African Youth Collective

The people behind AYC

Meet the people building stronger communities

African Youth Collective is powered by community leaders, mentors, coaches and creatives who show up for young people and families across Melbourne's west.

Community-led by design

Our team brings together lived experience, practical skills and a shared belief that connection creates opportunity.

African Youth Collective organisation structure

Leadership

Executive leadership

Guiding AYC with lived experience, care and a shared commitment to culturally safe community connection.

Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr, Founder / CEO

Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Jr

Founder / CEO

Isaiah founded the African Youth Collective with a vision to create a culturally safe and empowering space where African young people in Melbourne can thrive, belong and lead.

Charity Marisa, President / Mental Health

Charity Marisa

President / Mental Health

Charity leads AYC's mental health programs with deep compassion and professional expertise. As President, she champions culturally responsive wellbeing services for African youth across Melbourne, ensuring every young person who walks through AYC's doors feels seen, heard, and supported.

Duom Benjamin, AOD / Suicide Prevention

Duom Benjamin

AOD / Suicide Prevention

Duom leads AYC's alcohol and other drugs (AOD) support and suicide prevention work, including the annual WSPD 9KM Walk. His dedication to keeping African youth safe and connected to life is at the heart of everything AYC does in the mental health space.

B-MAD Framework

B-MAD & community team

The people who turn the B-MAD Framework into practical, welcoming programs — from youth engagement and community development to food, creativity and wellbeing.

A diverse team of advocates, organisers, creatives and facilitators working alongside community.

Bukuru Leonidas, Community Development

Bukuru Leonidas

Community Development

Bukuru works at the heart of AYC's community development efforts, building relationships and creating pathways that connect African youth to opportunities, services, and each other across Melbourne.

Khalid Katikang, Youth Advocate

Khalid Katikang

Youth Advocate

Khalid is a youth advocate who helps ensure African young people feel heard, respected and connected to opportunities in their community.

Mayen Malek, Youth Development

Mayen Malek

Youth Development

Mayen supports youth development by encouraging confidence, participation and positive pathways for young people involved with AYC.

Amanuel Mulatu, Youth Engagement

Amanuel Mulatu

Youth Engagement

Amanuel helps young people discover AYC programs, events and community activities where they can build skills, friendships and belonging.

Nyanwuut Kuol, First Aid

Nyanwuut Kuol

First Aid

Nyanwuut supports participant wellbeing across AYC activities, helping create welcoming spaces where people can take part with confidence.

Ochan Aba, Basketball Coach

Ochan Aba

Basketball Coach

Ochan coaches basketball as a pathway to connection, discipline and belonging, helping players grow on and off the court.

Sunday Makuach, Admin / Project

Sunday Makuach

Admin / Project

Sunday supports administration and project coordination, helping AYC programs run smoothly for young people, families and partners.

Agany Agany, Graphic Designer

Agany Agany

Graphic Designer

Agany brings AYC's visual identity to life through culturally grounded design that helps programs, events and community stories stand out.

Marbar Riek, Music Producer

Marbar Riek

Music Producer

Marbar uses music to bring culture and community together, creating positive spaces for young people to connect and express themselves.

Ahmed, Chef

Ahmed

Chef

Ahmed brings warmth, food and cultural connection to AYC community meals and BBQ days, helping people gather around shared experiences.

Kot, B-MAD Team

Kot

B-MAD Team

Kot contributes to prevention and community wellbeing programs that help young people stay connected, informed and supported.

Ayour Huntr X, B-MAD Team

Ayour Huntr X

B-MAD Team

Ayour brings creative energy and a strong community spirit to the B-MAD team, supporting activities that engage and uplift young people.

Paul Yata, B-MAD Team

Paul Yata

B-MAD Team

Paul supports AYC's day-to-day programs and community outreach, helping participants feel welcome and connected to practical support.

Goom Wick, B-MAD Team

Goom Wick

B-MAD Team

Goom brings dedication and a strong community focus to the B-MAD team, contributing to programs that strengthen connection and wellbeing.

James Tut, B-MAD Team

James Tut

B-MAD Team

James brings reliability and commitment to the wellbeing of African young people across Melbourne's west, supporting positive community connection.

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TBA

Child Safety Officer

The Child Safety Officer ensures all AYC programs and activities meet child safety standards, maintaining a safe and supportive environment for every young person in our care.

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TBA

B-MAD Program Manager

The B-MAD Program Manager oversees the delivery of AYC's Beyond Mental Health, Alcohol and Drugs framework, coordinating programs, partnerships and community support pathways.

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TBA

First Aid Officer

The First Aid Officer provides trained first aid support across AYC events and programs, ensuring the health and safety of participants, volunteers and community members.

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TBA

Food Safety Supervisor

The Food Safety Supervisor oversees safe food handling and preparation across AYC's community meals and BBQ programs, including Foods for Thought and Community BBQ activities.

Positive pathways

Sport, mentoring & connection

Coaches and mentors who use sport to build confidence, belonging and positive pathways.

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Coming soon

Youth Mentor

A new youth mentor will be joining the AYC sports and mentoring team soon, bringing fresh support for young people in the program.

Sabir Banek, Youth Mentor

Sabir Banek

Youth Mentor

Sabir mentors young people through AYC sports programs, offering steady guidance, encouragement and a positive example.

Deng Isaiah, Basketball Coach

Deng Isaiah

Basketball Coach

Deng coaches basketball with passion and skill, helping young players develop teamwork, discipline and confidence.

Emanuel Malou, Basketball Coach

Emanuel Malou

Basketball Coach

Emanuel inspires young athletes to reach their potential while staying grounded in teamwork, respect and community values.

Noel Soma, Soccer Coach

Noel Soma

Soccer Coach

Noel leads Saturday Soccer, creating a safe and energetic space where young people can play, build friendships and grow in confidence.

Guidance & advocacy

Community leadership

Leaders who bring strategic insight, advocacy and community connection to AYC's work.

Michael Keflamariam, Community Development

Michael Keflamariam

Community Development

Michael supports AYC's community development work with strategic insight and a commitment to stronger connections across African communities in Melbourne.

Misrak Ahmed, Minister

Misrak Ahmed

Minister

Misrak contributes expertise and community connections that help strengthen AYC's mission, programs and local partnerships.

Abas Abukar, Transport Minister

Abas Abukar

Transport Minister

Abas helps young people and families access AYC programs and services, supporting practical connection across Melbourne.

King Alula, Marketing, Managing & Entertainment

King Alula

Marketing, Managing & Entertainment

King Alula brings expertise in marketing, management and entertainment to AYC, helping amplify the organisation's reach and create engaging experiences for the community.

Bring your strengths to AYC

If you care about young people, community and creating meaningful opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer with AYC