  • Document activities and storytelling
🤝
Partnerships & External Relations
Mr. Shema Marvin
Department Lead
📍 Rwanda | marvinshema12@gmail.com | +250 788 859 112

Key Duties

  • Build strategic partnerships
  • Represent YAN externally
  • Develop proposals and collaborations
  • Maintain stakeholder relationships
⚙️
Operations, Administration & Finance
Mr. Innosent Onesmo Nnko
Department Lead
📍 Tanzania | onesmoinnocent6@gmail.com | +250 793 154 529

Key Duties

  • Coordinate operations and workflow
  • Maintain records and documentation
  • Track attendance and reports
  • Support planning and resource management

Want to Join the Team?

YAN is always looking for passionate young Africans to join our volunteer team. Whether you have skills in communications, tech, finance or community work — there is a place for you!

Join as a Volunteer