YLabs Announces Leadership Transition
September 26, 2025 – YLabs announces that CEO Dr. Chinwe Effiong will step down from her role, effective October 10, 2025. Under her leadership, YLabs has successfully navigated significant sector-wide challenges and maintained organizational strength during unprecedented change in the development landscape.
The organization's Board of Directors has appointed Katy Ashe and Richfield Quarshie as acting co-CEOs while conducting a comprehensive CEO search. Katy, our Design Director, brings 15 years of experience in international social impact leadership, having co-founded and led award-winning social impact unicorn Noora Health, and over the past 6 years has led many of YLabs' flagship programs. Richfield, our Director of Finance and Operations, joined YLabs in 2024 to lead financial management and compliance following more than 12 years of experience in the banking and non-profit sectors, where he has delivered financial leadership and sustainable solutions to organizations across Ghana and the African continent. Under their leadership, YLabs remains well-positioned to continue our mission and vision while the Board conducts a robust CEO search
In a rapidly evolving development landscape, the need for youth-centered solutions has never been greater. YLabs' approach of putting young people at the center of designing solutions remains critical to creating programs that truly work. The partnerships we've built and the evidence base we've developed over the past decade demonstrate that when youth drive the design process, programs deliver real impact.
