Our Leadership
Board of Directors
Would you like to serve on our board? We would love to hear from you. Please contact Ms. Claire Töpfer at claire@aidful.org for more information.
Gabriella Papanikolaou
Executive Director
Gabriela studied medicine at LMU in Munich and is currently completing her clinical time. Fluent in four languages, she volunteered with the German Red Cross as a paramedic and completed a semester abroad at the University of Cape Coast Hospital in Ghana. She also worked for a non-profit organization at the Lebanese-Syrian border which offered her extensive experience in the humanitarian aid sector. Gabriella is committed to contributing her share to a fairer world.
Wassef Ghandour
co-Executive Director
Wassef holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He has devoted most of his time to humanitarian and development work in the Middle East and Africa. Wassef is fluent in four languages. He understands the concept of data collection, which is an important part of non-profit innovation. He enjoys extreme hikes, traveling, reading and swimming.
Claire Guillemin Töpfer
Director of Operations
Born in France and raised in Brazil and Botswana close to disadvantaged communities, Claire developed a deep desire to one day contribute to a better world. A PhD graduate in law from Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, she worked at major branding agencies and renowned law firms including the European Parliament. She is also a consultant and a university professor. Claire is fluent in five languages. She is delighted to put her legal and branding skills at the service of AIDFUL.
Our Lebanon Team
Ahmad Lagha
Country Director
Ahmad holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from University of Balamand in Koura, Lebanon. Ahmad has excellent entrepreneurial skills and an extensive 10-year food processing and distribution experience. He handles all of our logistics, warehousing and distribution across northern Lebanon. Ahmad is an excellent problem solver and is deeply committed to his team.
Rabih Kabbara
Director of Operations
Rabih holds a Master's degree in Environmental Architecture from Université Libanaise in Beirut and a PhD in International Business from the American University of London. Rabih is also a founding board member of Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) in Lebanon as well as North Riders. He served as a consultant to UNDP (ILO projects) and to the Lebanese Ministry of Labor.
Aline Assaf
Treasurer
Aline holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from the Lebanese University in Mount Lebanon. Aline has excellent communication and accounting skills with over 20 years experience in public relations and community service. Aline adds a plethora of financial reporting and grant management skills for future generations. She currently works at the Student Affairs office at the Lebanese University.
Our Ghana Team
Henry Wilson
Country Director
Henry holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, a Master's degree in Information Technology and Operations Management from India Institute of Business Management and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) respectively. Henry exhibits leadership, data collection & systems management and shows a strong dedication to our group. He approaches every task he encounters with a cheerful attitude and a problem-solving mentality.
Musah Mahama
Director of Operations
Musah has an extensive 30-year background in logistics and operations. He handles all of our transport and warehousing needs. He is very familiar with all regions of Ghana. Musah's excellent work ethics have raised the bar for all of our staff. With his good interpersonal skills, he was able to establish openness and accountability in the areas of operations to ensure compliance as a crucial member of the leadership team.
Ellen Asante
Performance Manager
As a project and contract manager, Ellen is in charge of all aid missions in the country. Her 25-year experience in the food and beverage industry made her an expert at food sourcing and distribution dealing with the highly anemic local population. She is currently overseeing our business operations and development which focus on poverty reduction as well as sanitation and hygiene programs.
Board of Directors Faqs
- Board members must have a solid interest in AIFDUL’s mission.
- Board members must have specific experience in at least one of the following elements: program development, fund raising, medical doctor, public relations, teacher, environmental awareness and logistics.
- Board members are not paid a salary as they are considered volunteers. We do pay travel costs and/or reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of board duties.
- Board members will get to improve people’s lives and they will definitely enrich their management skills while serving.
- The board of directors is the governing body of AIDFUL. The board sets the overall policy and goals which are then carried out by staff.
- The board meets on the first Monday of every other month at the main office. ZOOM meetings are also common if the need arises.
- Enhancement of leadership development skills.
- You will meet and work with very passionate people while you build your relationship with public and private agencies.
- The idea of positively changing people’s lives is by itself a major self reward.
- You will participate in the abolishment of poverty among the most vulnerable.
- Not at all! We want everyone to be relaxed and casual.