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.
The people behind AYC
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.
Leadership
Guiding AYC with lived experience, care and a shared commitment to culturally safe community connection.
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 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 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
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.
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.
Youth Advocate
Khalid is a youth advocate who helps ensure African young people feel heard, respected and connected to opportunities in their community.
Youth Development
Mayen supports youth development by encouraging confidence, participation and positive pathways for young people involved with AYC.
Youth Engagement
Amanuel helps young people discover AYC programs, events and community activities where they can build skills, friendships and belonging.
First Aid
Nyanwuut supports participant wellbeing across AYC activities, helping create welcoming spaces where people can take part with confidence.
Basketball Coach
Ochan coaches basketball as a pathway to connection, discipline and belonging, helping players grow on and off the court.
Admin / Project
Sunday supports administration and project coordination, helping AYC programs run smoothly for young people, families and partners.
Graphic Designer
Agany brings AYC's visual identity to life through culturally grounded design that helps programs, events and community stories stand out.
Music Producer
Marbar uses music to bring culture and community together, creating positive spaces for young people to connect and express themselves.
Chef
Ahmed brings warmth, food and cultural connection to AYC community meals and BBQ days, helping people gather around shared experiences.
B-MAD Team
Kot contributes to prevention and community wellbeing programs that help young people stay connected, informed and supported.
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.
B-MAD Team
Paul supports AYC's day-to-day programs and community outreach, helping participants feel welcome and connected to practical support.
B-MAD Team
Goom brings dedication and a strong community focus to the B-MAD team, contributing to programs that strengthen connection and wellbeing.
B-MAD Team
James brings reliability and commitment to the wellbeing of African young people across Melbourne's west, supporting positive community connection.
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.
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.
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.
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
Coaches and mentors who use sport to build confidence, belonging and positive pathways.
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.
Youth Mentor
Sabir mentors young people through AYC sports programs, offering steady guidance, encouragement and a positive example.
Basketball Coach
Deng coaches basketball with passion and skill, helping young players develop teamwork, discipline and confidence.
Basketball Coach
Emanuel inspires young athletes to reach their potential while staying grounded in teamwork, respect and community values.
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
Leaders who bring strategic insight, advocacy and community connection to AYC's work.
Community Development
Michael supports AYC's community development work with strategic insight and a commitment to stronger connections across African communities in Melbourne.
Minister
Misrak contributes expertise and community connections that help strengthen AYC's mission, programs and local partnerships.
Transport Minister
Abas helps young people and families access AYC programs and services, supporting practical connection across Melbourne.
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.
If you care about young people, community and creating meaningful opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
Volunteer with AYC