Board of Directors
Esenam Ahiadorme (she/her)
Chair
Patricia Essel (she/her)
Board Member
Patricia Isabella Essel is currently the Project Lead for the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Ghana project (2019-2024), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and being implemented by Plan International in partnership with NETRIGHT and WiLDAF. The project will provide support for over 98 women’s rights organisations across Ghana. Patricia, aspire to work with an organisation with the passion to fight inequalities, promote and protect human rights of all persons especially women and children by proving opportunities to the vulnerable to live in dignity and respect. She is a highly motivated person with practical experience in Project Management, Grant Management, Coordination and implementation of international advocacy events/campaigns, as well as Regional, District and Community based programmes. She has 20years experience working with a Women’s Right Network that seek to promote and protect women’s rights: Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF Ghana). Patricia has managed multiple projects including Access to Justice and Preventing Violence against women and Girls. In addition, supervised a safe spaces project dubbed ‘Girl Empowerment Project” in 3 regions with over 240 girls and 60 boys in Junior Hight schools. Patricia holds a masters of Business Administration Degree in Project Management, a postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration. (GIMPA), Certificate in Women’s Leadership for Community Change and Facilitation Skills from COADY Institute in Canada. She is trained COADY facilitator with special interest in Human rights and Sexual and Gender Based Violence work. She has also taken a number of international and national courses on Women’s Rights, community Development and transformational Leadership.
Dzifa Tettevi (she/her)
Board Member
Kosiwo Tettevi was born on 24th April, 1960 in the Volta Region of Ghana. She holds a Bachelors of Arts and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Ghana. She is sales and marketing professional, with 20 years experience of working in the Banking and Insurance industry. Pior to her retirement in April 2020, she managed and supervised the sales team of Hollard Insurance Ghana Limited (formerly Metropolitan Insurance Company Limited); a team that makes significant contribution to the Company’s annual revenue. Dzifa has a passion for excellent customer service. She is hardworking, very determined, and values relationships. She is a peoples person with an ability to work with people at various levels. Dzifa is a Chartered Banker,and Marketer. She is presently a board member and secretary to Mpres Credit Union. Dzifa likes reading, listening to music and excersing. The desire to work with and inspire people is the reason she is happy to be part of Foundation, and she brings her exprience and passion to bear on the activities/projects/programs of the Foundation.
Prince Adjei (he/him)
Board Member
Dr. Prince Adjei is a man of many sides. He is an Economist by training, Lecturer by profession and Pastor by calling. With over a decade experience as a lecturer in the tertiary sector, Dr. Prince has impacted a lot of lives with his passion for knowledge sharing, zeal for mentorship and appetite for excellence. He is a product of the University of Ghana, holding a PhD in Development Economics, Master of Philosophy in Economics and Bachelor’s degree major in Economics (first class honors). He joined YSYF because of his interest in skill development and innovation especially for young adults in the African and Ghanaian labor market. He hopes to leverage on his experience and network to win more training opportunities for the young and vulnerable in society.YSYF Ghana
Esther Naa Ankrah (she/her)
Executive Director & Co-Founder
ed.gh@ysyf.orgEsther Naa Ankrah is an inspirational and imaginative leader who leverages her skills and expertise to empower women and youth in her community. As Executive Director and Co-Founder of Yayra-Si Youth Foundation, she wants to create, stimulate, and amplify empowered voices of young women to demand respect, equity, and inclusion. She is committed to making this vision a reality through strategic planning, viable projects, and conscious partnership efforts.
Naa has gained over 15 years of formal education and experience in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). She has worked extensively as a trainer for Society for Women Against AIDS in Africa (SWAA), the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), Women in Law and Development in Africa Foundation (WILDAF) Ghana, Women Action Group, and Youth Inclusive Entrepreneurial Development Initiative for Employment (YIEDIE). Collectively, she has trained over 800 female beneficiaries in sewing and fashion design, bead-making, soap manufacturing, and interior decoration, and hopes to continue doing so in communities that most require support.
In her free time, Naa enjoys travelling, teaching, and public speaking.
Eric Mac-Dorgbey (he/him)
Chief Financial Officer
Eric Mac-Dorgbey has over seven years in the finance and accounting field, and his professional experience includes developing schedules and budgets for current and future projects, supervising staff to ensure that they comply with project guidelines, and also providing financial advisory to SMEs. He is currently pursuing a MSc in Development Finance. Eric Mac-Dorgbey believes in development and in teamwork and he likes watching and playing football as his hobby. He has a passion of working with youth and helping them realized their full potential, and this is the main reason why he is dedicated to YSYF.
James Asumah (he/him)
Project Manager
James Asumah is a Ghanaian professional with a passion for community development and advocacy. In 2017, he received a BBA in Accounting at the Ghana Technology University College. Following convocation, he started his career with Zenith bank Ghana limited, for National Service. He later took on an administrator role at the NGO OMANIAE Ghana, where he worked to reduce illegal African migration to Europe. In 2019, he founded his own NGO, Numen Planners, where he supervised a team of 1,000 coordinators to provide vocational training to youth across Ghana. Upon hearing about YSYF in 2020, James became immediately interested in its mission, and wanted to assist the organization in achieving its goals. He values collaboration for innovation, and believes that the best work is the one done with a good heart. Outside of work, James’ interests lie in computer and music.
Alimatu Moro (she/her)
Events Assistant
Alimatu Abra-Moro is passionate about giving back to and mentoring youth. As a professional caterer, she has over 20 years of experience cooking for thousands of children in schools. She is excited to use her technical skills and experience in event planning to support the activities of YSYF.
Helena Nartey (she/her)
Community Outreach Assistant
Helena Nartey is a young leader from the Doryumu community with an interest in advocating for the issues of young girls. She is excited to support YSYF by advising on community needs, and connecting the team with key resources.YSYF Canada
Sauliha Alli (she/her)
Executive Director & Co-Founder (Canada)
ed.ca@ysyf.orgSauliha Alli is a collaborative leader, strategist and social advocate who inspires others to contribute to a shared vision of equitable access to health and education for women and youth globally. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Toronto, where she has held several award-winning leadership roles.
As a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship in 2019, she served as an short-term volunteer in Ghana for World University Service of Canada (WUSC), where she developed and managed a training program in occupational health and safety that collectively impacted over 220 artisans. Upon returning, she co-founded YSYF to respond to the needs of the Doryumu community that had welcomed her, and shared this experience in a TEDx Talk exploring the opportunities for learning and exchange between medicine and international development.
As Executive Director, Sauliha hopes to establish strategic partnerships to expand the reach of YSYF and create meaningful learning opportunities for members of her team, while building on local knowledge and skills. Outside of the office, she is an expressive painter, shower singer and over-energetic goofball who spends her evenings eating chocolate on the porch.
Bunmi Afolabi (she/her)
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
coo.ca@ysyf.orgBunmi Afolabi is a first-generation Nigerian Immigrant, who currently resides on Treaty 1 territory, original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene, and Métis peoples, otherwise known as Winnipeg.
She holds a B.A in Sociology and Family Social Science, from the University of Manitoba, and was a recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. She also possesses a solid background in youth engagement and mentorship, community, and international development.
She joined YSYF because it is a female-led organization that is ardent about empowering women and youth. As COO, she hopes to leverage her knowledge and experience to contribute meaningfully to the vision of the organization.
She maintains an Intersectional Feminist stance, which motivates her to amplify the voices, struggle, and accomplishments of marginalized women, in her professional and personal life. She is a voracious reader, an occasional writer, a casual gamer, and a self-declared part-time hipster.
Shile Adeyoyin (she/her)
Lead, Addressing Stigma and Sociocultural Enablers, SOTPI
Shile Adeyoyin is a remarkable speaker and a leading student. Having migrated to Canada 9 years ago from Nigeria, this transition aroused a desire to actively engage in the pursuit of improved socio-economic conditions for Africa. Following this desire, she became the co-president of the African Impact Initiative, where she executes initiatives centred around youth development, community impact and increasing conversations about Africa’s history. Similarly, she founded one of the first speech competition platforms in Lilongwe, Malawi. During the launch of this platform, she delivered a keynote address titled “Who Needs a Visa”, which received numerous praise. Shile’s aspirations fit seamlessly with YSYF’s vision to improve and build the capacity of young women in Ghana. So in her role as a communication strategist, she hopes to bring the stories of Ghanaians to a Western world and create a powerful and positive global awareness.Zuhal Mohmd (she/her)
Secretary
Olivia is a third year student at Ryerson University pursuing a degree in political science. She has worked in the nonprofit and political sector for three years. Over the years Olivia has gained important skills in administration, marketing, policy and research. Olivia is passionate about helping communities around the world and is excited to be part of the Yayra-Si Youth Foundation as the Secretary. She has a passionate for youth and making sure all youth have a chance to make a different. This is why Olivia is looking forward to being part of the YSYF group.
Maryam Fatima (she/her)
Content Creator
Maryam Fatima is an emerging leader, change-maker, and advocate for equality and justice. Her unique educational background combining Health Studies and Political Science enables her to understand complex global issues from an interdisciplinary lens. Having graduated with an Honours Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Toronto, she now aspires to establish a sustainable, equitable, and just future for all. Maryam has made numerous significant contributions as a student leader at the University of Toronto. She was awarded the President Award and Letter Award for displaying outstanding qualities of leadership, and for her continued commitment to the student body. As a content creator for YSYF, Maryam seeks to utilize an intersectional approach while creating compelling educational campaigns that foster cross-cultural understanding and empathy. Her ongoing goal is to make a lasting impact on the residents of the Doryumu community.
Tanmaya Ramprasad (she/her)
Content Creator
Tanmaya is currently a second-year student at the University of Toronto. She is majoring in English and International Relations with a joint minor in Buddhism, Psychology, and Mental Health. Having come from a medical and defense background, her values are firmly rooted in building and aiding communities around me regardless of race, gender, or class. She has worked in medical camps alongside her parents in the aide of Paralympic athletes, inner-city children, and homeless shelters. Thus, she has developed the rigor of creating awareness of communities that would be otherwise forgotten. She connected instantly with YSYF’s motivations and goals as she has worked with local women of my community in India and providing them with employment and empowerment. Her goals at YSYF include connecting with a broader audience and bring much-needed attention to female empowerment in Doryumu as well as develop a deeper understanding of the Ghanaian culture. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching declutter videos as a form of therapy! Apart from Kon-Mari’ing her clothes, she sings and learns from dance videos. As a complete dog lover, she will stop to pet every dog on her way.