WYA Staff
Paula Lopez Rodríguez
WYA President
Paula is the 6th President of World Youth Alliance. Paula served as Regional Director for WYA Latin America and also worked in the Human Rights Office for the city of Bogotá, Colombia. She holds a Law degree from Universidad de La Sabana.
Faye Ysabela Ong
International Director of Operations
Faye is the International Director of Operations for World Youth Alliance. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines – Visayas. Faye joined WYA when she was 12 years old through the Assumption – Iloilo Teen Club and has remained an active member since. She completed her online internship in 2022 and continues to pursue her passion of working with WYA.
Rokaia Elhommosani
Director of Advocacy
Rokaia is the Director of Advocacy for World Youth Alliance. She has been involved with WYA since age 16 as a passionate trainer. She holds a law degree with specialities in jurisprudence, human rights law, and legal research from the Open University in the United Kingdom.
Samita Mwanicky
Regional Director
WYA Africa
Samita is the Regional Director for WYA Africa. She did an internship at the WYA Africa office and holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Development Studies and Philosophy from Strathmore University. Samita is passionate about youth involvement in policy, research, and advocacy work.
Joy Wangui Maina
Regional Director of Operations
WYA Africa
Joy is the Regional Director of Operations for WYA Africa. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the Technical University of Mombasa and a professional certificate in accounting. Joy is from Kitui, Kenya and is passionate about youth and community-based organizations.
Ermelinda Gjeci
Support Officer
WYA Europe
Ermelinda is the Support Officer of World Youth Alliance Europe. She did an internship with WYA in both Brussels and New York City and lead the WYA Albania Chapter. Ermelinda holds a BA in Law and a Master’s Degree in International Law.
Maria Laura Hernandez
Regional Director
WYA Latin America
María Laura is the Regional Director for WYA Latin America. She was the WYA Chapter President in Venezuela. She holds a BS in Administration with mention in marketing at Rafael Belloso Chacín University.
WYA FOUNDATION STAFF
Anna Halpine
Founder
Anna founded the World Youth Alliance in 1999 at the age of 21. She served as President from 1999 to 2007. Anna holds an MA in Philosophy of Religion from Yale University and a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University in Canada. Anna is the CEO of FEMM.
Mislav Barišić
Director of Policy and Research
Mislav is the Director of Policy and Research for World Youth Alliance. Mislav previously served as Director of Advocacy in Brussels at the EU and then Policy and Research Specialist for WYA. Mislav has certifed members across Europe in both CTP and the Advocacy Academy. Mislav studied the law and has a degree in French Language, Literature and Philosophy, from the University of Zagreb.
Clare Halpine
Director
Human Dignity Curriculum
Clare is the Director of the Human Dignity Curriculum (HDC). Clare previously served as Director for WYA North America. Clare holds an MFA from the University of Washington and a BFA from Mount Allison University in Canada.
Lord Leomer Pomperada
Director
Philippines expansion HDC
Lord is Director of the HDC Expansion in the Philippines for the World Youth Alliance. He previously served as WYA president for seven years. Lord holds a BA in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Manila) and a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya.
Angeles Reyna Allende
Marketing Manager
Angie is the Marketing Manager for World Youth Alliance. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication from the University of Business and Social Sciences (UCES) and is passionate about using these skills to promote the dignity of the person and youth leadership and engagement with WYA worldwide.
Hrvoje Vargić
Grants and Partnerships
Hrvoje leads our work with grants and partnerships within the European region. Hrvoje was a founder of the WYA Croatia Chapter and previously served as Regional Director for WYA Europe. He holds a BA degree in both Philosophy and business, an MA degree in both Philosophy and Economics, and a PhD in Philosophy.
Demy Cruz Jr.
Multimedia and Events
Demy is the Multimedia and Events Specialist for World Youth Alliance. He holds a BA in Multimedia Arts from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Manila). He was previously a Youth Ambassador of the Philippines to several countries in Asia.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Aliah Dimaporo
Ann Seabright, Chair
Anna Halpine, Founder
Caroline Shisubili Maingi
Elisabeth Hohenberg
Federico Eichberg
Jesús Rivera
Joe Wurtz
Paula Andrea Lopez, President, Ex-officio
Timothy Flanigan
Vincenzina Santoro