Our Team – Padoc Area Scholars Society

Our Team

Board of Directors

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Joseph Lethem Gola

Executive Director, PASS USA

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Joseph Lethem serves as Executive Director of Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS USA), bringing to the role a unique combination of personal experience, servant leadership, and a deep commitment to Christ-centered education.

Born in a remote village in South Sudan, Joseph’s journey was marked by war, displacement, and life as a refugee in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. After completing secondary school against extraordinary odds, he received a PASS USA scholarship that enabled him to pursue higher education—a turning point that transformed the course of his life.

Joseph earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Nation 2 Nation Christian University. Before becoming Executive Director, he served as PASS USA’s Head Student Coordinator, providing leadership and support to scholarship recipients across South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. In this role, he coordinated student programs, strengthened communication across countries, and encouraged hundreds of scholars as they pursued their education.

Today, Joseph leads the very organization that once invested in his own future. His life reflects the transformative impact of PASS USA’s mission and fuels his passion to ensure that refugee and vulnerable students have access not only to education, but also to mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to discover their God-given potential.

Joseph believes that true leadership is rooted in humility, integrity, and service. His desire is to empower others, lead by example, and glorify God through every decision. Guided by Proverbs 3:5–6, he remains committed to trusting the Lord as PASS USA continues to grow.

Looking ahead, Joseph envisions PASS USA becoming a leading Christian organization that equips thousands of refugee and vulnerable students across Africa through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, vocational training, and strategic partnerships—raising Christ-centered leaders who will bring lasting transformation to their families, communities, and nations.

Fran Roby

Treasurer & Co-Founder | Chair, PASS USA Scholarship Selection Committee

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Fran Roby is a retired Guidance and College Counselor with over 33 years of experience helping students in Minnesota navigate the path to higher education. A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment and global education, he has also spent years volunteering with refugee and immigrant communities across Minnesota.

As Treasurer and Co-Founder of the Padoc Area Scholars Society, USA (PASS), Fran provides strategic financial oversight and ensures transparency and accountability in the organization’s operations. He also chairs the U.S. branch of the PASS Scholarship Selection Committee, where he applies his deep expertise in college readiness and student development to guide the selection of PASS Scholars.

Fran’s steadfast commitment to education, equity, and service continues to shape PASS’s mission of expanding access and opportunity for South Sudanese youth.

Dr. Augustino Ting Mayai

Co-Founder, PASS | Chair, PASS South Sudan Scholarship Selection Committee

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Dr. Augustino Ting Mayai is the Co-Founder of the Padoc Area Scholars Society, (PASS)South Sudan and Chair of the South Sudan Scholarship Selection Committee. A former Sudanese Lost Boy who resettled in the United States in 2001, Augustino’s life journey reflects the resilience and determination that shape PASS’s mission.

He previously served as the Director of Research at the Sudd Institute, South Sudan’s leading policy think tank, where his work focused on governance, development, and social transformation. Augustino holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and, in January 2024, was appointed to a Cabinet-level position in the South Sudanese national government.

Through his leadership and deep understanding of South Sudan’s educational and policy landscape, Augustino continues to guide PASS’s vision of empowering the next generation of South Sudanese scholars and leaders.

Dixie Gedstad

Secretary & Board Member, PASS

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Dixie Gedstad is an Early Childhood Special Education professional with a distinguished career at the Hopkins School District 270 in Minnesota. Throughout her years of service, she created inclusive and culturally responsive classrooms that supported both young children with special needs and their typically developing peers—fostering environments of equity, understanding, and growth.

Dixie holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education from Mankato State University. As Secretary and Board Member of the Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS), she contributes her expertise in education, inclusion, and organizational governance to advance PASS’s mission of expanding access to education for South Sudanese youth.

Bol Deng Akech

Co-Founder & Coordinator, Harvesting Hope Agricultural Program (South Sudan)

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Bol Deng Akech is the Co-Founder of the Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS) and serves as Coordinator of the Harvesting Hope Agricultural Program in South Sudan. A graduate of the University of Juba, Bol holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering, where his studies emphasized practical innovation—prioritizing function over form and sustainability over showmanship.

The first in his family to graduate from high school and attend university, Bol’s journey reflects the transformative power of education that PASS seeks to expand for South Sudanese youth. In addition to his work with PASS, he contributes to national development through his role at Schlumberger, where he operates and manages specialized equipment and machinery.

Through his leadership, Bol continues to advance PASS’s vision of linking education with local development and agricultural sustainability in South Sudan.

Professor Kim Korinek

Board Member, PASS

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Professor Kim Korinek is a Professor of Sociology at the University of Utah, where her research explores international migration and the population and health consequences of armed conflict. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Washington.

Beyond her academic work, Professor Korinek is deeply committed to advancing access to education and promoting opportunities for historically underrepresented and diverse populations. As a Board Member of the Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS), she brings her expertise in research, education, and social equity to support PASS’s mission of empowering South Sudanese youth through higher education and opportunity.

PASS Team

Danielle Enblom

Digital Media and Online Application Coordinator

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Danielle is an educator, researcher, and performing artist dedicated to empowering people of all ages through education and community building. With degrees in Urban Studies, Sustainability Studies and Ethnochoreology, plus her work in regenerative agriculture and Waldorf teaching, she brings diverse expertise to our mission. Danielle has partnered with grassroots groups and community leaders to tackle environmental challenges and support youth development. She is honored to help PASS unlock college opportunities and sustainable futures for South Sudanese students and families.

Bella Yahaya

Communication and Content Coordinator

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Bella Yahaya serves as the Communication and Content Coordinator at the Padoc Area Scholars Society, USA (PASS USA), where she leads the development and execution of strategic communications and content initiatives that strengthen organisational visibility, deepen stakeholder engagement, and foster meaningful connections across a growing network of scholars, partners, and supporters.

In her role, Bella coordinates the planning, creation, and dissemination of digital and multimedia content across platforms, ensuring that organisational messages are clear, consistent, and aligned with mission priorities. She supports storytelling, campaign communications, and knowledge sharing, while managing digital presence, stakeholder communications, and content systems that amplify impact and promote transparency. She also collaborates with programme teams and partners to document outcomes, highlight success stories, and translate complex initiatives into accessible, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

Bella brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, communications, and campaign management, with a proven record of advancing advocacy and resource mobilisation initiatives across diverse organisations. She previously served as Managing Director at Hay Group, where she provided strategic oversight to support organisational growth, operational effectiveness, and team coordination.

Her professional experience includes contributing to the No to Violence campaign and supporting humanitarian and community service initiatives through Rotary International and the American Red Cross. During her time with Rotary, she demonstrated leadership and service commitment in her role as Club President, guiding programmes that promoted community wellbeing and social responsibility.

Bella has also supported international nonprofit efforts, including fundraising for Akamwenhu Initiatives Uganda, where she helped mobilise resources to expand support for vulnerable communities. She is driven by a deep commitment to communication for development, social impact, and community empowerment, and continues to leverage her skills to advance inclusive, sustainable, and lasting change.

Volunteers

Tonia

Social Media Manager

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Before social media, Amaefule Ogechi Anthonia was sketching patterns and chasing deadlines in fashion design.

She learned to see what others overlooked, the way structure creates beauty, the way small details carry the whole story. When she moved into social media management, that eye came with her. It just found a new canvas.

As a Volunteer Social Media Manager at PASS USA, Tonia helps bring the organization’s mission to life online, shaping stories, building consistency, and making sure the young women PASS serves are seen and celebrated beyond the walls of the program.

She shows up for this work because she believes in it. Because she knows what it means when a young girl sees herself in a story, and decides she has a future worth fighting for.

Grace

Email Management Specialist

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Eman

Assistant Social Media Manager And Creative Assistant

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Eman serves as an Assistant Social Media Manager and Creative Assistant with the Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS), where she plays a key role in shaping the organization’s digital presence and visual identity. She is responsible for designing engaging graphics, managing PASS’s Instagram platform, and building meaningful connections with partner organizations to enhance outreach and collaboration.

With a passion for creativity and communication, Eman brings innovative ideas and strategic solutions to strengthen PASS’s social media engagement. She is dedicated to presenting the organization in a professional, impactful, and visually compelling way, helping to expand its reach and connect with a wider audience.

Through her work, Eman contributes to advancing PASS’s mission of empowering South Sudanese youth by increasing visibility, fostering partnerships, and promoting access to education and opportunity.

Student Coordinators

John Garang Akech

PASS Scholar & Student Coordinator, South Sudan

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John Garang Akech is a PASS scholar and Student Coordinator from South Sudan whose journey reflects resilience and hope. Growing up in poverty and losing his father at a young age, he faced immense challenges but remained determined to pursue his education. Since receiving the PASS scholarship in 2022, John has been empowered to continue his studies—striving to become the first graduate in his entire family and clan. As a Student Coordinator, he serves his peers with dedication and leads by example, believing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming communities.

BAAL NYELO GUZULU

PASS Scholar & Student Coordinator, Uganda

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Baal Nyelo Guzulu is PASS Scholar and Student Coordinator in Uganda. He is a dedicated Law student at Nkumba University, Kampala with a keen interest in legal research, advocacy, and legal theory. His voluntary work wirh PASS contributes to academic coordination and teamwork, upholding the values of integrity, responsibility, and academic excellence. He has served in many associations such South Sudanese Students Association at Nkumba University (NUSSSA) as Secretary General from 2024-2025. He also served in Greater Upper Nile Students Union in Uganda, where he held a position of Interim-Secretary General 2023-2024 as well as Greater Kubal Students Association, serving as Student Advisor, a role he held from 2018-2020. Today, Baal leads and serves his fellow South Sudanese youth in various institutions in Kampala where PASS Scholars attend higher education.

Sunday Stephen

PASS Scholar & Student Coordinator, Kenya

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Sunday Stephen is a PASS Scholar and Student Coordinator in Kenya whose story reflects courage, resilience, and restored hope. Before joining PASS, financial struggles and social barriers nearly ended her dream of education. She once believed leadership and opportunity were reserved for men, but PASS changed that — restoring her dignity, building her confidence, and lighting the path toward her future.

Today, Sunday leads with humility and strength, determined to serve all students with fairness, respect, and unity. In a culture where female leadership is often challenged, she stands as proof of the power and potential of South Sudanese youth. To every donor who makes this possible, Sunday’s message is clear: you are not just funding education, you are healing broken dreams and shaping a new generation of leaders.

Arezet Kolen Nyadung

PASS Scholar & Female Scholars Coordinator

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Arezet Kolen Nyadung serves as the Female Scholars Coordinator for the Padoc Area Scholars Society (PASS) in South Sudan. She is passionate about leadership, education, and community development, and plays a vital role in mentoring and supporting young women within the PASS Scholarship Program.

Her active involvement in church and community initiatives has strengthened her skills in communication, coordination, and teamwork, allowing her to guide female scholars with empathy and purpose. Deeply committed to personal growth and social impact, Arezet embodies the PASS mission—empowering South Sudanese girls to learn, lead, and create meaningful change in their communities.