John Awiel Chol Diing

John brings a powerful combination of lived experience, deep commitment to youth empowerment, and a strong track record of impact. Originally from South Sudan and now based in Kenya, John has led and contributed to impactful youth-centered initiatives across Africa, including his role as Co-founder of the Kakuma Refugee Youth Innovation Hub and as International Admissions Coordinator for EARTH University under the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. He has worked to secure funding, deliver training to refugee entrepreneurs, manage large project budgets, and build strong cross-sectoral partnerships that drive equity and opportunity for young people.

With more than four years of experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, and youth leadership, John is passionate about building systems that center the voice and expertise of young people—especially those from marginalized communities. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Swahili, and conversational Arabic, and is excited to collaborate across cultures and geographies to advance GOYN’s mission.