People

Founder/Chief Executive Officer

abdulkadir.hussein@acedone.org

Abdulkadir Y. Hussein is the founder and executive director of ACEDONE. He has over 20 years of experience in community organizing and nonprofit management, and is skilled in strategic planning, financial development, organizational development and advocacy. He has served on the Boston Public School (BPS) English Language Learners task force, where he brought cultural knowledge to the BPS system and assisted in the development of the BPS-Community Grassroot Organization partnership.

Chief Operating Officer

clare.louise@acedone.org

Clare Okalany is the chief operating officer of ACEDONE. Joining the organization in 2018, she spearheaded the economic initiatives as the director of small business development and has subsequently taken on a more operations role in multiple programs delivered to the community. Clare holds an MBA from Cambridge College and brings a wealth of knowledge in business strategy, development, financing and entrepreneurship.

Co-Director of Youth Development 

zeena.mohamed@acedone.org

Zeena Mohamed is the Co-Director of Youth Development and a founding member of Youth In Charge. With a personal connection to ACEDONE and over 12 years of experience in youth development, she is a change-maker passionate about supporting young people. Zeena brings expertise in elementary and middle school education as well as out-of-school programs, leading initiatives that provide high-quality enrichment opportunities and leadership development, fostering academic growth, social-emotional learning, and long-term success. Zeena’s dedication and expertise continue to empower youth to grow with confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

In her role, Zeena oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs for elementary and middle school, develops curriculum and enrichment activities that promote academic growth, leadership skills, and social-emotional learning, and provides training, coaching, and support to program staff and volunteers. She builds and maintains partnerships to expand program opportunities for youth, manages program budgets and ensures alignment with measurable outcomes, and leads initiatives that foster youth empowerment, community engagement, and personal development through collaboration.

In addition to her work with AceZone, Zeena has extensive experience designing and implementing ACEDONE programs, working closely with community partners, schools, and families to create inclusive, impactful learning experiences. Her background in community development enables her to connect youth programs with broader community initiatives, ensuring students benefit from resources, mentorship, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Zeena’s holistic approach empowers young people to become active, engaged members of their communities while building skills that prepare them for college, careers, and leadership roles.

Co-Director of Youth Development

hawa@acedone.org

Hawa Yassin is the Co-Director of Youth Development and a founding member of Youth In Charge, with over 16 years of expertise in the field of youth, operations, and community development. With a focus on civic leadership, mentorship, workforce readiness, college readiness, and social-emotional learning, she designs innovative initiatives that prepare young people for higher education, entrepreneurship, and career success—empowering the next generation to become leaders in their communities.

Hawa has extensive experience in ACEDONE’s leadership, operations, community development, designing and creating programs, managing staff, and ensuring that initiatives are impactful and aligned with organizational goals. She now oversees the planning, execution, and assessment of youth programs across multiple age groups, developing curriculum and enrichment activities that enhance academic growth, leadership development, and social-emotional learning. She provides training, guidance, and ongoing support to program staff and volunteers, cultivates and maintains partnerships to expand opportunities for youth, manages program budgets to ensure alignment with measurable outcomes, and leads collaborative initiatives that promote youth empowerment, community engagement, and personal growth.

Passionate about wellness, Hawa takes a holistic approach to youth development, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where young people are challenged, inspired, and equipped with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to reach their full potential.

AceZone Coordinator 

salma@acedone.org

Salma Mohamed is the AceZone Coordinator and a passionate advocate for youth voice, with firsthand experience as both a participant and staff member. Salma leads the design, implementation, and evaluation of elementary and middle school programs that promote academic excellence, social-emotional resilience, and holistic well-being. She supervises and mentors staff, volunteers, and youth leads, ensuring high-quality program delivery while fostering collaboration with families, educators, and community partners. Her expertise in youth leadership and community engagement helps students develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of responsibility. She is committed to nurturing inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated, children feel a sense of belonging, and every young person is equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams and make a meaningful difference. Salma actively works to create pathways for students to access advanced leadership opportunities, including participation in ACEDONE’s Youth In Charge program. She also champions initiatives that strengthen community ties, ensuring that youth programs are connected, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the families they serve.

Youth In Charge Coordinator

yusuf@acedone.org

Yusuf Yusuf is the Youth In Charge (YIC) Program Coordinator, where he works closely with high school students to support their academic, personal, and professional growth. He oversees the daily operations of the program, including recruitment, scheduling, and staff supervision, while ensuring activities align with the organization’s mission. Yusuf plays an active role in curriculum development, program implementation, and evaluation, with a focus on workforce development, civic leadership, leadership development, and social-emotional learning, ensuring students have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for college, careers, and leadership roles. He also oversees the YICx initiatives, working alongside the YICx Program Lead to lead workforce development workshops, facilitate micro-grant opportunities for youth-led projects, organize career networking events, and help young people build strong foundations for long-term success. Passionate about youth engagement, Yusuf is dedicated to connecting students with college readiness opportunities and strives to build partnerships that strengthen the youth program. He also leads the organization of community basketball tournaments, fostering teamwork and community spirit. His commitment to youth development ensures that every student feels supported, challenged, and equipped to reach their potential.

YIC Program and YICx Lead

bile@acedone.org

Bile Yassin is the Youth In Charge and YICx Program Lead, Bile is dedicated to empowering immigrant youth in Boston through education, leadership development, and community engagement. He works closely with high school and post-secondary youth to deliver academic support, social-emotional learning, civic engagement opportunities, and college/career readiness programming. With a focus on school-year academic enrichment and summer workforce development, he strives to create safe, inclusive environments where youth can grow both personally and professionally. He supports team members and participants through orientations, training, internship placements, and consistent check-ins—ensuring everyone has the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive. In addition to Youth In Charge, Bile also leads YICx, a youth incubator that serves individuals ages 14–30 with a focus on entrepreneurship, social innovation, business development, and financial literacy. Through YICx, he coordinates workforce development workshops, facilitates micro-grant opportunities for youth-led projects, organizes career networking events, and helps young people build strong foundations for long-term success. Passionate about uplifting youth voices, building stronger communities, and creating opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency, leadership, and lifelong impact.

Director of Small Business Development

hasan.celayir@acedone.org

Hasan Celayir is the director of the small business development center. Having risen through the ranks since joining the organization, Hasan is equipped with an in-depth understanding of the African immigrant business community and has delivered technical assistance in various business development capacities.

Director of Development / Loan Officer

jorge.cabrera@acedone.org

Jorge is ACEDONE's Business Development / Loan Officer, holding an MBA in Business Analytics and Investment Finance from Northeastern University. He has gained extensive experience working for multinational companies, investment funds, and nonprofit organizations like John Deere, Fresenius Medical Care Ventures, and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Jorge leads ACEDONE's micro-loans and technical assistance programs, supporting the growth of Boston's refugee and immigrant businesses. His expertise in business development, investment finance, and corporate strategy has been instrumental in driving innovation, securing funding, and achieving sustainable growth.

Program Associate at ACEDONE

billan.ahmed@acedone.org

Billan Ahmed is a Program Associate at ACEDONE, where she significantly contributes to enhancing the academic learning of students through meticulously designed educational programs. Billan holds a Bachelor's degree in Global Challenges, with a focus on education, from African Leadership University. While her primary role centers on education, she also provides crucial administrative support across ACEDONE's various initiatives, including small business development and housing projects. With her extensive background as an educator and program implementer, Billan brings a diverse set of skills and insights to her multifaceted position at the organization.

Small Business Outreach Coordinator

pierre.delma@acedone.org

Social Emotional Lead

said.said@acedone.org