People
Our Team
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Abdulkadir Hussein
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.
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Clare Okalany
Chief Operating Officer
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.
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Abdullahi Amir
Chief Financial Officer
Abdullahi Amir is the Chief Financial Officer for ACEDONE. He has a Degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Greenwich. Abdullahi is a newly joined member of the ACEDONE team, and is tasked with ensuring the organization is achieving set targets, and assists in upholding high standards to ensure growth and development for our communities.
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Zeena Mohamed
Director of Programs
Zeena Mohamed is the director of programs at ACEDONE. In this role, she develops, implements program activities and vets budgets against measurable outcomes. Having joined ACEDONE in 2013 as an education coordinator, she has risen through the ranks through her diligence and resourceful expertise particularly in the Office of English Language Learners in Boston Public Schools.
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Hasan Celayir
Director of Small Business Development
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.
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Mel Thach
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Mel Thach is the Digital Marketing Consultant for ACEDONE. She is a recent graduate with a BA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University. As our Digital Marketing Consultant, Mel develops, implements, tracks and optimizes our digital marketing campaigns across all digital channels. She plays a key role in communicating and strengthening ACEDONE's brand internally and externally.
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Jorge Cabrera
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.
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Pierre Delma
Small Business Outreach Coordinator
pierre.delma@acedone.org
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Hawa Yassin
Director of Youth Development (YIC), Technology and Innovation
hawa@acedone.org
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Abdilatif Hassan
After School Coordinator (1st-8th grade)
Abdilatif Hassan is the after school coordinator and joined ACEDONE in 2013. Abdilatif is responsible for providing oversight in academic, recreational, and enrichment activities to students in K-8th grade. He has in-depth knowledge and experience in social emotional learning and works to weave SEL in ACEDONE’s educational programming.
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Neha Ratnapuri
YIC Coordinator
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Yusuf Yusuf
Youth Program Lead
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Said Said
Social Emotional Lead
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Tia Hashem
Marketing Strategist
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Mohamed Hassan
Alumni and Community Relations
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Favor Enoghama
Civic Engagement and Leadership Organizer
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Donovan Sander
Readiness Specialist
Our Board
President/Chair of Board
Saciid Erkole is a resident of Jamaica Plain, he has a professional background in compliance and strategy and joined the board in August 2019. With a focus on project management, Mr. Erkole is often called the get-it-done board member and is taking the lead on fundraising efforts within the community. He was elected as our chair in 2023!
Board Officers
Ababa Attles, a resident of North Andover, Counsel Attles is an attorney who has served on the board since 2017 and brings introspection into legal matters concerning all aspects of the organization.
Abdirahman Aden, a resident of Roxbury, a certified public accountant at UMass Boston has served on the board since 2008 and is one of the longest-serving board members.
Renee Contreras, a resident of Watertown, working as a consultant fellow at Education Pioneers, International Education policy has served on the board since 2017. Ms. Contreras is passionate about the education programs of our youth and children and dedicates a significant amount of due diligence towards improving the education programs.
Board Members
Esmael Abdulkerim is a resident of Medford with professional expertise in Information Technology and has been a board member since 2017.
Naima Abdullahi is a resident of Framingham and has a professional background in public policy and law. Joining the board in 2020, she brings a wealth of experience as a former director of development at ACEDONE.
Yassir Elawad is a resident of Dorchester and has a professional background in accounting. He joined the board in 2020 and his efforts have extended to spearheading the professional coalition that assists community members filing and complying with their state and federal obligations.