Grant Nagaki, Co-Founder
Originally from Scottsbluff, NE, Grant has called Brooklyn, NY home for the greater part of the last decade. He is an original co-founder of Aya — Originally known as The Senase Project. Grant has led the legal, financial, and donor relations, but has also played a key role in several community-improvement projects in the rural village of Akatim. Projects included classroom construction, water source development, and raising attendance rates at the Akatim Village School in collaboration with the headmaster & staff.
Chris Toone, Co-Founder
Born & raised in Buffalo, NY and currently calling Chicago, IL home, Chris has been with Aya since its former namesake, The Senase Project, was born after studying abroad with Semester at Sea. His day-to-day role consists of building a bridge between operations in Ghana and the United States, collaborating closely with every facet of the organization to ensure sustained success.
Brittany Chelette, Scholarship Program Coordinator
A Louisiana native, Brittany has lived in Salt Lake City for the last 11 years. As a career educator and mom of 2, she has been deeply invested in supporting students and teachers through The Senase Project’s–and now Aya’s–scholarship program and other education-focused initiatives. Her current role in Aya includes working with Olivia, the Coordinator of Country Operations, to support Aya’s scholar students, as well as keeping donors up-to-date on what’s happening on the ground in Ghana.
Olivia Konamah Benneh, Coordinator of Country Operations (Ghana)
Currently residing in Accra, Olivia brings a decade-worth of experience of working and volunteering alongside U.S-based non-profits in the education sector of Ghana. Her wealth of business knowledge and ability to work with local Governments, teachers, headmasters, parents, and more has proven vital to fostering a community focus on education. Olivia’s passion for empowering future generations is what drives her commitment to help others in need.