African Youth Collective
Our Team
Meet the dedicated people behind AYC — from our Founder and leadership to the coordinators, coaches, mentors, and volunteers who bring our programs to life every day.
Organisation Structure
How AYC is structured from leadership to community
Executive Leadership
The founders and leaders driving AYC's mission every day.
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.
He comes from a proud family legacy of leadership and service. His great-grandfather, Ayiei Mashinkok, was a respected chief and spiritual leader. Following his passing, his son, Alier Mashinkok, continued that leadership legacy. Isaiah's father, Isaiah Alier Mashinkok Senior, also served his community as a Military General and Speaker of the State.
Isaiah carries this generational spirit of leadership into his work with African communities in Australia. He is also the inventor of PAWS (Pan African Writing System) — Swahili, a unified writing system designed to support African languages, identity and cultural connection, published and available through Amazon Australia.
Through AYC, Isaiah leads work across youth empowerment, mental health advocacy, alcohol and other drug harm prevention, community connection and Pan-African cultural pride.
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 & Community Team
The B-MAD team drives AYC's prevention framework — running BBQ days, community development, youth advocacy, and wellbeing programs across Melbourne.
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 is a passionate youth advocate who gives voice to the experiences of African young people. He works to ensure their stories are heard and their needs are met within AYC's programs and the broader community.
Mayen Malek
Youth Development
Mayen focuses on the growth and development of young people within AYC, supporting them to build confidence, skills, and a strong sense of identity as they navigate life in Melbourne.
Amanuel Mulatu
Youth Engagement
Amanuel brings energy and creativity to AYC's youth engagement work, connecting young people to programs, events, and community activities that keep them active, involved, and inspired.
Nyanwuut Kuol
First Aid
Nyanwuut keeps the AYC community safe at every event and program, providing first aid support and ensuring the wellbeing of participants across all of AYC's activities.
Ochan Aba
Basketball Coach
Ochan coaches AYC's basketball program, using sport as a tool for connection, discipline, and belonging. He mentors young players both on and off the court, helping them grow into confident young people.
Sunday Makuach
Admin / Project
Sunday keeps AYC running smoothly behind the scenes, managing administration and project coordination so that programs are delivered on time and the team can focus on what matters most — the community.
Agany Agany
Graphic Designer
Agany brings AYC's visual identity to life through bold, culturally grounded design. From event flyers to social media, his creative work ensures AYC's message reaches the community with impact and pride.
Marbar Riek
Music Producer
Marbar uses music as a bridge between culture and community. As AYC's music producer, he creates sounds that celebrate African identity and give young people a creative outlet to express themselves.
Ahmed
Chef
Ahmed nourishes the AYC community through food, bringing warmth and culture to every BBQ day and community meal. His cooking is a celebration of African hospitality and a reminder that sharing food is sharing love.
Kot
B-MAD Team
Kot is a dedicated member of the B-MAD team, contributing to AYC's prevention and community wellbeing programs with commitment and care for the young people AYC serves.
Ayour Huntr X
B-MAD Team
Ayour — known as Huntr X — brings creative energy and community spirit to the B-MAD team. He is also a key figure in The Viibe Family partnership, connecting AYC with Melbourne's African arts and entertainment scene.
Paul Yata
B-MAD Team
Paul is a committed member of the B-MAD team, showing up for the community with consistency and heart. He plays an important role in AYC's day-to-day programs and community outreach.
Goom Wick
B-MAD Team
Goom brings dedication and a strong community focus to the B-MAD team. His presence and support make a real difference to the young people who engage with AYC's programs every week.
James Tut
B-MAD Team
James is a valued member of the B-MAD team, bringing strength, reliability, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of African youth across Melbourne's west.
Sports & Mentors
Coaches and mentors who use sport to build confidence, connection and community.
Coming soon
Youth Mentor
A new mentor joining the AYC sports and mentoring team soon.
Sabir Banek
Youth Mentor
Sabir mentors young people within AYC's sports programs, offering guidance, encouragement, and a steady presence that helps youth build resilience and self-belief both on and off the field.
Deng Isaiah
Basketball Coach
Deng coaches AYC's basketball sessions with passion and skill, developing young players and using the game as a platform for teamwork, discipline, and community connection.
Emanuel Malou
Basketball Coach
Emanuel brings elite-level experience and a love for the game to AYC's basketball program. He inspires young athletes to reach their potential while staying grounded in community values.
Noel Soma
Soccer Coach
Noel leads AYC's Saturday Soccer program, creating a safe and energetic space where African youth can play, compete, and build friendships that extend well beyond the pitch.
Ministers
Michael Keflamariam
Community Development
Michael supports AYC's community development work at a ministerial level, bringing strategic insight and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and advancement of African communities in Melbourne.
Misrak Ahmed
Minister
Misrak serves as a Minister within AYC's leadership structure, contributing her expertise and community connections to support the organisation's mission and programs.
Abas Abukar
Transport Minister
Abas serves as Transport Minister within AYC's community structure, helping to ensure that young people and families can access AYC's programs and services across Melbourne.
Want to be part of the team?
AYC is always growing. If you are passionate about community, youth empowerment, or sport — we would love to hear from you.
Volunteer With AYC