Festus Cobena Ainoo epitomizes the spirit of youth leadership, mentorship and educational advocacy. He’s currently studying towards his second master’s degree in Higher Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the United States of America where he also works with Residential Life as Assistant Residence Director for Coolidge Hall. He holds a Master of Arts in Religion and Human Values, Bachelor of Education (History & Religion and Human Values) from the esteemed University of Cape Coast, and an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of the People in California, United States of America. Festus embodies a fusion of academic excellence and social entrepreneurial acumen. He is a student affairs practitioner, international education consultant, writer, educator, public speaker, and a mentor.

Festus is deeply engaged in shaping the minds of future leaders. Beyond the confines of academia, he is the visionary Founder of The Natives Foundation and Director of EduPrime Global Consult, platforms dedicated to nurturing the potential of young minds and fostering innovative educational approaches which has assisted over millions of international students in securing scholarships, funding and their student visas to study abroad. During his studies with the University of the People, he served as a Global Student Ambassador where he was ranked 16th among 2000+ global ambassadors and supported 884 African students who couldn’t have afforded tertiary education to study free towards their degrees.

As a Co-Founder of the Green Climate Health Network (GCHN), Festus demonstrates his commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, intertwining his passion for education with a broader global agenda. Moreover, his role as Chief Administrator for the Emerging Diplomat Model United Nations underscores his dedication to fostering diplomatic dialogue and international cooperation among youth. Festus’s impact extends beyond organizational roles. He has served as a Scholars Mentor for the WAAW Foundation Africa and Rise Global Selector, empowering aspiring scholars to reach their full potential. His participation in the Millennium Fellowship by United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN) reflects his commitment to global initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable development goals.

Recognized as a leading advocate for quality education, Festus has been honored with multiple Sustrainable Development Goal Four (4) awards, testament to his unwavering dedication to educational advocacy. In 2023, he received the prestigious title of Africa’s Young Quality Education Advocate of the year, Young Advocate Nominee of the Year by the Education Community Awards Ghana, Student Author of the Year – University of Cape Coast, SRC Awards, and in 2022 he was awarded the Outstanding SDG4 Advocate of the Year by the Humanitarian Global Awards, Most Outstanding Teaching & Research Assistant of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Cape Coast, Youth in NGO Development by the Youth Empowerment Consortium Ghana. Festus’s journey is fueled by a profound belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. Through his endeavors, he strives to inspire purpose-driven leadership and catalyze positive change within communities, embodying the essence of a visionary youth leader poised to shape the future.