The mission of African Community Education is to assist African refugee and immigrant youth and families in achieving educational and social stability through access to academic support, leadership development, cultural expression, and community outreach. Our vision is a community where African refugees and immigrant youth and families are empowered, self-sufficient, and secure.
Our Start
ACE began out of a need to serve refugee children fleeing civil war and unrest in Liberia. These kids were being placed into a grade level based only on their age despite many having little or no formal education prior to coming to the U.S. As a result, they were struggling to find success in the classroom.
In response, Liberian refugee Kaska Yawo and University of Massachusetts Medical School student Olga Valdman began a one-on-one tutoring and homework help program with the help of other medical students.
A year into their work, Kaska and Olga saw a need to do more. Existing program participants required more assistance than just tutoring and more and more children from African nations were coming for help with a limited number of tutors to work with them.
As the need for a larger program became more obvious, Kaska and Olga called on members of the African community and medical students to join efforts and find a greater solution. In 2006, ACE was officially founded with the purpose of serving children from all African countries, including refugees, recent immigrants, and children of immigrants.
ACE formed a partnership with Worcester Public Schools and launched the Saturday Program in 2007 as an informal 6th day of school. ACE quickly expanded the After School Program and introduced the Summer Reading & Workforce Development Programs in 2008. ACE’s student programming grew again with the introduction of our Mentoring Program in 2013.
To provide a stable foundation for children’s success, ACE began providing wraparound outreach services to students’ families in 2009. The organization then created a Family Education Program in 2014, with English and Citizenship classes for parents and an Early Literacy Playgroup for children.
ACE’s Co-Founders remain an integral part of the organization with Kaska Yawo serving as Executive Director and Dr. Olga Valdman serving as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Our Present
Worcester is one of the largest hubs in the country for African-born immigrants, with a population near 20,000. While some of these immigrants find socio-economic success upon moving to the United States, many others, including many refugees, do not.
African Community Education assists African refugee and immigrant youth and families in achieving educational success and socio-economic stability through access to academic support, leadership development, cultural expression, and community outreach.
We believe and invest in the transformative powers of education, mentorship, and access to opportunities. Through impactful programming and relationship building, we provide what kids and families need to succeed - the knowledge people are in their corner, eye-opening experiences, and the creativity to imagine a brighter future.
For youth ages 10 and up, ACE hosts After School, Saturday, Mentoring, Summer Reading, and Workforce Development Programs. Through these programs, ACE provides access to tutoring, supplemental classroom time, experiential learning activities, and one-on-one mentoring which help students succeed academically. ACE also serves as a liaison between the student, family, and local public schools to ensure each student’s home and school lives provide environments for success.
For parents of our students, ACE provides English as Second Language and Citizenship classes as part of our Family Education Program along with wraparound outreach services to help families access needed services and benefits. Through this work, we have changed the lives of thousands of African refugees and immigrants.
LEARN MOREOur Future
Despite this impact and our recent growth, there is still an incredible amount of work to do. There are nearly 20,000 African-born immigrants and their children living in Worcester.
About 30% of African-born immigrants and their children living in Worcester are within 200% of the poverty line. Today, we only serve 6.3% of these people, leaving over 5,000 people in critical need of our services.
We are working to help change their lives, too.
HELP US CHANGE MORE LIVES
ACE currently enrolls over 340 children and parents in our programs each year, coming from 15 African countries throughout the continent, including Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Tanzania.
Who We Serve
Our students often arrive with severe gaps in their education, having little to no formal education before coming to the U.S. Our parents balance raising a family with understanding a new culture, learning a new language, and supporting their loved ones financially.
With the help of dedicated volunteers and staff, we are rewriting these students’ and families’ futures.
Over 95% of our students graduate high school and enter the workforce or a two- or four-year college. Our students have gone on to attend world-class institutions like Brandeis University, Clark University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. They have gone on to be graduate students, accountants, nurses, and professional performers. Most importantly, they are changing their communities by sharing their unique experiences, outlook on life, and understanding of our world with those around them.
We are a diverse, passionate, and creative group of professionals dedicated to advancing the lives of the people we serve. We value the balance of fun and hard work and do our best to make sure we never have a dull day. If you're interested in joining our team, click below to explore our current openings.
Come Work With UsMeet the Team
Abil Dhee
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Abil was born in South Sudan. Abil fled the war in South Sudan at 10 years old and lived in a refugee camp in Ethiopia for six years. Abil arrived in the U.S. at around 17 years old as an Unaccompanied Refugee Minor. Abil lived in Worcester, MA, for many years before residing in Spencer, MA. After graduating from North High School, he attended Assumption University for four years and majored in Human Services and Rehabilitation studies. ACE holds a special place in Abil's heart. Abil was one of the first students to attend ACE when it began in 2006. Having left South Sudan without his parents, Abil looked to ACE as a parental figure and now appreciates how ACE nurtured and looked out for him. Abil returned to ACE as a volunteer during college and officially joined the staff in 2023. Outside of ACE, Abil enjoys taking care of his kids and going on spontaneous road trips with his family on the weekends.
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.
Baderha Bujiriri
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Baderha Bujiriri is of Rwandan and Congolese descent and was born in Nairobi, Kenya. She immigrated to the U.S. at seven years old with her family and grew up in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Growing up, Baderha's mother, Louise, went to the Intergenerational Literacy Program (ILP) in Chelsea to learn English, and in the summer, Baderha would also attend the program and practice her English. While in college, Baderha went back to ILP to be an English tutor in order to help other immigrants learn English. She also temporarily served as an ESOL substitute teacher during her senior year of college. Baderha graduated from Boston University with a bachelor's in Health Science with a minor in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences. She started volunteering at ACE and then later joined full-time as an Administrative Coordinator and then currently as a Development Coordinator. In her free time, Baderha enjoys going to theatre performances, taking various art and dance classes, and exploring the food culture in different cities.
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.
Beverly Arcaro
GRANTS MANAGER
Bev is a native New Englander, born too many years ago to count. She earned her bachelor’s in Journalism from The George Washington University and her master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Pittsburgh. Bev worked as a policy analyst for the New York State Assembly, then went on to raise money and lobby for a Planned Parenthood affiliate in Albany, New York, her first job in the nonprofit sector. After working for human service agencies, hospitals, and arts agencies in two states, she worked for 12 years as an intellectual property paralegal before returning to the nonprofit sector in 2016. After contact tracing during the pandemic for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Bev took a few odd jobs before landing at ACE. When she’s not juggling deadlines at ACE, Bev lives for books, visual art, food, the theatre, and movies, in any order (eating while reading, for example). When she can, Bev drags her husband out of town to visit other continents, having at least visited some of the countries on this one.
Gina Landrin
OUTREACH WORKER
Born in the vibrant island of Haiti, Gina brought her warmth and dedication to Worcester in 2017, seeking to be close to her family. Before her journey with ACE, Gina spent a decade in Haiti as an assistant manager, holding a bachelor's degree in Accounting. Gina is fluent in French, Haitian Creole, and English. Gina's journey with ACE started organically through her commitment to community service. Even before officially joining the ACE team, Gina was known for her unwavering dedication to helping others. While providing a ride and translation assistance to a friend, Gina connected with the ACE team and her journey with ACE unfolded. ACE became a platform where she could amplify her impact, realizing the potential to make a difference in the lives of those navigating a new system. When Gina initially arrived in the United States, she faced the challenges of acclimating to a new environment. Gina's experience reflects her deep understanding of the struggles newcomers face. She didn't have the same support when she first arrived, but now, she is committed to ensuring others don't feel the same isolation. At ACE, Gina finds joy in using her native language daily and empowering families to navigate the system more effectively. In her leisure time, Gina loves spending time with her daughter. Whether they are swimming or watching movies, Gina will always make time for her bestie.
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.
John Yormie, Jr.
ESOL & 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 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.
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, Assumption College, and Worcester State University. Kaska has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Social Innovation Leadership Award, Marquis Who’s Who, Worcester Business Journal’s Power 50 for 2023 and 2022, Nonprofit Business Leader of the Year, and a Key to the City of Worcester. Kaska is currently spearheading a global initiative within ACE that will forge cross-cultural partnerships with educational institutions and organizations to advance professional development, cultural knowledge, and educational consultation worldwide.
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.
Moubarak Mahamat
VAN DRIVER & SUPPORT STAFF
Moubarak is an ACE alum who speaks English, Arabic, Sango, Fulani, Kaba, and French. Moubarak was born in the Central African Republic and moved to Chad when he was four years old. Accompanied by his single mother and siblings, Moubarak moved to the U.S. at 17 years old. His family’s initial days in Worcester were marked by the challenge of being in a new country without knowing anyone and without knowing very much English. Moubarak enrolled at the New Citizen’s Center (NCC) where he befriended students who attended ACE. Moubarak's first visit to ACE revealed a diverse community of students from various countries, each navigating the English language journey. Excitement filled him as he envisioned ACE as a place to make friends, tackle homework, and enhance English proficiency. For Moubarak, ACE feels like family. Before joining the ACE staff, Moubarak worked at Price Chopper for 3.5 years and as a computer operator at Phillips-Medisize. After graduating from the Gerald Creamer Center (GCC), Moubarak visited ACE and was offered a part-time job. Moubarak enjoyed the position and started dreaming of working full-time at ACE. When ACE purchased their two vans and started looking for drivers, Moubarak joined ACE full-time and now enjoys the opportunity to give back to his community. In his free time, Moubarak enjoys playing FIFA and soccer with friends.
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.
Rose Wine
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Rose grew up as a first-generation Japanese-American in rural Northern California. Rose came to Worcester and attended Clark University, where they graduated with a bachelor's degree in both English and International Development & Social Change (IDSC) and a master's degree in Public Administration (MPA). During their first year of college, Rose joined ACE 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. Outside of ACE, Rose serves as a Stephen Minister, Secretary of the Board of Directors for Legendary Legacies, and a member of the Board of Directors for ONE Worcester. Rose also runs Rose Wine Photography, where they are passionate about offering professional photos at an affordable price. Rose loves food, plants, her cat Noritama, exercising, technology, camping, reading, traveling, offering a helping hand, and everything and anything that taps into creative thinking.
Saint Cyr Dimanche
CAREER OUTREACH SERVICE FACILITATOR
Saint Cyr 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. His personal experiences and journey have given him a deep understanding of the challenges and potential of refugee families. Saint Cyr is a former ACE student who graduated from Claremont Academy. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University. He completed two years of summer internships with Ascentria Care Alliance. After college, he interned with the USCIS Lawrence, MA Office and worked for the Department of Public Health for Massachusetts. Through his role at ACE, Saint Cyr provides career counseling services to families seeking employment. His personal experiences and education have equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support refugee families in their career development journey. Having witnessed, experienced, and lived the life of refugees both in Africa and in the U.S., he understands the potential that refugee families can offer, especially when given the opportunity for education to demonstrate their talent. This understanding fuels his passion for helping refugee families and drives his commitment to the ACE mission.
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.
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.
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 cheering on soccer games, watching movies by Mount Zion Film Productions, or playing with young kids. Tereza is passionate about helping low-income families during tax season and has been a volunteer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) with the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) since 2018.
Tim O'Neil
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Tim joined the fundraising team at African Community Education (ACE) in 2017 and began his current role as the Director of Development in 2022. He is passionate about equitable and community-centric fundraising. In addition to his work at ACE, Tim has assisted several local community organizations with their fundraising and marketing efforts. He received degrees in Management and Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Tim enjoys distance running, outdoor activities with his dog, Baloo, and exploring the Worcester food scene.
Timon Dhego
CAREER OUTREACH SERVICE FACILITATOR
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.
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.
Our board is a group of professionals diverse in both their experiences and their backgrounds. We are always looking to add new talent to this team as it helps guide our present and plan our future. If interested in learning more, send us an email below.
I'm Interested!Meet the Board
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.
Dr. Chengeto Vera, DMD
Secretary
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.
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.
Inez Williams-Gaye
Board Member
Inez Williams-Gaye was born and raised in the Worcester, MA area. She graduated from Clark University in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. Inez began dedicating her free time to planning promotional and life celebration events along with events for various student organizations on campus. After 8 years working in various fields such as technology, sales, restaurant and insurance enrollment, and 2 years raising her children, Inez finally decided to pursue her hobby as an official career. Currently, Inez is the Events Specialist for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, coordinating and executing association events and multi-day conferences for public school educators of Massachusetts. Along with serving as a board member for ACE, she is also on the Board of Directors as the Programming Committee Chair for Women in Development of Central MA. Inez lives in Holden, MA with her husband and 2 children.
Steve Winston
Board Member
Our partners help us serve our students and families better by increasing our capacity, providing diverse programming opportunities, and creating additional benefits for our kids and families.
Our grant funders provide pivotal funding to help us grow our programs each year by implementing creative ideas, expanding existing programs, and beginning new ones. Their generosity and focus on community impact are essential to everything we do at ACE.
Partners
- Anna Maria College
- Ascentria Care Alliance
- Assumption University
- Becker College
- Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at WPI
- Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church
- Catholic Charities Worcester County
- Center for Nonviolent Solutions
- Clark University
- College of the Holy Cross
- Crocodile River Music
- Cultural Exchange Through Soccer
- Family Health Center of Worcester
- Fatima’s Cafe
- First Parish Unitarian Universalist Chelmsford
- Get Real Teen Council
- Gold Coast Catering
- Grafton Job Corps
- Holy Cross Black Student Union
- Latino Education Institute
- Liberian Association of Worcester County
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Massachusetts Department of Children and Families
- Nichols College
- Quinsigamond Community College
- Refugee Artisans of Worcester
- Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center
- Rose Wine Photography
- Simon Says Give
- Social Innovation Forum
- Southeast Asian Coalition
- The Hanover Theatre
- Told Design
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester
- Unitarian Universalist Society of Grafton and Upton
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
- Worcester Community Action Council
- Worcester Community Connections Coalition
- Worcester Education Collaborative - Woo-Labs
- Worcester Family Partnership
- Worcester Family Resource Center
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Worcester Public Schools
- Worcester State University
- Worcester Wares
- WPI Black Student Union
Funders
- Albert W. Rice Charitable Foundation
- Amelia Peabody Foundation
- Ascentria Care Alliance
- Barr Foundation
- Bay State Savings Charitable Foundation
- Beim Foundation
- Cahn Fund for Social Change
- City of Worcester
- Cornerstone Bank
- Country Bank for Savings
- Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
- Frank Reed & Margaret Jane Peters Memorial Fund
- Fred Harris Daniels Foundation Fletcher Foundation
- George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Gertrude Pomeroy Fund
- Greater Worcester Community Foundation
- Hoche-Schofield Foundation
- Joyful Blessings Foundation
- MA Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education
- MA Office for Refugees & Immigrants
- Martin Richard Foundation
- Mass Mentoring Partnership
- Massachusetts Cultural Council
- McMillan Stewart Foundation
- Nellie Mae Education Foundation
- Reliant Medical Group
- Robert Treat Paine Association
- Schwartz Charitable Foundation
- Staples Foundation
- Stoddard Charitable Trust
- The Clowes Fund
- UniBank
- United Way of Central Massachusetts
- Unum
- Worcester Arts Council
- Worcester Public Schools